Optional Memorial of St. Sylvester I; born in Rome, survived the persecutions of Diocletian, saw the triumph of Constantine; served as pope for over 24 years; died 335 A.D. Seventh Day of Christmas Office of Readings and Morning Prayer for 12/31/18 Gospel: John 1:1-18

Feast of the Holy Family of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph Sixth Day of Christmas Office of Readings and Morning Prayer for 12/30/18 Gospel: Luke 2:41-52

Optional Memorial of St. Thomas Becket, 1118-1170; as Archbishop of Canterbury, opposed the intrusion of King Henry II into Church affairs; killed by Henry’s knights Fifth Day of Christmas Office of Readings and Morning Prayer for 12/29/18 Gospel: Luke 2:22-35

Feast of the Holy Innocents – Male children, two years of age and under, slaughtered by Herod in his rage over “the newborn king of the Jews” Fourth Day of Christmas Office of Readings and Morning Prayer for 12/28/18 Gospel: Matthew 2:13-18

Feast of St. John, apostle and evangelist Third Day of Christmas Office of Readings and Morning Prayer for 12/27/18 Gospel: John 20:1-8

Feast of St. Stephen, first Christian martyr; died about 36 A.D. Second Day of Christmas Office of Readings and Morning Prayer for 12/26/18 Gospel: Matthew 10:17-22

Solemnity of Christmas Office of Readings and Morning Prayer for 12/25/18 Gospel: Luke 2:15-20

Monday of the Fourth Week of Advent, Christmas Eve Saint of the day: St. Adele, 678-730; Founded a convent near Trier, served as first abbess; disciple of St. Boniface Office of Readings and Morning Prayer for 12/24/18 Gospel: Luke 1:67-79

Fourth Sunday of Advent Office of Readings and Morning Prayer for 12/23/18 Gospel: Luke 1:39-45

Saturday of the Third Week of Advent Saint of the Day: St. Zeno, martyred for laughing while the Emperor Diocletian offered a sacrifice to a pagan god; died 303 A.D. Office of Readings and Morning Prayer for 12/22/18 Gospel: Luke 1:46-56