Which solemnity on the Church's calendar has the most choices of Scripture readings that can be proclaimed at Mass for that solemnity?  A hint:  It is coming soon!  Of course, it is Christmas.  There are, in fact, four sets of readings that can be used at Masses at the Vigil, Midnight, at Dawn and During the Day.  In the days leading up to Christmas, I invite and encourage you to take the time to read as many of these 12 Scripture passages, as you can.  They are:  Isaiah 62:1-5: Acts13:16-17, 22-25; Matthew 1:1-25 . . . Isaiah 9:1-6; Titus 2:11-14; Luke 2:1-14 . . . Isaiah 62:11-12; Titus 3:4-7; Luke 2:15-20 . . . Isaiah 52:5-10; Hebrews 1:1-6; John 1:1-18.  Perhaps taking the first set of Readings starting on Monday of this week and ending on Christmas Eve with the fourth set, will prepare you for the fullness of what the Solemnity of Christmas is all about.  While the first three Gospels listed are stories and/or parts of stories that are familiar to us, the fourth one from John's Gospel is the most reflective and will certainly call for a slow reading of it from start to finish.  I believe God will bless in a special way, those who read and reflect on some or all of these passages from Scripture and lead to even more joy at whatever Mass you are a participant for Christmas.  (The Perpetual Adoration Chapel is a GREAT place to do this.  Bibles are available in each pew).

Speaking of Christmas Masses, I may be a cry in the wilderness, but I will once again challenge us when it comes to which Christmas Mass we will attend.  Please consider putting Christ FIRST ON CHRISTMAS DAY by participating in either the Mass at Midnight or the morning Mass at 9:00 a.m.  Anything and everything you do after this will have its proper place AFTER the community celebration of Christ's birth!!!