EXPLORE THE SUNDAY GOSPEL
The Birth of Jesus
In those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus
that the whole world should be enrolled.
This was the first enrollment,
when Quirinius was governor of Syria.
So all went to be enrolled, each to his own town.
And Joseph too went up from Galilee from the town of Nazareth
to Judea, to the city of David that is called Bethlehem,
because he was of the house and family of David,
to be enrolled with Mary, his betrothed, who was with child.
While they were there,
the time came for her to have her child,
and she gave birth to her firstborn son.
She wrapped him in swaddling clothes and laid him in a manger,
because there was no room for them in the inn.
Now there were shepherds in that region living in the fields
and keeping the night watch over their flock.
The angel of the Lord appeared to them
and the glory of the Lord shone around them,
and they were struck with great fear.
The angel said to them,
"Do not be afraid;
for behold, I proclaim to you good news of great joy
that will be for all the people.
For today in the city of David
a savior has been born for you who is Christ and Lord.
And this will be a sign for you:
you will find an infant wrapped in swaddling clothes
and lying in a manger."
And suddenly there was a multitude of the heavenly host with the angel,
praising God and saying:
"Glory to God in the highest
and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests."
MEET OUR EXTENDED FAMILY
Blessed Maria Ludovica De Angelis (Feast Day February 25)
October 24, 1880-February 25, 1962
Antonina De Angelis was the oldest of eight children, born in Italy in 1880. As a child, she loved nature and was often found working in the fields where she felt most at home being close to God's earth. In 1904, Antonina entered the Daughters of Our Lady of Mercy and received the name Sister Maria Ludovica. Three years later, she left Italy for Buenos Aires where she went to work at the children's hospital. She made meals for those in the hospital and those working there. She was also made the manager of the whole hospital. Sister Ludovica became known as the angel of the hospital staff.
Sister Ludovica was gentle, yet determined, and always carried a rosary in her hands. She went on to raise funds to build operating rooms and buy medical equipment to expand the hospital. Her life motto was "Do good to all, no matter who it may be."
Sister Ludovica was beatified in 2004 by Pope John Paul II. The miracle attributed to her was the inexplicable healing of a child suffering with spina bifida who was able to walk after her mother asked Sister Ludovica for her intercession.
TAKE TIME TO CHAT
What was it like for Mary to hold Jesus in her arms for the first time?
The angel of the Lord appeared to the shepherds and the glory of the Lord shone around them. Describe what that looked like.
Why is Jesus a gift to the whole world?
Blessed Maria Ludovica De Angelis tried to help everyone. How was she acting like Jesus?
FAMILY FUN
What Baby Is This?
As you gather for your Christmas celebrations, collect baby pictures from family members (grandparents, aunt, uncles, etc.), close friends, or neighbors. Everyone else guesses who each person is and explains their answers. Have a small prize for the person who guesses the most pictures correctly.
RECIPE OF THE WEEK
Argentine Pionono
Inspired by Blessed Maria Ludovica's years serving in Argentina, try this traditional Christmas appetizer that is a rolled cake filled with savory foods.
3 large eggs, room temperature
2 Tbsp granulated sugar
1 tsp honey
½ cup all-purpose flour
¼ tsp salt
Savory fillings of your choice: lunchmeats, chicken, cheese, vegetables, etc.
Line and butter a rectangular baking tray. Set aside. In a stand-up mixer bowl, add in eggs, sugar, and honey. Using the wire whip attachment, mix to incorporate slowly and then switch to high speed and whisk for 10 minutes until ribbon stage. Add in sifted flour and salt into the mixture in 3 additions. Gently fold in to combine after each addition. Pour batter into prepared baking tray and spread evenly. Bake using middle rack at 360 F in a preheated oven for 8-10 minutes or until golden brown and the sides detach from the baking sheet. Remove from the oven and let it cool completely in the tray. Once completely cooled, remove the baking sheet. Spread fillings on the pionono. Roll it into a log. Refrigerate until ready to eat.
FAMILY PRAYER
Prayer of Thanks
God our Creator,
guardian of our homes and source of all blessings,
your Son, begotten before the dawn of creation,
entered the human family
and was entrusted to the care of Mary and Joseph.
Place in us a reverence for the gift and mystery of life,
so that parents and children,
like the Holy Family of Nazareth,
may cherish one another and be strengthened by your love.
Thank you for the gift of [name family members].
Amen.
(Adapted from Catholic Household Blessings & Prayers.)
LITURGY LINK
Visit the nativity display in your church.
Find the characters from the Gospel in this display.
FAMILY CHALLENGE
Pick a saint associated with Christmas (St. Nicholas, St. Joseph, and Mary St. Francis of Assisi, etc.). Read their story and pick a way to emulate their good deeds and virtues throughout the Christmas season.
FUN FACTS
The name "Bethlehem" means "House of Bread" in Hebrew, which is fitting as Jesus is often referred to as the "Bread of Life."
