December 25, Nativity of the Lord

Today is born our Savior, Christ the Lord.-- Luke 2:11

Mass readings: Vigil: Isaiah 62:1-5 / Acts 13:16-17,22-25 / Matthew 1:1-25 or 1:18-25; Midnight: Isaiah 9:1-6 / Titus 2:11-14 / Luke 2:1-14; Dawn: Isaiah 62:11-12 / Titus 3:4-7 / Luke 2:15-20; Day: Isaiah 52:7-10 / Hebrews 1:1-6 / John 1:1-18 or 1:1-5,9-14

The Little Ones

In his Spiritual Exercises, St. Ignatius Loyola has a contemplation on the Nativity where he invites us to enter into the place of the Christ's birth as a poor unworthy slave, gazing at Mary, Joseph and the infant Jesus; contemplating them; and serving them in their needs.

Looking at it this way, we can't help thinking of the millions who aren't given a chance to be born, the little ones killed in the womb. On this day (in a year when the liturgical Feast of the Holy Innocents (Dec. 28) is superseded by the Feast of the Holy Family), let's pray for all those who are victims of abortion and other violence.

Prayer: Child Jesus, help us protect and defend life.