"They were overjoyed at seeing the star, and on entering the house they saw the child with Mary his mother." Let us share the joy of the Magi! Jesus Christ is Savior of the world.

"The Lord look upon you kindly and give you peace." Son of God and Son of Mary, the Prince of Peace calls us to make this New Year a year of peace.

"When the magi had departed, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream and said, 'Rise, take the child and his mother, flee to Egypt, and stay there until I tell you.'" Just as the Lord gave direction to St. Joseph, so we wait on God's word and are obedient to follow.

"And the Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us, and we saw his glory, the glory as of the Father's only Son, full of grace and truth." The Word through which all things were created humbled himself to share our humanity so that we may share his divinity.

"The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen." As we go forth from this morning liturgy to celebrate the day with our families, let us not forget to share with our loved ones the Good News that Jesus Christ is born!

"For today in the city of David a savior has been born for you who is Christ the Lord." The Son of God comes not in divine majesty but simply, as one of us: poor, wandering, and unwelcome.

"Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall name him Emmanuel, which means 'God is with us.'" Perhaps the greatest title for Jesus, "Emmanuel" reminds us that our God loves us and has completely joined himself to us.

"When Joseph awoke, he did as the angel of the Lord had commanded him and took his wife into his home." Joseph's unwavering faith inspires our celebration of the coming of Emmanuel - God-with-Us!

"This is the one about whom it is written: Behold, I am sending my messenger ahead of you; he will prepare your way before you." John the Baptist proclaimed that Jesus is coming in power to heal, to save, and to set free.

"Mary said, 'Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord. May it be done to me according to your word.'" On this joyful solemnity, we celebrate Mary's great Yes.