Gospel Reflection for The 25th day of December in the year of Our Lord, 2025

The Nativity of the Lord

Luke 2:15-20

15 And it came to pass, after the angels departed from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another: Let us go over to Bethlehem, and let us see this word that is come to pass, which the Lord hath shewed to us.

16 And they came with haste; and they found Mary and Joseph, and the infant lying in the manger. 17 And seeing, they understood of the word that had been spoken to them concerning this child. 18 And all that heard, wondered; and at those things that were told them by the shepherds. 19 But Mary kept all these words, pondering them in her heart. 20 And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God, for all the things they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them.

Perhaps a decade ago, I was visiting family in a large town that is a popular vacation spot in the winter. It was Christmas so, of course, I went to Mass at the local parish. The church was absolutely packed, even with five Masses on Christmas day and two the night before. It was standing-room only. I was standing at the back with a vising African soccer team. In the Church were all races and people from all over the world. The priests were American, Mexican, Nigerian and Irish. There were Americans from all over the country, Spanish-speaking folks from all Hispanic nations, Asians from every corner of the Asian continent, Polish girls wearing head veils, lots of Italians, Spanish, Germans, Africans, etc. It was fascinating just to observe the differences in people and cultures, hear the different languages and accents. Everyone was celebratory and very friendly. Near the end of the Mass, the Nigerian priest asked everyone to sing “Silent Night”. That is one Christmas carol that most everyone knows. The music began, then everyone began singing the song… but in their own language! We all stopped, laughing and embarrassed. But, the priest shouted out gladly, “No, no, do not stop! It is a joyful noise! Praise God!”

Truly, this was the Family of God.

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Judson Carroll is the author of several books, including his newest, A Daily Catholic Devotional, Reflections on the Daily Mass Readings January - June, 2026 It is Available in paperback on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FWJMD7CL

and

Confirmation, an Autobiography of Faith. It is also Available in paperback on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0C47Q1JNK

His podcast is The Uncensored Catholic https://www.spreaker.com/show/the-uncensored-catholic