The Magi saw the Christ Child carrying His cross in the light of the star. The manger is Jesus' cathedra (teaching chair of authority) from which He confounds the spirit of the world. Christ teaches us by the very mysteries He chose to live in His infancy. He teaches us to overcome our inordinate inclinations (concupiscence). These Mysteries testify to His love and desire to save us.
Epiphany is one of the five holiest days of the year, yet nearly everyone has 'moved past' Christmas. You must think and act like Catholics. The feasts of Church should shape your mindset. Know that the purpose of your marriage and family is to lead people to Christ, to inspire a greater love for Him – find great joy in this! The light that guides the Three Kings also represents faith. They are men of great obedience and faith who follow the light from God. Catholic, do the same!
Jesus' holy Name is all powerful because of the Name who bears it. His Name highlights His mission as our Savior. In particular, it represents His love and power. It is the shortest and simplest prayer. "Jesus, I love Thee. Jesus, I live for Thee. Jesus, I suffer for Thee. Jesus, I die for Thee. Jesus, save me."
Be not like those lost in worldliness or who forget Christmas after the 25th. Christmas lasts until February 2! During this time, focus on the great mission God entrusted to Our Lady. No one knew Christ as profoundly as Mary. No one is a more competent guide and teacher. She lived the very life of Christ. Imitate her 'Christmas' example of pondering every word, deed and detail of her Divine Son and of comforting her life to those most sacred mysteries. Know that the Hail Mary is an exemplary prayer of praise and petition which glorifies God.
Keeping our physical gaze on the Divine Child helps us keep our heart fixed on Him. Imitate Our Lady and never take your eyes off Her Son. The world has many attractions and human weakness fills us with doubt. Imitate. Yet Christmas is filled with beauty to help incline us towards the grace and truth Christ brings. We set our heart on Christ alone by always obeying Him, pleasing Him, desiring Him, and submitting to God's holy will.
Prepare for a happy death, which is not the same as a painless death. To die as softly as one drops off asleep and awaking to find an angry Judge and an everlasting fire is not a happy death. St. Lawrence and St. Agnes had happy painful deaths. A happy death is one in the state of grace, for this — and this alone — means eternal salvation. The less debt one owes to God's justice, the happier one's death. Cease not to pray for the souls in Purgatory, that they may be worthy of God.
When a mother is expecting, all her thoughts and actions revolve around her child. If a mere human merits this attention, how much more Christ? It is very sad how the vast majority of Catholics are unprepared for Christmas and do the opposite of what they ought. Much reparation is needed, so grow in your devotion to Our Lady. Familiarize yourself with the Church's ten greatest Marian prayers. God has chosen to come to us through her, so too He desires we go to Him through His Most Holy Mother.
Every single human seeks joy, but we are always looking in the wrong place. Our habitual thoughts [hopes] make us who we are. True and lasting joy comes from Christ. Without Him, man is filled with sadness. By abiding in Him, our joy is complete. The Day of Wrath will be one of great joy for those called to eternal beatitude. Christ comes through Our Lady and thus she is the Cause of Our Joy. Nothing should take away our joy for we should allow nothing to take us away from Jesus.
The three great feasts of Christ King, All Saints, & All Souls help us glorify God by recognizing the truth about God. We acknowledge Christ's Kingdom is an eternal and universal kingdom and reflect upon the Four Last Things (and Purgatory). Every person, not just Catholics, will be judged. The King will ask, 'Why did you not believe the Truth?' Read Matthew 25 in the context of Christ the King who will come to judge. We must be prepared for we know not when He comes.
The symbolism of the advent wreath centers on the Coming of the Lord. The candle stands for Christ. The circle is a symbol of eternity (Heaven and hell are the only options). The evergreen is for eternal life. Green stands for hope and its renewal. A blessed candle always represents Christ. Violet and rose call us to penance and joy. Each candle also represents one millennium of hope in the Messiah. Pray the psalms, as they are excellent means to nurture hope.
