Welcoming Christmas
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Finding deeper meaning in Christmastimeo come, o come emmanuel
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"As we celebrate the birth of our Savior, we are reminded that God chose to come among us in the most humble way. In a world that often seeks fanfare, grandeur and spectacle, the Nativity teaches us that true greatness is found in simplicity. God became small so that we might draw near without fear, encountering His love in the vulnerability of a child."
- Archbishop Joe S. Vásquez, Christmas Message for 2025
Christmas is one of the most important days of the Church year, second only to Easter itself.Explore how to make new light of the Christmas season with these columns and articles from the Texas Catholic Herald and more. - Are there really 12 Days of Christmas?
It's still Christmas! Even though stores have moved on to their "After Christmas" sales and radio stations have stopped playing Christmas music, the Christmas season actually begins on Christmas Day.
But how long does it last? (A lot longer than most people think -- keep those decorations up longer to celebrate the Christmas season!) Read more
- Born for greatness
Around the world, across countries, among churches and neighborhoods, and within many homes, the spirit of Christmas is once again alive. What a beautiful reminder!
Although Christmas has become increasingly linked with consumerism, we need to pause and focus on the hidden treasure that surpasses most materialistic aspects of the season. As you view the nativity scene this Christmas, be cognizant of your purpose in life. You were born for mission; for greatness. Read more
- From a trembling ‘Yes’ to Christmas joy
During this Christmas season, let us pause and contemplate Mary and Joseph for all they endured to bring joy into the world. Christmas joy is more than sentiment or celebration; it springs from hearts aligned with God’s will — like Mary and Joseph, who always placed themselves last after Jesus and humankind. Read more
Christmas Resources- Blessing of the Home on Epiphany
- Excerpts from Pope Benedict XVI's Spiritual Thoughts Series: Christmas
- Infancy Narrative
- Lectio Divina for the Christmas Season
- Liturgical Notes for Christmas
- Narración navideña infantil
- Proclamation of the Nativity of our Lord Jesus Christ on Christmas
- Announcement of Easter and the Moveable Feasts on Epiphany
- Are there really 12 Days of Christmas?
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more about christmas
Christmas is the feast of the incarnation, the feast of God becoming flesh (the Latin "in carne" means "enfleshment"). It is a uniquely Christian teaching, the Divine choosing to become one of us. Because of this belief, God is not only Transcendent, but also wholly Immanent, Emmanuel (God-with-us).
While remaining Transcendent (meaning we must rise above our present condition to reach Him), He is at the same time Immanent (meaning He is with us as we rise toward Him). Every Eucharist is like Christmas where the bread and wine are transformed into His flesh, His Body and Blood, and, in a sense, He is born anew on the altar.
The liturgical season of Christmas begins with the vigil Masses on Christmas Eve and concludes on the Feast of the Baptism of the Lord. During this season, we celebrate the birth of Christ into our world and into our hearts, and reflect on the gift of salvation that is born with him…including the fact that he was born to die for us.
The Christmas tree and the Nativity scene are popular symbols of the season and a tradition in many Christian homes. It is also traditional to exchange Christmas gifts with family and friends as a way to honor God the Father's gift of his only son to the world. Having received the gift of Christ, we naturally want to pass that gift along to our loved ones.
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