Merry Christmas! As the joyful echoes of Christmas continue to fill our hearts, the Church brings us today to the Feast of the Holy Family—inviting us to reflect on the gift of family through the light of the newborn Christ. The Word made flesh chose not to come into the world in isolation, but within the warmth, struggle, and love of a human family. This truth gives sacred meaning to every family among us.

Today’s Gospel is the fulfillment of Isaiah’s prophecy from the first reading.

Divorce in the Gospel does not have the same connotation as today. Joseph does not want to divorce Mary as we understand the word. The crux of the matter is quite the opposite; Joseph absolutely understands that Mary was conceived by the Holy Spirit and does not regard himself worthy of being in the same household with her. In his humility, he wants to protect Mary and the unborn child.

“Go and tell John what you hear and see: the blind regain their sight, the lame walk, lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the poor have the good news proclaimed to them. And blessed is the one who takes no offense at me.” Matthew 11:4–6

Suppose a priest came to our church to lead a parish mission, and during that mission he miraculously healed the blind, crippled, terminally ill, and deaf. What if he even raised the dead to life? How would you respond? Most likely with amazement! You’d probably tell everyone close to you about those miracles, encouraging them to attend the next session.

When I was young, my mom used to tell me a story about a little boy standing at the foot of a great mountain. Full of curiosity, he cupped his hands around his mouth and shouted, “Hello!” A moment later, the same word came echoing back—“Hello!”—bouncing across the cliffs. Delighted, he tried again. “Who are you?” And the mountain answered, “Who are you?” What amazed him most was realizing that the mountain gave back exactly what he offered. His own voice shaped what returned to him.

The First Sunday of Advent marks the beginning of a new liturgical year and the season of preparation for the coming of Christ. It is a time of hope, anticipation, and invitation. We are challenged to prepare and ready ourselves.

There are two common messages we will hear until Christmas.

First message: Santa Claus is coming to town. Translation: Buy! Buy! Buy!