In those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus
that the whole world should be enrolled.
This was the first enrollment,
when Quirinius was governor of Syria.
So all went to be enrolled, each to his own town.
And Joseph too went up from Galilee from the town of Nazareth
to Judea, to the city of David that is called Bethlehem,
because he was of the house and family of David,
to be enrolled with Mary, his betrothed, who was with child.
While they were there,
the time came for her to have her child,
and she gave birth to her firstborn son.
She wrapped him in swaddling clothes and laid him in a manger,
because there was no room for them in the inn.
Now there were shepherds in that region living in the fields
and keeping the night watch over their flock.
The angel of the Lord appeared to them
and the glory of the Lord shone around them,
and they were struck with great fear.
The angel said to them,
"Do not be afraid;
for behold, I proclaim to you good news of great joy
that will be for all the people.
For today in the city of David
a savior has been born for you who is Christ and Lord.
And this will be a sign for you:
you will find an infant wrapped in swaddling clothes
and lying in a manger."
And suddenly there was a multitude of the heavenly host with the angel,
praising God and saying:
"Glory to God in the highest
and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests."
CONOCE A NUESTRA FAMILIA EXTENDIDA:
meet our extended family
St. Anastasia (Feast Day December 25)
Second Century – Third Century
St. Anastasia, also known as Anastasia of Sirmium, is a Christian saint and martyr who suffered for Christ during the time of Diocletian’s Christian persecutions. She is one of the seven women commemorated by name in the Canon of the Mass.
Legend holds that Anastasia’s father was a noble pagan named Praetextatus and her mother was St. Fausta of Sirmium. Because her mother was a Christian, Anastasia was baptized as an infant and secretly raised with Christian values. Following the death of her mother, Anastasia’s father gave her in marriage to the pagan Publius, but she preserved her virginity.
During the persecutions of Diocletian, Anastasia secretly visited the prisons and cared for the suffering captives. Anastasia’s servant informed Publius, and he locked her up and beat her. Anastasia began secretly corresponding with her adviser, St. Chrysogonus, who had gone to Aquileia. He told her to be brave, be patient and accept the Lord’s will. After the death of her husband, Anastasia distributed her property to those less fortunate and suffering.
She then set off to follow Chrysogonus to Aquileia. Chrysogonus was personally interrogated by Diocletian but he never renounced his faith. Chrysogonus was ordered to be beheaded and thrown into the sea. Afterward, Anastasia returned to Sirmium and also gave her life for the faith.
TOMA TIEMPO PARA COMPARTIR
Take time to chat
- Why do you think God first revealed the birth of Jesus to the shepherds?
- What is the good news that was announced to the shepherds that night?
- Why is the birth of Jesus so important to all people?
- In what way can you share the good news of Jesus to others this Christmas season?
