The Church’s liturgy rings in Christmas with a joyful noise. We hear today of uplifted voices, trumpets and horns, and melodies of praise.

In the First Reading, Isaiah foretells Israel’s liberation from captivity and exile in Babylon. He envisions a triumphant homecoming to Zion marked by joyful singing. The new song in today’s Psalm is a victory hymn to the marvelous deeds done by our God and King.

The mystery kept secret for long ages, promised through His prophets in the holy Scriptures, is today revealed (see Romans 16:25–26).

This is the “Gospel of God” that Paul celebrates in today’s Epistle—the good news that “God is with us” in Jesus Christ. The sign promised to the House of David in today’s First Reading is given in today’s Gospel. In the virgin found with child, God Himself has brought to Israel a savior from David’s royal line (see Acts 13:22–23).

Christmas Collection is in support of the clergy fund of the archdiocese which supports the retirement and health needs of the priests of the archdiocese. Your generous support is appreciated.

John questions Jesus from prison in today’s Gospel— for his disciples’ sake and for ours. He knows that Jesus is doing “the works of the Messiah,” foretold in today’s First Reading and Psalm. But John wants his disciples—and us—to know that the Judge is at the gate, that in Jesus our God has come to save us.

The contractor finished another unit so the heating unit will work in both the upstairs and downstairs church on the Blessed Mother side. The units on the opposite side are waiting for a major switch and should be operational soon. So far $273,821 have been pledged toward our goal of $450,000. Thank you for your prayers and support!

The contractor finished another unit so the heating unit will work in both the upstairs and downstairs church on the Blessed Mother side. The units on the opposite side are waiting for a major switch and should be operational soon. So far $270,297 have been pledged toward our goal of $450,000.

"The kingdom of heaven is at hand," John proclaims. And the Liturgy today paints us a vivid portrait of our new king and the shape of the kingdom He has come to bring.

The Lord whom John prepares the way for in today's Gospel is the righteous king prophesied in today's First Reading and Psalm. He is the king's son, the son of David - a shoot from the root of Jesse, David's father (see Ruth 4:17).