Jesus is the Reason for the Season

In the midst of all the hustle and bustle of Christmas, I often get caught up in all the commotions of everyday life.  This time of year always seems so busy, and now with a wedding to plan, life just gets even crazier.  We have met with the deacon at the church, worked on the guest list, met with florists, taste-tested cakes, figured out the invitation wording, added gifts to the registry, taken engagement pictures, and researched the honeymoon all during Christmas break!  With all of these things to do, it does not leave me with much free time and with the little amount of time that I have to myself, I am usually just trying to catch up on sleep or relax for a minute.  But it is very important that I not only take time for myself this Christmas, but that I also take time to give to others.   Christmas lasts until the Epiphany, so this is still the Christmas season.  During this season, I will strive to take time not only for myself, but also for others.  God gave His only son to die for our sins, so giving Him some of my time is the least that I can do for Him.  


Christmas Mass Gospel: 
This is how the birth of Jesus Christ came about.
When his mother Mary was betrothed to Joseph,
but before they lived together,
she was found with child through the Holy Spirit.
Joseph her husband, since he was a righteous man,
yet unwilling to expose her to shame,
decided to divorce her quietly.
Such was his intention when, behold,
the angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said,
"Joseph, son of David,
do not be afraid to take Mary your wife into your home.
For it is through the Holy Spirit
that this child has been conceived in her.
She will bear a son and you are to name him Jesus,
because he will save his people from their sins."
All this took place to fulfill
what the Lord had said through the prophet:Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son,
and they shall name him Emmanuel,which means "God is with us."
When Joseph awoke,
he did as the angel of the Lord had commanded him
and took his wife into his home.
He had no relations with her until she bore a son,
and he named him Jesus.
   - Matthew 1:18-25