A Christmas Primer: All About the Nativity of Christ

Adoration of the Magi

The Incarnation of Our Lord Jesus Christ is the seminal event in human history; fulfilling Old Testament prophecy and paving the way for His earthly ministry and atoning Passion and Death. The Catechism of the Catholic Church states: "Belief in the true Incarnation of the Son of God is the distinctive sign of Christian faith: 'By this you know the Spirit of God: every spirit which confesses that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is of God.' Such is the joyous conviction of the Church from her beginning whenever she sings 'the mystery of our religion': 'He [Jesus Christ] was manifested in the flesh.'" (Catechism of the Catholic Church, 463)

True God and True Man

As we continue to celebrate the season of Advent in anticipation of Christmas, we proclaim what the Church has always professed: "that Jesus is inseparably true God and true man. He is truly the Son of God who, without ceasing to be God and Lord, became a man and our brother." (CCC 469) The following links discuss the Incarnation and Nativity of Christ. We submit them for your consideration.

Advent Celebrates Two Comings: The Incarnation and the Last Judgment

Why Isn’t Jesus Named Emmanuel?

The Virgin Mary is Prefigured by the Burning Bush

Why God Became a Baby, Fr. Michael Najim

A Primer on the Incarnation, Fr. Philip N. Powell OP, PhD

Seven Misconceptions About the Birth of Christ

The Magi's Gifts Symbolize Three Aspects of Christ's Incarnation

St. Augustine on the Birth of Jesus Christ

Pope Benedict XVI on the Mystery of the Incarnation

The Three Feasts of the Nativity, Fr. Odon de Castro

Why did God send Gabriel for the Annunciation?, Fr. Ryan Erlenbush

O Antiphons Overview [Anticipating the Incarnation], Fr. Daniel White
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Almighty God, who sees how Your faithful await the feast of Our Lord's Nativity, enable us, we pray, to attain the joys of so great a salvation and to celebrate them always with worship and glad rejoicing. Loving Father, we praise You for Your Son, Jesus Christ, for He is Emmanuel, the Hope of all people. He is the Wisdom that teaches and guides us. He is the Savior of all the world. May He come quickly and not delay. We ask this in Our Lord's most holy name. Amen.

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