For What It's Worth by Erin

The Twelve Days of Christmas: A song, yes, but the Catholic meaning is so much more. The 12 days are the days between the two major Christmas feasts: the Nativity of the Lord on December 25^th and Epiphany on January 6^th.

In our secular world, the day after Christmas goes back to business as usual. Instead, I encourage us to keep celebrating and to continue to observe and honor the season, chock full of saints worthy of paying attention to.


The first three feast days are referred to as the  "the companions of Christ” because
they gave a unique witness to Jesus, two through martyrdom ( St. Stephen and the Holy Innocents—the children murdered by King Herod) and the written word ( St. John). We also honor the Holy Family, Mary the Mother of God, and celebrate the Epiphany and the Baptism of the Lord.

That give us great reason to keep reading and praying with the Church. Spend time reading about the martyrs Stephen and the Innocents ( Acts 6:8-10,7:54-59, MT 3:13-18), the Holy Family ( LK 2:41-52), and the Epiphany (MT 2:1-12). Keep using Fr. Dave’s three questions as needed, or to allow a spontaneous conversation with Jesus to happen based on what your reading.


I am so grateful for these feasts and the biblical accounts we have been reading and hearing at Mass. Praise God for these holy days of Christmas. Please join me in reading and giving thanks to God for our faith!  +