"The shepherds went in haste to Bethlehem and found Mary and Joseph, and the infant lying in the manger. . . And Mary kept all these things, reflecting on them in her heart." Jesus Christ is Son of God and Son of Mary. He is our Prince of Peace.

"The child grew and became strong, filled with wisdom; and the favor of God was upon him." What makes the Holy Family holy? One word: FAITH.

"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..." Good news! The birth of Jesus Christ brings much needed light into our world.

The shepherds said to one another, "Let us go, then, to Bethlehem to see this thing that has taken place which the Lord has made known to us." Like the shepherds, let us return home from this morning liturgy and share the joy of Christmas with our families and friends.

"For today in the city of David a savior has been born for you who is Christ the Lord." Tonight we adore the infant who became our salvation. He is the Prince of Peace.

"She will bear a son and you are to name him Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins." 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.

"The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. . ." Mary's patient time of trusting and waiting was fulfilled when she gave birth to God's Son.

"Rejoice in the Lord always; again I say, rejoice! Indeed, the Lord is near."

"A voice cries out: In the desert prepare the way of the Lord!" "He is patient with you, not wishing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance." Our liberation from sin has been God's plan all along. God's loving forgiveness was foretold from of old.

"May it be done to me according to your word." Through Mary, we are inspired to join her in saying "Yes" to God. On this day, we celebrate her great love for God.