LUZDELMES REFLECTION
Since at least, the 4th century, the octave of Christmas has been celebrated as an eight-day feast which begins on the Nativity, Dec. 25, and continues to January 1, with the Solemnity of Mary, the Mother of God.
The first recorded instance of an octave in a Christian liturgical setting was the eight days of dedication celebrations of the fourth-century basilicas at Jerusalem and Tyre, under the Emperor Constantine (d. 337).The length of these extended celebrations is thought to have come from the Old Testament
DEC. 25: Christmas
"This will be a sign for you, you will find a baby wrapped in a cloth and lying in a manger." (Luke 2: 12)
According to history, "MANGERS" are feeding troughs for animals, but in ancient Israel they were made of stone. In Bethlehem, where Jesus was born, he was known for his "SPOTLESS Lambs" used for sacrifice. These lambs had to be perfect so they were wrapped tightly in a cloth and put in the manger to keep them safe. The Mangers are only mentioned in the story of Jesus' birth to the Shepherds .
DIC. 26: St. Stephen's
Today, the donation of gifts to the most needy is promoted as "Boxing Day. " It is also the second day of the Octave of Christmas, the day of San Esteban and the beginning of Kwanzaa. May the generosity be with you!
DEC.27: St.John the Evangelist
Today, the Church celebrates the feast of St. John the Evangelist, also known as the "beloved disciple" who was the only disciple still present at the foot of the cross when Jesus was crucified.
"When Jesus saw his mother and the disciple there whom he loved, he said to his mother, “Woman, behold, your son.” Then he said to the disciple, “Behold, your mother.” And from that hour the disciple took her into his home." ―John 19:26–
DEC. 28: Innocent Martyrs
When Herod realized that he had been deceived by the three magi, he became furious. He ordered the massacre of all the boys in Bethlehem and its vicinity
two years old and under... (Mathew 2: 15-18)
Then was fulfilled what had been said through Jeremiah the prophet:
A voice was heard in Ramah,
sobbing and loud lamentation;
Rachel weeping for her children,
and she would not be consoled
since they were no more.
DEC. 29: Humility Door
"Blessed are those who fear the Lord and walk in his ways. Your wife shall be like a fruitful vine
in the recesses of your home; your children like olive plants around your table." (Psalm 128)
The portal at the Basilica of the Nativity in Bethlehem, where Jesus was born, is small, so you must bend down to enter.
What a lovely image!... God made himself small enough to fit into a humble Manger, and spiritually, we must bend down to reach Him.
DEC,. 30: Feast of The Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph
A Sign is Given, “For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” - Isaiah 9:6-
—When a Sunday does not occur between December 25 and January 1, this feast is celebrated on December 30 with only one reading before the Gospel.—
DEC. 31: For love, God made flesh
"His all-powerful love has accomplished something which surpasses all human understanding: the Infinite has become a child, has entered the human family. And yet, this same God cannot enter my heart unless I open the door to him." ( Benedict XVI)
JAN. 1st:
Today, according to the ancient indication of the liturgy of Rome, is meant to commemorate the part played by Mary in this mystery of salvation. It is meant also to exalt the singular dignity which this mystery brings to the Mother of Christ.
The Catechism of the Catholic Church (No, 509) teaches, “Mary is truly ‘Mother of God’ since she is the mother of the eternal Son of God made man, who is God himself.”
"It is for this reason that, in the happy concurrence of the Octave of Christmas and the first day of the year, we have instituted the World Day of Peace, an occasion that is gaining increasing support and already bringing forth fruits of peace in the hearts of many.”
— Pope Paul VI, apostolic exhortation Marialis Cultus (No. 6)
Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us!
Maritza M. Mejia writes to inspire others to be their best selves.
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