Happy first day of January! I can't believe we are starting a new year! 2023 went by so fast but I am looking forward to celebrating 2024 with y'all! This is a huge month in the Liturgical Calendar. On January 6, the season of Epiphany begins. With the celebration of Epiphany, a whole new season begins, Epiphanytide. Epiphanytide is not so much the end of Christmas as a continuation of Christmas. We began the Christmas season with a revelation, the revelation of God to His people in the birth of Jesus Christ, and throughout Epiphanytide the revelations of who Jesus is will continue until we begin the season of Lent. During the month, there are so many feast days to celebrate! We begin with the Feast of the Holy Name of Jesus where we remember the day that Jesus was named and circumcised. We will also celebrate the conversion of St. Paul and the confession of St. Peter. But my favorite of them all is Epiphany where we celebrate the revelation of Jesus to the whole world as symbolized by the Wise Men being led to Jesus. Get ready! It's a busy month but an incredible month. Let us embrace it with wonder and awe! Follow along as I share everything you’ll need to celebrate this special month, including the history, recipes, and traditions. Helpful Links: The Feast of the Holy Name of Jesus Twelfth Night or the Eve of Epiphany The Feast of the Epiphany The Season of Epiphany The Confession of St. Peter The Conversion of St. Paul

Happy first day of November! This is an exciting month in the Liturgical Year as we come to the end of the season of Ordinary Time. November 1st - All Saints' Day The first feast of the month is All Saints' Day, where we celebrate all of those who have lived and died in service to the Lord. November 26th - Christ the King  On this day, we celebrate to acknowledge the dominion of our king, Jesus Christ, over all of creation and every aspect of our lives. November 30th - The Feast of St. Andrew, the Apostle On this day, we celebrate a faithful follower of Jesus. Follow along as I share everything you’ll need to celebrate every special day this month, including the history, recipes, and traditions! Helpful Links: The Liturgical Calendar for 202 4-25   Current Season: Ordinary Time Flourishing With the Holy Spirit: Embracing the Season of Ordinary Time   The Season of Ordinary Time   All Saints' Day The Origins of Halloweeen and All Saints' Day Christ the King Sunday Christ the King Sunday Christ the King Pond Cake The Feast of St. Andrew, the Apostle

New Year’s Day is often associated with festivities, resolutions, and fresh starts. For Christians, this day carries an even deeper significance as we celebrate the Feast of the Holy Name of Jesus. This feast commemorates the naming and circumcision of Jesus, a moment rich with meaning and deeply rooted in Jewish tradition. The Naming and Circumcision of Jesus It was a Jewish custom for newborn boys to be named and circumcised eight days after their birth. This practice, grounded in the covenant between God and Abraham, signified the child’s inclusion in God’s chosen people. For Jesus, this moment also marked the fulfillment of divine prophecy. The angel Gabriel had appeared to Mary, instructing her to name the child Jesus: And when eight days were completed for the circumcision of the Child, His name was called Jesus, the name given by the angel before He was conceived in the womb. —Luke 2:21 The name "Jesus," meaning “God saves,” reveals His pivotal role in human salvation. By giving Him this name, the world was reminded that the infant in the manger was no ordinary child but the Savior of all humanity. The Power of the Name of Jesus The name of Jesus holds profound significance in Christian faith. It is central to our prayers, our worship, and our hope. Through His name, we experience the power of salvation, healing, and reconciliation. The Apostle Paul reflects on the majesty of Jesus’ name in his letter to the Philippians: Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus, every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. —Philippians 2:9-11 To invoke the name of Jesus is to proclaim His lordship and to honor the immeasurable gift of His presence in our lives. It is a name that unites heaven and earth, calling us to bow in humility and gratitude before the one who came to save us. How to celebrate the Feast of the Holy Name of Jesus Make God Cakes. In Coventry, England, it is traditional to visit your godchild on this day and bring them “God-cakes.” God Cakes are little triangular cakes (in honor of the Trinity) with sweet filling. Wear white. In Brazil, Christians dress in white, symbolizing forgiveness of sins for the previous year and the purity of a new year and new life in Christ. Wake up early. In Switzerland, the day is also known as Saint Sylvester's Day. In the morning, children compete with one another to see who can wake up the earliest; the child who wakes up the latest is playfully teased. Ring bells and yodel. For centuries, huge festivals have been held in regions of Switzerland. Men masquerade as Silvesterklaus, a masked person in an elaborate costume, taking part in Saint Sylvester’s Day festivities. In Appenzell, Switzerland, the Silvesterkläuse put on their strange costumes, rang huge bells, sang a very slow yodel, and walked in small groups from house to house, wishing people a happy new year. Do the devotion for the day. Devotion for the Day Light the Christ candle. Begin your devotion time with the following invitation to prayer: Leader: The Lord be with you. People: And also with you. Leader: Let us pray. Opening prayer: Eternal Father, you gave to your incarnate Son the holy name of Jesus to be the sign of our salvation: Plant in every heart, we pray, the love of him who is the Savior of the world, our Lord Jesus Christ; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, in glory everlasting. Amen . Read Luke 2:21 21 On the eighth day, when it was time to circumcise the child,he was named Jesus, the name the angel had given him before he was conceived. Read Philippians 2:9-11 9 Therefore God exalted him to the highest place     and gave him the name that is above every name, 10  that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow,     in heaven and on earth and under the earth, 11  and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord,     to the glory of God the Father. Close with a prayer thanking God for his goodness and asking for his guidance and protection for you and all who are in any need or trouble. End your devotion by saying the Lord’s Prayer together. the recipe -

In many countries throughout the world, December 31st is considered the last day of the calendar year. Traditionally, it begins as a day of strict fasting, abstinence, and confession to emphasize the seriousness and thoughtfulness of the day. Another year is over and a new one is about to begin. This is a wonderful time to look back over the entire year and reflect on all of the good things and the bad things that have happened. It is a time to thank God for all of the good and to also thank Him for how He redeemed or is redeeming the bad. Ways to Celebrate On New Year's Eve, it is traditional in France and other European countries for the father to bless all members of the family and for the children to offer thanks to their parents for all of their love and care. Hold your own service for New Year’s Eve in your home where you can thank God for the blessings of the past year and seek blessings for the year to come. We commend it all to the mercies of God and we sanctify these moments with our Lord's blessing. Devotion for New Year’s Eve Light the Christ candle. Begin your devotion time with the following invitation to prayer: Leader: The Lord be with you. People: And also with you. Leader: Let us pray. Opening prayer: Almighty God, you are the source of all life, you are the giver of all blessings and the Savior of all who turn to you: Have mercy upon this nation; deliver us from lies, anger, and disobedience; turn our feet into your paths; and grant that we may serve you in peace; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. Read Ecclesiastes 3:1-15 Close with a prayer thanking God for his goodness and asking for his guidance and protection for you and all who are in any need or trouble. End your devotion by saying the Lord’s Prayer together. After the devotion is over, serve hot chocolate or punch. Have everyone raise a glass and wish each other a "Happy New Year". In many European countries, they celebrate the Eve of St. Sylvester tonight.  St. Sylvester was the pope who baptized Constantine the Great and Constantine the Great was the Roman Emperor who ended the long persecution of the Christians. Constantine ushered in a new era of freedom and peace for Christians. In Austria, they eat krapfen, or apricot jam doughnuts, when the clock strikes twelve on New Year's Eve.

New Year’s Day is a day for festivities and merrymaking. In the Church, it is also the Feast of the Holy Name of Jesus. This is the day that the Church remembers the naming and circumcision of Jesus.  It was a Jewish custom for newborn boys to be named and circumcised eight days after they were born. This is why the feast occurs eight days after Christmas Day. And when eight days were completed for the circumcision of the Child, His name was called Jesus, the name given by the angel before He was conceived in the womb. Luke 2:21 The name "Jesus," meaning "God saves" emphasizes His pivotal role in human salvation. Invoking the name of Jesus is central to our prayers and worship because we believe, as Christians, in the power of His holy name. Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus, every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. Philippians 2:9-11 Devotion for the Day Light the Christ candle. Begin your devotion time with the following invitation to prayer: Leader: The Lord be with you. People: And also with you. Leader: Let us pray. Opening prayer: Eternal Father, you gave to your incarnate Son the holy name of Jesus to be the sign of our salvation: Plant in every heart, we pray, the love of him who is the Savior of the world, our Lord Jesus Christ; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, in glory everlasting. Amen . Read Luke 2:21 and Philippians 2:9-11 Close with a prayer thanking God for his goodness and asking for his guidance and protection for you and all who are in any need or trouble. End your devotion by saying the Lord’s Prayer together. Ways to Celebrate Make God Cakes. It is traditional in Coventry, England to visit your godchild on this day and to bring them "God-cakes". God Cakes are little triangular cakes (in honor of the Trinity) with sweet filling. Coventry God Cakes Rich shortcrust: 2 cups flour 1 tsp salt 1 Tbl. confectioner’s sugar 8 Tbsp cold butter, cut into pieces 1 egg, lightly beaten 1 Tbsp milk or water Filling: ¼ butter, room temperature ¼ cup sugar ¾ cup currants ¼ cup candied lemon peel, finely chopped Grated rind of ½ a lemon ¼ tsp nutmeg ½ tsp allspice Combine the flour and salt in a mixing bowl. If you wish, stir in the sugar. Using the tips of your fingers or two knives, work in the butter until the mixture resembles a coarse meal. Make a well and add the egg and milk. Mix briefly with a fork. Form the dough into a ball. Wrap it in plastic wrap and chill it in the refrigerator for at least ½ hour. Preheat the oven to 425 degrees. Butter 2 baking sheets. To make the filling: Cream the butter with the sugar until fluffy. Stir in the remaining ingredients, blending thoroughly. On a lightly floured surface, roll the dough out thin. Cut into four-inch squares. Reroll the scraps. Place 1 heaping teaspoon of filling near one corner of each square, leaving ½ inch of dough uncovered. Lightly moisten the edges of the pastry. Fold from corner to corner to make triangles. Seal the edges with your fingers, then with the tines of a fork. Place the cakes on the baking sheets and bake for 10 to 15 minutes or until golden brown.

The Feast of the Holy Innocents is the commemoration of all of the male children who were killed under the rule of King Herod. The feast has been celebrated since 485 AD and the account can be found in the Gospel of Matthew. In the Gospel of Matthew, we are told that the Wise Men went to King Herod seeking the "one who had been born king of the Jews." Herod was greatly troubled by this news but assembled the chief priests and teachers of the law to tell them where this child could be. Their answer was that the child would be found in Bethlehem. Herod called the Wise Men to him and gave them the location and he asked that as soon as they found him, they would report back to him so that he might come and worship him as well. The Wise Men found the Christ Child and worshipped him. They offered him gifts worthy of a king. As they started on their journey to return to King Herod, they were warned in a dream not to return to him so they returned to their homeland by another route. When Herod realized that he had been outwitted by the Wise Men, he was furious. To keep this infant king from one day growing up to take his throne, He gave orders for all of the boys two years and under to be killed in Bethlehem and its vicinity. These infants became known in the Church as the Holy Innocents. The day is also known as Childermas or Children's Mass because it is the day when the Church blesses children in a special "Children's Mass." This day is also a special day to remember those children who are suffering around the world.  Ways to Celebrate the Feast of the Holy Innocents Allow your children to rule for the day. medieval monastery schools, it was traditional to elect one boy from among the students to be ruler for the day.  The boy was allowed to run the monastery for the entire day.  He decided what foods to eat, what they would do for the day, etc. The tradition spread to families and continues to this day. The youngest children of the family are given the rule of the house for the day and get to make all decisions for the day. Play pranks on each other. In Spain, Hispanic America, and the Philippines, it is a day for pranks. These pranks are known as inocentadas and their victims are called inocentes. The rule for the day is that there can be no punishments for the pranks and no one can get angry about them. Venezuelans call it Fiesta de Locos  or “Feast of Fools” because Herod must have been crazy to order the murder of innocent children. If you're really brave, let your children have a flour fight! In Ibi, Spain, they hold a festival where the "innocents" dress up and incite a flour fight. Listen to the Coventry Carol . The carol originated in Coventry, England where it was performed as part of a mystery play called The Pageant of the Shearmen and Tailors. The play tells the Christmas story found in Matthew 2. The carol is about the Massacre of the Innocents and is a lullaby of the mothers to their doomed children. Pray for all of the children who are suffering around the world. Devotion for Holy Innocents Day Light the Christ candle.Begin your devotion time with the following invitation to prayer: Leader : The Lord be with you. People : And also with you. Leader : Let us pray. We remember today, O God, the murder of the holy innocents of Bethlehem by King Herod. Receive into your arms of mercy all innocent victims; and by your great might confuse all the designs of evil tyrants and establish your rule of justice, love, and peace; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever. Amen. Read: Matthew 2:13-18 3 After the wise men were gone, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream. “Get up! Flee to Egypt with the child and his mother,” the angel said. “Stay there until I tell you to return, because Herod is going to search for the child to kill him.” 14 That night Joseph left for Egypt with the child and Mary, his mother, 15 and they stayed there until Herod’s death. This fulfilled what the Lord had spoken through the prophet: “I called my Son out of Egypt.” 16 Herod was furious when he realized that the wise men had outwitted him. He sent soldiers to kill all the boys in and around Bethlehem who were two years old and under, based on the wise men’s report of the star’s first appearance. 17 Herod’s brutal action fulfilled what God had spoken through the prophet Jeremiah: 18  “A cry was heard in Ramah, weeping and great mourning. Rachel weeps for her children, refusing to be comforted, for they are dead.” Close with a prayer thanking God for his goodness and asking for his guidance and protection for you and all who are in any need or trouble. End your devotion by saying the Lord’s Prayer together.

Happy Feast of St. John! St. John, the son of Zebedee and brother of James, holds a special place in the story of Jesus and the early Church. John and James were humble fishermen from Galilee who became two of Christ’s closest disciples. Often called “the beloved disciple,” John’s life and ministry were marked by extraordinary intimacy with Jesus, a deep understanding of His love, and a lifelong commitment to spreading the Gospel. On this feast day, we celebrate the legacy of St. John, reflecting on his remarkable journey of faith and the lessons his life offers us today. His feast invites us to honor his witness and embrace the rich traditions associated with his enduring legacy. Who Was St. John? At the beginning of his ministry, after being tempted in the wilderness, Jesus preached a message of repentance in Galilee. Walking along the Sea of Galilee shore, he called the brothers Peter and Andrew to follow him. They left their nets and followed. Jesus then encountered John and James, preparing their nets with their father Zebedee. He called them too, and they began following him (Mark 1:12-18). From that moment, John embarked on a journey that would include moments of great devotion and unparalleled closeness to Christ. Along with Peter and James, John was part of an inner circle of disciples who witnessed profound moments in Jesus’ ministry: The Raising of Jairus’ Daughter : John was present when Jesus restored Jairus’ daughter to life (Mark 5:37). The Transfiguration : On a high mountain, John saw Jesus transfigured in glory alongside Moses and Elijah (Matthew 17:1). The Agony in Gethsemane : On the night of His betrayal, Jesus brought John, James, and Peter with Him to pray and keep watch in the garden (Mark 14:33). Despite his closeness to Jesus, John wasn’t without his flaws. He and James were known as the “sons of thunder” (Mark 3:17), a nickname that reflected their fiery temperaments. In one memorable instance, they suggested calling down fire from heaven on a Samaritan village that refused to welcome Jesus, but He rebuked them for their rashness (Luke 9:54-55). In Matthew 20, Salome, their mother, asked for her sons to have special places of honor in Jesus’ kingdom. Jesus asked if they could drink from his cup, and they affirmed. Jesus prophesied they would drink from his cup, but the granting of positions wasn't his decision. John’s most significant moment of devotion came at the cross. Of all the apostles, he was the only one present at Jesus’ crucifixion. There, Jesus entrusted His mother, Mary, to John’s care, saying, “Woman, behold your son,” and to John, “Behold your mother” (John 19:26-27). The Ministry of St. John After Jesus’ death and resurrection, John, along with the other disciples, was taught by Jesus, watched him ascend to the Father, then waited in the upper room for the baptism of the Holy Spirit. Like all the other apostles, John spent the rest of his life sharing the Gospel and leading the early church. He is believed to be the writer of the gospel of John, the Letters of John, and the Book of Revelation. Legend has it that he traveled with Peter in Judea and then went on to Asia Minor, where he founded the seven churches mentioned in Revelation. Saint John faithfully preached the gospel for the rest of his life and was eventually exiled to the island of Patmos. He is the only disciple who did not suffer a martyr's fate. A central theme of Saint John’s ministry and writings is the love of Christ. He writes in 1 John that “God is love, and all who live in love live in God.” He always refers to himself as the “beloved disciple,” and Saint Jerome wrote that every time Saint John was asked to preach, he would stand before the crowd and say, “Love one another. This is the Lord's command.” What a profound and simple message! Ways to Celebrate the Feast of St. John Drink from the Saint John’s Cup. Legend has it that Saint John’s enemies presented him with a cup of poisoned wine. Before Saint John drank from the cup, he made the sign of the cross. Immediately, the cup split, the poisoned wine spilled out, and Saint John was saved. In memory of this event, people brought their house wine to the church, and the priest blessed it. That night, the family would gather for dinner, and everyone would be given a glass of the blessed wine. The father would begin the celebration by having everyone stand with their glass of wine. He would touch his glass to his wife’s glass, look her in the eye, and say, “I drink to you the love of Saint John.” The mother would then reply, “I thank you for the love of Saint John,” and they both would take a sip of wine. The mother would then turn to the oldest child and say, “I drink to you the love of Saint John.” The oldest child would then answer, "I thank you for the love of Saint John,” and they would both take a sip of wine. The oldest child then turned to the next oldest child, and the pattern was repeated until the youngest child faced the father, repeated the phrase, and closed the family circle. The remaining wine would be stored away and used when a family member was sick (1 Timothy 5:23) or a time of grand celebration.  Also, if a family member was about to take a trip, a few drops of the blessed wine were added to each wine glass, and the whole family would drink “the love of Saint John” again. Immediately after the wedding ceremony, the newlywed couple also drank the love of Saint John with each other. Celebrate the day by making your own Saint John’s Wine and having your own Saint John’s Cup Ceremony. A Blessing For the St. John’s Wine Light the Christ candle. Begin your devotion time with the following invitation to prayer: Leader : Our help is in the name of the Lord. People : Who has made heaven and earth. Leader : The Lord be with you. All : And with your spirit. Leader : Let us pray. Lord, we pray that you would bless and consecrate this cup of wine, and every drink. We pray that all who believe in you and drink of this cup may be blessed and protected. Blessed John drank poison from the cup, and was in no way harmed. So, too, may all who this day drink from this cup in honor of Blessed John, be freed from every sickness and harm. People : Amen. Leader:  Bless, O Lord, this wine which you have made. May it be a healthful refreshment to all who drink of it. And grant by the invocation of your holy name that whoever tastes of it may, by your generosity, receive health of both soul and body, through Christ our Lord. People:   Amen. the recipe -

On the Feast of Saint Stephen, the church celebrates the very first martyr to die because of his love for Jesus. You can find Saint Stephen’s story in the Book of Acts. The apostles elected Stephen to take care of the needs of the poor in their community so that the apostles could focus on preaching and teaching God’s Word. Tradition tells us that Stephen was full of grace and fortitude and did great wonders and signs among the people. One day, while Stephen was preaching the Gospel in the streets, angry Jews, who believed his message about Jesus to be blasphemy, dragged him outside of the city and stoned him to death. Since Saint Stephen was the first Christian martyr, the church gave his day of remembrance a special place of honor on the day immediately after we celebrate Christ's birth. Ways to Celebrate the Feast of St. Stephen Relax! In many countries around the world, Saint Stephen’s Day is a holiday. It is a day to visit family and friends or to take a long walk in the countryside. In Italy, they play board games and cards; in Poland, they jump into an icy body of water; and in Australia, they go to the beach to swim. Give your alms to the poor . Since Saint Stephen’s role in the Christian community was to care for those in need, Christians used this day to distribute the alms boxes they collected during Advent to those in need. In England, small gifts of money are given to those who provide services during the year. These gifts of money were called “boxes.” Thus, Saint Stephen’s Day became known as “Boxing Day.” The origin of the piggy bank also comes from this day. Children in Germany and Holland stored their money in pig-shaped earthenware containers, which they then broke on Saint Stephen’s Day. The money saved was distributed to the poor. Throw rice at each other . In Poland, people give Saint Stephen’s Day “blessings” by throwing handfuls of rice, oats, or walnuts at one another. The act symbolizes the stoning of Saint Stephen! Make Saint Stephen’s Horseshoes . The origins are unclear, but Saint Stephen became the patron saint of horses. On this day, in Poland and other Eastern European countries, bread is baked in the shape of horseshoes. Make Bubble and Squeak and Mulled Ale . In England, the traditional fare for Saint Stephen’s Day is a roasted vegetable dish known as “Bubble and Squeak” and Mulled Ale. Eat leftovers . Saint Stephen’s Day in Italy is also called il giorno degli avanzi , “the day of the leftovers.” All of the leftover food from the Christmas Eve and Christmas Day feasts is reworked and enjoyed for lunch. Have a leftover poultry carcass? Make passatelli in brodo . A thick dough made of cheese, breadcrumbs, and egg yolks is pressed through a special sieve-like implement to form golden noodles, which are cooked in the broth and served piping hot. Devotion for the Feast of St. Stephen Start the devotion with the lights lowered or off. All of the Advent candles and Christ candle should already be lit. Leader:  Light and peace, in Jesus Christ our Lord. People: Thanks be to God. Leader:  Let us pray. Leader: We give you thanks, O Lord of glory, for the example of the first martyr Stephen, who looked up to heaven and prayed for his persecutors to your Son Jesus Christ, who stands at your right hand; where he lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, in glory everlasting. Amen. All together O gracious light, pure brightness of the everliving Father in heaven, O Jesus Christ, holy and blessed! Now as we come to the setting of the sun, and our eyes behold the vesper light, we sing your praises, O God: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. You are worthy at all times to be praised by happy voices, O Son of God, O Giver of Life, and to be glorified through all the worlds. A READING FROM HOLY SCRIPTURE Read: Acts 6:8-15, 7:54-60 8  Stephen, a man full of God’s grace and power, performed amazing miracles and signs among the people.  9  But one day some men from the Synagogue of Freed Slaves, as it was called, started to debate with him. They were Jews from Cyrene, Alexandria, Cilicia, and the province of Asia.  10  None of them could stand against the wisdom and the Spirit with which Stephen spoke. 11  So they persuaded some men to lie about Stephen, saying, “We heard him blaspheme Moses, and even God.”  12  This roused the people, the elders, and the teachers of religious law. So they arrested Stephen and brought him before the high council. 13  The lying witnesses said, “This man is always speaking against the holy Temple and against the law of Moses.  14  We have heard him say that this Jesus of Nazareth will destroy the Temple and change the customs Moses handed down to us.” 15  At this point everyone in the high council stared at Stephen, because his face became as bright as an angel’s. 54  The Jewish leaders were infuriated by Stephen’s accusation, and they shook their fists at him in rage.  55  But Stephen, full of the Holy Spirit, gazed steadily into heaven and saw the glory of God, and he saw Jesus standing in the place of honor at God’s right hand.  56  And he told them, “Look, I see the heavens opened and the Son of Man standing in the place of honor at God’s right hand!” 57  Then they put their hands over their ears and began shouting. They rushed at him  58  and dragged him out of the city and began to stone him. His accusers took off their coats and laid them at the feet of a young man named Saul. 59  As they stoned him, Stephen prayed, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.”  60  He fell to his knees, shouting, “Lord, don’t charge them with this sin!” And with that, he died. Use this time for other Christmas observances: slowly move the Wise Men figures to the Nativity Scene.

On the Feast of Saint Stephen, the church celebrates the very first martyr to die because of his love for Jesus. You can find Saint Stephen’s story in the book of Acts. Stephen was elected by the apostles to take care of the needs of the poor in their community so that the apostles could focus on preaching and teaching God’s Word. It is said that Stephen was full of grace and fortitude and that he did great wonders and signs among the people. One day, while Stephen was preaching the Gospel in the streets, angry Jews, who believed his message about Jesus to be blasphemy, dragged him outside of the city and stoned him to death. Since Saint Stephen was the first Christian martyr, the church gave his day of remembrance a special place of honor right after the day we celebrate Christ's birth. Ways to Celebrate Since St. Stephen’s role in the Christian community was to care for those in need, the Church distributed their alms boxes to the poor on this day. In England, St. Stephen’s Day is a national holiday and is known as “Boxing Day”. Small gifts of money are given to the people who provide them with services during the year. These gifts of money were called “boxes”. Thus, St. Stephen’s Day became known as "Boxing Day". It is a day to visit family and friends or to take a long walk in the countryside Traditional fare for this day is "Bubble and Squeak" and mulled ale. The origin of the piggy bank comes from this day. Children in Germany and Holland stored their pennies in a pig-shaped earthenware container which they broke the day after Christmas. The money saved was distributed to the poor. The origins are unclear but St. Stephen became the patron saint of horses. On this day, in Poland and other Slavic countries, bread is baked in the shape of horseshoes. In Poland people confer St. Stephen’s Day blessings by throwing handfuls of rice, oats, or walnuts at one another. The act symbolizes the stoning of St. Stephen. Devotion for St. Stephen’s Day Light the Christ candle.Begin your devotion time with the following invitation to prayer: Leader: The Lord be with you. People: And also with you. Leader: Let us pray. Opening prayer: While we suffer here on earth, help us, O Lord, to remember to look up at heaven and by faith to behold the glory that shall be revealed; and, being filled with the Holy Spirit, that we would learn to love and bless those that persecute us. Help us to be like the first Martyr Saint Stephen, who prayed for his murderers to you, blessed Jesus, who stands at the right hand of God to comfort all those that suffer for you. Amen. Read Acts 6-7 Close with a prayer thanking God for his goodness and asking for his guidance and protection for you and all who are in any need or trouble. End your devotion by saying the Lord’s Prayer together.

On Christmas Eve, we are suspended between two worlds - the world of darkness, sin, and death and the new world of light promised through God’s Messiah. On this day, the season of Advent draws to an end and the waiting and intentional preparation comes to a close. Christmas Eve is our last opportunity to heed the words of Saint John the Baptist to “prepare the way of the Lord.” That is why, traditionally, Christmas Eve is a day for confession. Although we seek on this day to continue to prepare our hearts through confession and introspection, it is hard to contain our excitement because we know what happens at the stroke of midnight - the dawn of a new age comes with the birth of a Savior who will ransom us from sin and death and bring us back to God! Ways to Celebrate Christmas Eve (Before Sundown) Traditionally, on the morning of December 24, most of the preparations for Christmas Day were completed. All cookies and treats had been hidden away. The kitchen looked sober and bare compared to the night before with nothing left out but the makings of a very frugal breakfast and lunch. This is so counter to have we celebrate now but Christmas Eve was one of the strictest fast days of the Christian year. All over the world, many people consumed no more than a cup of coffee and a piece of bread for breakfast and lunch was usually water and a small meatless meal. With these frugal meals, the holy season of Advent drew to a close. Christmas Eve, before sundown, is the final day of preparation for the Christmas Feast. Use this time to prepare not only your home, food, and clothes, but also to prepare your hearts for the joy to come. Clean house. As a final act of preparation, it is an Irish and Eastern European tradition to clean your house, return all borrowed items, and fix everything in your house that needs to be repaired. Read the traditional Advent calendar message - “Today you will know that the Lord is coming to save us and in the morning you will see his Glory!” Decorate your Christmas Tree. Traditionally, the Christmas Tree is not put up until Christmas Eve in most parts of the world. And when it is put up, it is oftentimes decorated by the parents in secret. When the decorated Christmas tree is revealed to the children, it is with the understanding that the Christ Child has blessed them with the gifts and the decorations. Refresh the Advent wreath and place the presents under the tree. Decorate the dining table and set it for a Christmas feast. Set out all of the cookies and foods you have prepared in advance. Serve an early Christmas Eve meal. The Christmas Eve meal is the very last moment of Advent. It is one of the two or three most important meals of the Christian year and is lovingly referred to as the “Holy Meal.” It is a time when Christian families reaffirm their bonds of love and solidarity. Like Christmas Eve itself, the Christmas Eve meal, while still preparing us, is full of joyful expectancy and is very celebratory. To reflect this, the Christmas Eve meal is a type of fast within a feast, and meat is traditionally abstained from.  Each country has its beautiful food traditions for this night mostly centering around a fish dish and lavish desserts. Every detail of the meal is rich with meaning. For instance, in many countries, the meal begins when the first star appears in the sky reminding us of the star of Bethlehem. The meal is candlelit with a large white candle in the center of the table symbolizing Christ as the Light of the World. Next to the candle is a round loaf of bread symbolizing Christ as the Bread of Life. Also, there are either twelve courses or twelve desserts served to represent the twelve disciples.  In Slavic countries, the floor and dining table are strewn with straw in honor of the stable, and a white tablecloth representing the swaddling clothes that the infant Jesus was wrapped in is placed over the dining table’s straw. The father breaks thin wafers with religious motifs known as the bread of angels and distributes a piece to each member of the family. As the father distributes the wafer pieces, he kisses each member of his family and wishes them a blessed Christmas. The Christmas Eve meal is a beautiful symbol of love and unity in Christ. An extra place is always set at the table in honor of those who are absent. Traditionally, all members of the household sit down and eat together, including servants. Ways to Celebrate Christmas Eve  (After Sundown) At sundown, we begin to celebrate one of the highest feast days of the Christian year, the Feast of the Nativity. The Feast of the Nativity or Christmas (Christ Mass) is what Advent has been getting us ready for, the birth of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ! Wish everyone a very blessed Christmas! Attend the Christmas Eve service at your church. If attending the service is impossible, gather the family around the Advent wreath and have an evening devotion. Place your baby Jesus figurine in the manger. Light all of your Advent Wreath candles, including the white Christ candle in the middle. Listen to the Nine Lessons and Carols which is broadcast by the BBC annually from King’s College, Cambridge on Christmas Eve. Have an extravagant Christmas Eve meal or Réveillon after church. It is traditional in many countries around the world to have an extravagant feast after midnight mass. In France, the feast is called the Reveillon. The name of this dinner comes from the word réveil (waking) because the light of Christ has burst into our lives waking us from our sleep. Every aspect of this luxurious feast proclaims the goodness of God lavished on us in Christ. The dessert served is usually a Bûche de Noël or Christmas Log. In Austria and Germany, there is a lavish dinner but the focus is on a special Christmas punch and Stollen, a Christmas bread. Light candles. Since light has always been a symbol of Jesus, people all over the world use light to represent the birth of Jesus. In the southwestern United States, entire neighborhoods line their streets and walkways on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day with luminaries. In many Irish families, candles wreathed in holly are lit in every window on Christmas Eve. In France and England, a three-pronged candelabra is lit representing the Trinity.

Don't take down your decorations! Jesus, the Light of the World, has come into our lives! Christmas is not just a single day but a season—a time set aside to reflect on the miracle of the Incarnation and to rejoice in the hope it brings. For twelve glorious days, we are invited to celebrate Christmastide, immersing ourselves in the beauty, joy, and wonder of Christ’s birth. This is a season to live richly and fully, filling our homes with light, music, feasting, and love. It is a time to pause and consider the profound truth that God took on human flesh and dwelt among us, not just as a historical event but as a living reality. Christmas calls us to deepen our relationship with Jesus, to allow His presence to transform our hearts, and to share His love with others. As the world moves on from Christmas Day, quickly packing away decorations and returning to its usual pace, we, as Christians, remain in celebration. For twelve days, from Christmas to Epiphany, we sing carols, feast, visit loved ones, and marvel at the light of Christ breaking into the darkness of our lives and our world. For my guidebook walking you through celebrating the 12 Days of Christmas in your home, click here . Ways to Celebrate The season of Christmastide invites us to live richly and joyously for twelve holy days, fully embracing the joy of Christ’s birth. Here are some beautiful ways to celebrate: Don’t Take Down Your Holiday Decorations : Christmas Day is just the beginning of the season! Keep your Christmas tree, wreaths, and decorations up throughout Christmastide. Let the beauty of your holiday home remind you that the joy of Christ’s birth continues for twelve days. Light Your Advent Wreath with the Christ Candle : Continue lighting your Advent candles each evening, adding the Christ Candle in the center to symbolize Jesus, the Light of the World. Let this act center your family in prayer and gratitude for the miracle of Christmas. Finally Sing Christmas Carols! After waiting through Advent, now is the time to sing carols with joy! Whether you gather around the piano, sing as a family, or play your favorite carols on a playlist, let the music of Christmas fill your home. Here’s a beautiful playlist of Christmas carols to accompany your celebration! Add Baby Jesus to your Nativity Set: If you've been doing a progressive Nativity Scene where you slowly gather the figures according to the biblical story, add Baby Jesus to the scene and slowly move the Wise Men so that they arrive at Baby Jesus on Twelfth Night. Bake and Feast : Christmastide is a time for celebration! Bake your favorite Christmas desserts, make traditional treats, and share festive meals with loved ones. Feast in a way that reflects the abundant joy of the season. Sing the “12 Days of Christmas” : Have fun singing this beloved song, and use it to remind yourself and your family that the celebration of Christmas is ongoing. Give Generously : Show the love of Christ by serving the poor, sharing meals, or donating to those in need. Even small acts of kindness, like leaving extra rations for your animals, reflect the generosity of the season. Enjoy the Beauty of Christmas : Go on long walks, visit loved ones, and read your favorite Christmas books. Let this be a time of togetherness, reflection, and rest as you savor the meaning of the season. Christmastide is a gift, a season to show the importance of Christ’s birth by the way we live, celebrate, and give. Let your days be filled with joy, love, and light as you honor the miracle of Jesus coming into the world!

On December 21st, as Christmas Day fast approaches, we celebrate one more commemoration of a saint, the Feast of St. Thomas. We often know St. Thomas, one of Jesus’ twelve apostles, as “Doubting Thomas” for questioning Jesus’ resurrection after the other disciples told him about it. Tradition holds that he is the only apostle who journeyed outside the Roman Empire to preach the Gospel. He is also believed to have crossed the broadest area, including the Persian Empire and India. To celebrate this remarkable man fully, let’s take a closer look at the traditions and stories that bring to life the enduring legacy of St. Thomas. Who was St. Thomas? St. Thomas’ life and legacy are primarily known through New Testament accounts, particularly the Gospel of John, as well as through various Christian traditions. Thomas was one of the original twelve disciples Jesus chose to follow him and be trained for the ministry. He walked with Jesus for three years as a disciple and witnessed Jesus’ ministry first-hand. It is important to remember that, like the other disciples, Thomas witnessed the death, resurrection, and ascension of Jesus. He was also among the disciples and women who were in the upper room when the Holy Spirit fell on the day of Pentecost, and he became known as one of the apostles or ones sent out to spread the Gospel of the risen Christ. St. Thomas in Scripture St. Thomas’ story in the Bible comes mainly from the Gospel of John. In John 11, Jesus has been informed that his beloved friend, Lazarus, is sick. He intentionally waits with the disciples for two days before returning to him. The disciples encourage Jesus not to go to Lazarus, fearing that he will be killed. However, Thomas faithfully answers, “Let us also go, that we may die with him.” In John 14, Jesus is speaking to the disciples about the future, that he will be leaving them and going to prepare a place for them but that he will come back for them and take them with him.  Thomas says, “Lord, we don’t know where you are going, so how can we know the way?” To this, Jesus replies, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. If you really know me, you will know my Father as well. From now on, you do know him and have seen him.” Thomas’s skepticism regarding the resurrection of Jesus is well-known. In John 20:24-29, we read that Thomas was absent when the resurrected Jesus first appeared to the other disciples. When they told him about their miraculous encounter, he expressed doubt, saying he needed to see and feel Jesus’ wounds to believe. Later, Jesus appeared to Thomas and invited him to touch his wounds, leading to Thomas’s profound profession of faith, “My Lord and my God!”  The Ministry of St. Thomas Christian tradition holds that after the Holy Spirit fell and the church was born, Thomas went out to preach the Gospel in distant lands. We believe Thomas to be the only apostle who went outside the Roman Empire to preach the Gospel and that he also crossed the broadest area. There are Christian communities from the Middle East to China, from southeast Asia to eastern Africa, all claiming to have been evangelized by St. Thomas. When a Jesuit missionary named Antonio Ruiz de Montoya went to Paraguay in 1639, he discovered that the people there claimed that a very holy man named “Pai Thome” lived among them for a time and preached the Gospel to them, wandering and carrying a wooden cross on his back. One of the most significant of these missionary travels is his journey to India, where he spent the most time and established Christian communities along the Malabar Coast. These Christians, known as the St. Thomas Christians, are still a vibrant, thriving community to this day, which is why St. Thomas is considered the patron saint of India.  The Death of St. Thomas Thomas died a martyr’s death in Mylapore, according to tradition, now part of modern-day Chennai (Madras) in India. Hindu priests or other local religious authorities allegedly killed him. They were hostile to his preaching and the conversions that were happening because of him. They speared him to death, which is why he is depicted in art and iconography holding a spear, symbolizing the manner of his martyrdom. Following his death, tradition holds that St. Thomas was buried in the area where the San Thome Basilica, a Roman Catholic minor basilica in Mylapore, is currently located. The basilica rests over his purported tomb and is revered by many Christians. The Feast of St. Thomas Around the World Christians worldwide start preparing for the Christmas feast on the Feast of St. Thomas. They clean their homes, and, finally, gifts are purchased and wrapped. Then, all of the Christmas baking begins! The excitement and anticipation increase with the cleaning, baking, and preparation! Everyone can feel that Christmas Day is almost here!  In England, the Feast of St. Thomas was a day of charity, where the poor went “a Thomasing” or ask for alms or food.  Different countries around the world make special foods during this time: In Austria, people bake a special bread called Kletzenbrot. Kletzenbrot is a delicious bread with dried fruit in it. They make one large loaf for the family to eat on Christmas morning, and then make small loaves for every family member.  In Germany, people make a treat called Cristollen. They fold it to look like Christ’s diapers.  Special Christmas cookies are also traditional during this time. Each country has its own particular kind. The United States and Great Britain make sugar cookies. Germany makes a sugar cookie called Springerles and a cookie called Lebkuchen, which means Bread of Life.  In Sweden and Finland, people make gingerbread and mulled wine (glögg in Swedish). In parts of India, especially in Kerala, where the influence of St. Thomas is significant, the feast features dishes like appam (rice pancakes), beef or mutton stews, and fish curries. How to Celebrate Read John 20:24-29 Make it a point to give to the poor or serve them somehow. Clean the house and wrap up all of your Christmas preparations. In honor of the St. Thomas’ Christians, eat Indian food. Begin all of your Christmas baking! We will be making my mom Meredith’s famous iced sugar cookies. They are the best sugar cookies you will ever try and are so fun to decorate! the recipe -