"Come, you nations, and adore the Lord. For today a great light has come upon the earth." Good news! The birth of Jesus Christ brings much needed light into our world.

"When [the shepherds] returned home to tell everyone what they saw, all were astonished." Like the shepherds, let us return home from this morning liturgy and share the joy of Christmas with our families and friends.

"I proclaim to you good news of great joy: Today a Savior is born for us." We adore the infant who became our salvation. He is the Prince of Peace.

"Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall name him Emmanuel, which means 'God is with us.'" The Gospel of Matthew's carefully crafted genealogy of the Messiah is upended by divine intervention. By the power of the Holy Spirit, the Son of God was born of the Virgin Mary.

"Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb." Mary's tender and trusting faith inspires us as we journey from Advent to Christmas.

"Rejoice in the Lord always. I say again: Rejoice!" In our Christian joy, we help prepare for the coming of Christ into the world.

"Hail, Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with you." Through Mary, we are inspired to join her in saying "Yes" to God.

"The Lord will make the glory of his voice heard in the joy of your heart." This Advent, let us look for ways to brighten our hearts with the light of Christ.

"Show us, Lord, your love, and grant us your salvation." Advent is our season of hope and quiet joy as we await the coming of Christ.

Jesus said to the Samaritan leper after his healing: "Stand up and go! Your faith has saved you." Our best way to say Thank You is to proclaim God's goodness.