Dear Parishioners:

Christmas greetings from the rectory! We hope this letter finds you well and ready to celebrate the birth of our Lord, Jesus Christ. As St. John tells us: “For God so loved the world that He gave us His only Son, so that everyone who believes in Him might not perish but might have eternal life. God did not send His son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world might be saved through Him.” (John 3:16–17).

Ultimately, is a beautiful love story. It is a love story about God who loved us so much that He sent us the first and greatest Christmas gift: His only Son, our Lord Jesus Christ. Christ, in turn, gave us a gift: the opportunity for eternal salvation by His own death and resurrection. We call the “gospels” the good news; more appropriately the gospels should be called the GREAT news! What better news can there be than that!

We are sure that you recall that, on , the angels appeared to the shepherds to announce the birth of Christ. The angels praised God saying: “Glory to God in the highest and peace to those on whom God’s favor rests!” Our own Christmas celebration can resound with those words of the angels as well.

Glory to God in the highest!

Christmas is for giving glory to God because Christmas reminds us that: *God loves us despite of our sins and failings. *God freely chose to share His life with us. *God sent his only Son, Jesus Christ, so that Christ would lead us to our Father in heaven.

Peace on earth to those on whom God’s favor rests!

Christmas is an opportunity for us to receive God’s peace and favor: *By sharing with the members of our family the love that Jesus, Mary and Joseph shared. *By showing care and respect for the for the poor and marginalized, like the shepherds. *By joining the Wise Men and eagerly seek to find Christ in the Bethlehem of our hearts.

Christmas is also an appropriate time to say “thank you”. Advent was filled with special events for adults and children and that is due to the sacrifice of so many people, both young and old. We also want to thank you for your Stewardship and financial support of our parish family over the past year. Through your service of your time, talent and treasure, our parish family continues to serve those in need and bring the message of Christ’s love to others. With your assistance, we can live out our parish motto: “Together, we can do something beau- tiful for God.”

On behalf of the priests, deacons, religious sisters and parish staff, we wish you a Blessed Christmas and a New Year filled with much health, happiness and, above all, holiness. Let us continue to pray for one another as we strive to become the saints God created us to be.

In Christ,

Msgr. Brian McNamara Rev. Gregory Breen Pastor Associate Pastor

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Our Lady of Lourdes Msgr. Brian J. McNamara, Pastor 455 Hunter Avenue Rev. Gregory Breen, Associate Pastor West Islip, NY 11795 Rev. Sylvester Chukwumalume, Chaplain - Southside Hospital 631.661.3224 | Website: ollchurch.org Rev. Freddy Lozano, in Residence

Welcome... to Our Lady of Lourdes!

Christmas is a time for family. We are glad you decided to celebrate with our Parish Family during this Holy Season. We hope you will return often. If you would like to become a registered member of our Parish, please fill in the information below and place this form in the collection basket or send it to the Parish Office.

Family Name______

First Names: Head of Household______Spouse______

Children (please include ages, grades and sacraments received) ______

Address______City______Zip______

Phone______E-Mail Address______

Below please find a set of 3 chances. It is a 50-50 drawing. Chances are $50 each or 3 chances for $100. 1st place winner will win 35% of the money, 2nd place will win 10% of the money and 3rd place will win 5% of the money. You have to be in it to win it! The drawing will take place on Sunday, January 7 after the 12:30pm Mass. Hopefully, the Wise Men will bring you a gift of a winning ticket!

December 25, 2017 3

DIOCESE OF ROCKVILLE CENTRE Christmas, 2017 OFFICE OF THE BISHOP

To the People of God of the Diocese of Rockville Centre:

Merry Christmas to you and your families! As we celebrate the Prince of Peace’s entrance into world history, we give thanks to the Father, Son and Holy Spirit for the Mission of Mercy of our Holy Catholic Church.

We give thanks for our families, our domestic churches, which transform the world and history with Christ’s Love and the Church’s missionary spirit.

This past month we dedicated the Gianna Center of Long Island for Women’s Health and Fertility, which in its mission unites the Splendor of Truth of Catholic Moral Teaching on Marriage and the Family with ethical reproductive science through the use of NaPro Technology and the Creighton Model Fertility Care System.

This was an important moment for the Catholic Church and Catholic Health Services in its service to the common good of Long Island.

The dedication of the Gianna Center gives a living expression of celebration to some important 2018 Church anniversaries. On July 28, 2018, we will celebrate the 50th Anniversary of Blessed Pope Paul VI’s 1968 encyclical Humanae Vitae. Blessed Paul VI was as prophetic as he courageously taught that all marital intimacy celebrates both the love-giving and life-giving dimensions of married love that cannot be separated.

The Holy Father predicted accurately the dire consequences for society of separating the love-giving and life-giving dimensions of married love. He was widely criticized, even ridiculed at the time, but as we know from the Old Testament that is exactly what happens to prophets who stand up for liberating truths.

Blessed John Henry Cardinal Newman once said: “The Catholic Church is not behind the times. It is beyond the times.” And as the renowned particle physicist Professor Stephen Barr emphasizes, in the history of the world, the Catholic Church is the greatest friend and supporter of ethical scientific development. The Gianna Center is an expression of this friendship, support and partnership in history.

On August 4, 2018, we will also celebrate the 25th Anniversary of St. John Paul II’s great encyclical The Splendor of Truth, which shows that moral choices and decisions that are grounded in objective truth transform and illumine the lives of individuals and society.

The Gianna Center is a powerful part of that dedication to truth, charity and mercy and during this Christmas 2017, we ask the Christ Child to lead all those involved in the mission of the Gianna Center and all who are served by that mission.

The center’s patroness, St. Gianna Beretta Molla (1922-1962) was a wife, mother and a physician dedicated to the progress of medical science. Her image is prominent at the main altar of St. Agnes Cathedral where I will celebrate Christmas Midnight Mass.

I will pray that her intercession and her courageous and holy example may inspire each one of us and our family members this Christmas season and be yet another catalyst of dramatic missionary growth on Long Island.

Sincerely in Christ,

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Reverend John O. Barres of Rockville Centre

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Solemnity of Mary The Parish Family of Our Lady of Lourdes will gather on Monday, January 1 to celebrate the Solemnity of Mary.

We will celebrate the Solemnity of Mary on ... Monday, January 1 at 8:30am, 10:00am and 12:10pm Please come and pray with us! NOTE: There will be no 7:30pm Mass

Share The Light Of Christ

On one gentle night Under one star so bright The LIGHT of the World was born! May the love and peace that was born that night be with you and your loved one at Christmas and always.

The Family Ministry Committee

The First Nativity Scene The origin of the display of the Nativity dates back to the time of St. Francis of Assisi. St. Francis was concerned that people did not appreciate the gift of Christ’s birth. St. Francis wanted to celebrate the Incarnation (God becoming a man) in a special way. He wanted to do something that would help people to remember the Christ Child and how Jesus was born in Bethlehem.

On Christmas Eve, in the year 1223A.D., at the proper time, St. Francis and his Franciscan brothers created a new Bethlehem. People, young and old, came to see this new sight. They carried torches to light up the sky as they approached the manger. Once again, shepherds came from the fields to come and adore the King. All were filled with joy over the mystery of the Incarnation. And a beautiful tradition was started.

As you look upon your own family Nativity set, may you remember and celebrate again God’s love for His creation. In order to show His abundant love, mercy, and forgiveness for us, God became one like us. That is what the crèche ultimately symbolizes.

VISIT A DICKENS VILLAGE IN THE PARISH CENTER!

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Leonard & Gertrude Parine Josephine Sabella Kenneth Meyer Mr. & Mrs. Walter Cameron

Deceased members of Parine Mr. & Mrs. Michael Schnappauf

& Wills Families Michael Reilly

Deceased members of Meyer Mrs. Susan Buquicchio & Kelly Families Virginia & Joseph Beno Joseph C. Capo II Deirdre Gilmartin Evelyn Albert John & Elizabeth Meditz Edward A. Kelly, Jr. & Family Mr. & Mrs. Thomas Livecchi Mrs. Margaret Sureau Rose & Salvatore Guastella Edward, Kathryn & Peter Herger Scacciaferro & Castagna Family

Robert & Lucille Harsch Mr. George Tibbe Mr. & Mrs. Scott Douglas Thomas G. Brando Vincenzo Ammirato Matteo & Anna Lattanzio

Edward F. White & Pauline Turchiano FlowerOffering Regina A. White Carpenter Family Netska & Homann Family Freis Family, & Cognato Family Anthony Borsella Sullivan & Kennedy Family Maryann Borsella Mr. & Mrs. Vincent Gemma Raymond Dowdican Edward Conti & Rosanne Dowdican Allocca & D’Aponte Families George T. Seeley Mr. & Mrs. Thomas Fey Josephine & Carmine Barila Deceased Members of Guiffré

Mr. & Mrs. CliffordChristmas Hunter Fannie & Anthony Messina & Pezzuti Families John Carrick, Carrick Correa & Vela Family Steven Perone, Frances Torina Thomas McMahon Carolyn Wissing & Michael Torina Mr. & Mrs. Gerard Fogarty Jack & Margaret Mazza Ginny & John Cruse Andrew (Al) Velten Our Parents Edward White Andrew (Drew) Velten Mr. & Mrs. Matthew Kilkelly Mr. & Mrs. Noel MacDermott Mr. & Mrs. Robert Manley John P. Caparella Mrs. Carole Civile H & J Jirau Nancy & Jerry Esposito, Sr & Mr. Timothy Keegan Jessie & Edward Muller, Sr. Anthony Zafferese Ms. Pamela O’Brien Catherine & Richard Bermingham Mr. & Mrs. Mark Spencer Mr. & Mrs. Angelito Cruz Rev. John L.M. Filippelli, S.S.J. Johnny Barichak John J. Keane Mangels, DiGiovanna & Dad, Brother, Husband, Mr. & Mrs. Walter Wessels Murphy Families Philip J. Berthold, Sr. Jessie Neal, Sr. Maureen & Dorothy Ferro Philip J. Berthold, Jr. Peter DeBlasi MacArthur, Meehan & Lee Bisson Donald & Theresa Rienzo England Families Mr. & Mrs. William Davies, Jr. Marie & Ed Terribile Patricia D’Angelo Basilio & Melchora Charles & Mary VanManen Reilly & Adrat Families & Aquino Family Fred & Charlene Hervey Richard M. Devlin, Sr Mr. & Mrs. Salvatore Pepitone Selva & Welton Family Mr. & Mrs. Michael Carrano William B. Basso Mr. & Mrs. Frank Parrinello Mr. & Mrs. Frank Aparo Vincent & Grace Capanzano Mr. & Mrs. Jack Cutrone The Devlin & Peterson Families Herrera & DeLeon Families Pat Curry Okurowski & Lee Family Bill & Vi Thomson Clara & Pasquale Strocchia Crowley & Lockett Families Mary Agnes Cody Rodemeyer Carmela Severino & Family Jack Welch Anthony M. Rao Anne Catalano Mr. & Mrs. Joseph Zito Mr. & Mrs. Steven Restivo Mr. & Mrs. T. Paradiso Flynn & Varley Families Thomas Liantonio Mr. & Mrs. J. DeCotis Mrs. Melissa Rogan Raymond & Joan Udris Joseph Lehmann Mr. & Mrs. John Seylar John & Theresa Nikl Eileen Corrigan & Alberta Firth Mrs. Jean Ann Gottsch Alice Bonacci Alice M. Triggs The Gordon & Winberry Families Mr. & Mrs. Angelko Telesmanic Johnny Russi Mr. Patrick Kennedy Thomas & Florence Brady Mr. & Mrs. Michael Dennehy Mr. & Mrs. Daniel Sandora Frank Martino Robert Beck Deceased Members of DeGuardi Chris Romanello & Richard Huhn Edward J. Boyd & Badano Families Paul R. DeSantis Mr. & Mrs. Robert Wooley Mr. & Mrs. Richard Loehr Christopher Flynn, Anthony Rao Mr. & Mrs. James Koehler Passed Family Joan Flynn Ellen Finn

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Cardali Family Mr. & Mrs. Roy Miller IV Stephen & Mary Morvay Ciccarello & Sierra Families Vincent McGuire Mr. & Mrs. John Muldoon Fred Totans Mr. & Mrs. Hubert Lieberz Mr. & Mrs. Andrew Nolfo Carlo Radosti Natalie Macari David F. O’Connell Mylo Manno Rick Munkwitz Helen & John Ianno Jane & Larry Lyons John Shillitto & Dorothy & Jay Langlan William & Dolores Knoblich The Steffenson Family Ms. Domenica Ruocco Joseph A. Kelly, Jr. Gaetana Novello Mr. & Mrs. Brian Sabella Zaragoza, Herreca, Feeney, Maria Cavaluzzi Mr. Henry Schreiber DeLeon & Mazzacappa Families Mr. & Mrs. Raymond Mascolo Mr. & Mrs. David Shekailo Frank Harnos, Jr. Stanley & James Werner Mr. & Mrs. Richard Sisson Mary & Edward Baker Neil Haffey Mr. & Mrs. Ragnar Sparby Mary & Frank Harnos Mrs. Martha Carlin Mr. & Mrs. Thomas Sterling Petersen & Wilson Family Mr. & Mrs. Janusz Wlodkowski Mr. & Mrs. Michal Sutkowski Mr. & Mrs. Robert Keller Ellen Smith Marie Winthrop DeLeon & Espina Families Mr. & Mrs. Steven Troiano John Thompson Mr. & Mrs. Charles E. Ecker Mr. & Mrs. Rolando V. Razon Mr. & Mrs. R. Valonis T & M Barke & J & J Finnegan Mrs. June Ryan Carmela Triolo Mr. & Mrs. Kevin Kilkelly Mr. & Mrs. John Wright Mr. & Mrs. Frederic Bock Mr. & Mrs. Robert Yagarich Mr. & Mrs. Greg Arena Mr. & Mrs. Anthony Sgueglia Biagio Mingoia Robert Aziz Mr. & Mrs. Tom Latham Ms. Genevieve Birkmire Mr. & Mrs. Michael Avella Mr. & Mrs. Alan Storjohann Bill Kuhlwilm & Estelle, Ms. Dolores Beckerman Walter Naja & Kuhlwilm Family Mr. & Mrs. John Bochicchio Mr. & Mrs. Frank Rotolo Maria & Natalino Perez Mrs. Antonina Bonfiglio Mr. & Mrs. Kevin Donohue Mr. & Mrs. Michael Kaminski Mr. & Mrs. James Bowers Mr. & Mrs. Thomas Colabella Guider & Heartt Family Kleinfelder & Reddington Family Howard Swicord Rosenkranz & Thornton Family Jack & Laura Dawson, Steven Dawson Mr. & Mrs. Anthony Lipari Mrs. Daria Johannesen Joe & Laura Campisi Mr. & Mrs. Michael Carboni Teresa Mante The Rutkowski Family Marillia & Tricia Mary & Joe Rizzo Deceased Members of the Colletti Mr. & Mrs. Michael Latargia Deceased Members of & Guarino Families Mr. & Mrs. Joseph Staniszewski Bronkhurst & Brusca Families Margaret Shibley & Louis Giampaola Mrs. Marilyn Duffy Mr. Joseph Vieni Mr. & Mrs. Glenn Davis Mr. & Mrs. Lawrence Clyde Baby Johnny Bovasso Oliveri & DiTingo Families Mr. & Mrs. Edward Bracco Nadia Eugene James Carew, Raymond Downey Mr. & Mrs. Richard Conti Mr. & Mrs. James J. LeBarr Martha & Dominick Sapraicone Mr. & Mrs. William Sheehan Margaret Morrow Deceased Carola & Franzone Families Mr. & Mrs. Domenic D’Achille Mr. & Mrs. George Vuocolo Mr. & Mrs. George Haarstick Mr. & Mrs. Frances Piliero Tony Campos Mr. Scigliano Mr. & Mrs. James Clifford Mr. & Mrs. Glenn Denzler Mr. & Mrs. Richard T. Finn Mary Williams, Peter Williams Mr. & Mrs. John Sehn Carmela Misiano Carmine Vacca Mr. & Mrs. S. Robert Curran, Jr. Berger Fredriksen Mr. & Mrs. Jaroslaw Mazurczyk Peter Rooney Mr. & Mrs. Rene Guillermo Daniel McMahon Deceased Members of Wm. Heim Anthony Ivans Kopitsch & Wilson Families Richard Heinz Lillian, Lesley & Christine & Mac Stanley Renkas George Jorgensen Mr. & Mrs. Dante Tirazona The Lee & Finnegan Family Fred Zimmerman, Jr. Mr. Abner Pierre-Lys Mr. & Mrs. Joseph Walas Mrs. Elsie Koch Mr. & Mrs. Ralph Sciaruto Mr. Joseph Paladino Mr. & Mrs. Mirko Lazarich Gail Solomonik Mr. & Mrs. Timothy Tamney Mr. & Mrs. William Lilly Mr. & Mrs. John Barone Henry & Josephine Busching Mr. & Mrs. Ronald Lombardi Mr. & Mrs. Jose F. Taveras Marion Schwarz Mr. & Mrs. Peter Magliocco, Sr. Nicholas Proscia Carole P. Gallagher Mr. & Mrs. Richard Curso Dorothy & Ted Weise Ahern & Duggan Families Agnes Izatt Mr. & Mrs. Anthony Madonia Mr. & Mrs. Robert Mannarino Mr. & Mrs. Michael McGuire Mr. & Mrs. Carlito Morales Cecilia & Ray Slater Mr. & Mrs. Thomas McLoughlin Mr. & Mrs. Michael V. Porzio Marie & Hubert Schauer Dorothy & Charles Mai Mr. & Mrs. Jay Tirazona Henry & Theresa Epp Mr. & Mrs. John Mihalo Maher & Schiavoni Families William Mace & Peter Roache Monaghan Family Ms. Nancy Peragine 7

Candy Cane Priest A Catholic priest from the Diocese of Little Rock, Arkansas, invented the machine that shapes candy canes. Candy maker Bob McCormack (founder of Bob’s Candies in Albany, Georgia) had begun making candy canes for his children in the 1920’s. The process was tedious. Twisting could only be done by hand and the breakage often ran up to 22 percent of production. Perplexed as to what to do, Bob turned to his wife Anna Louise’s brother, Fr. Gregory Harding Keller, for suggestions.

Fr. Keller had been dubbed the “family genius” because of his fascination for how things worked. As a stu- dent, he fixed the organ at the North American College in Rome. During summer vacations, he would travel to Albany and work at the candy factory. Fr. Keller listened to his brother-in-law’s predicament. Within six months, he had perfected the Keller Machine which twisted soft candy into spiral striping and cut the sticks in precise lengths.

Born May 24, 1895, in Little Rock, Fr. Keller studied for the priesthood in Rome, where he was ordained. He returned to Little Rock and served in parishes there for 36 years. Fr. Keller gained national attention as a con- testant on the popular TV show, “What’s My Line” in the 1960’s. He was the inventor priest.

O Holy Night Originally, “ O Holy Night” was written as a poem by French wine merchant and poet Placide Cappeau (1808-1877). Inspired by the Gospel of Luke, he wrote these famous lines in honor of the renovation of a church organ in Roquemaure, France. Later, Cappeau’s friend and composer, Adolphe Adams, put the words to song. “O Holy Night” was performed for the first time on Christmas Eve by opera singer Emily Laurie at the church in Roquemaure. The lyrics were translated into English in 1855 by American minister and publisher John Sullivan Dwight.

Legend of St Joseph’s Staff When Mary was 14, so the legend goes, the high priest gathered the young women of marriageable age and told them that they should prepare for marriage. Mary said that she could not because she had dedi- cated herself to the Lord. The high priest did not want to dissolve her vow, but neither did he want to start a new custom that Jewish women should not marry. With other elders, he prayed for a solution. Since, according to the legend, Mary was a descendant of David, they decreed that all men of the line of David of marriageable age should gather and bring their favorite walking stick to the altar. If a flower should spring from one of these, this man would be the one to whom Mary was given. Joseph was an older man and did not want to participate, so he did not bring a walking stick. One by one, staffs were brought to the altar but nothing happened. So the priest demanded that the “missing walking staff” be brought forward. Joseph went and got his, and when it was brought to the altar, a dove perched on top of it. It was clear that he was to be Mary’s husband.

The Legend of the Poinsettia The brilliant red leaves of the Poinsettia are a common decoration at this time of year. Its association with Christmas began many years ago when the story developed of Pepita, a poor Mexican girl who had no gift for the Christ Child at Christmas. Her cousin Pedro told her that even the most humble gift given in love is a welcomed present. So, Pepita gathered a handful of weeds into a small bouquet. As she laid it at the foot of the crèche, it burst into blooms of red. From that day on, the Poinsettia has also been known as the Flor de , or Flower of the Holy Night (Christmas Eve).

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Christmas Around the World

 “Hyvää Joulua!” In Finland, at about 5 or 6 o'clock, families go to the cemeteries to leave candles on the graves of loved ones who won't be there to celebrate Christmas any longer. Thousands of flickering lights, reflecting against the snow and trees, create a memorable scene.

 “Froehliche Weitnachten!” In Germany, families also celebrate St. Nicholas Day (December 6). On the eve of the feast, children leave shoes outside their bedroom doors hoping that St. Nicholas will fill them with treats.

 “Ye Dan Kua!” In China, it literally means “Jesus birth happy”. Because China is still run by atheis- tic communists, Christmas Day is not a public holiday. In their homes, there are “trees of light” decorat- ed with paper chains, paper flowers, and paper lanterns.

 “Boze Narodzenie!” In Poland, a traditional Christmas food is Oplatek-a piece of bread pressed with a holy picture on it. They share it with family and friends to wish them good things in the coming year and to forgive any hurts from the past year.

 “Joyeaux Noel!” In France, the crèche or Nativity scene is central in each home. The crèche in- cludes little clay figures called santons which often times bear a strong resemblance to local dignitaries and characters. The main Christmas meal is called Le Revillion—the awakening– and is eaten after midnight Mass.

 “Nollaig Shona Dhiut!” In Ireland, lighted red candles decorated with holly are placed in windows on Christmas Eve to guide Joseph and Mary in case they are seeking shelter. Children put out Christmas sacks instead of stockings and to refresh a travel-weary Santa, they leave mince pies and a bottle of Guinness.

 “Buon Natale!” In Italy, children receive their gifts on January 6, the . They are brought by a kind ugly witch called Befana. She rides a broom and is looking for the three Wise Men. It is said that they asked her to come along with them on their journey to visit the Christ child and she refused saying she was too busy. She regretted her decision and has been searching for the Baby ever since, leaving gifts at every house in case He is there.

 “Vesely Vanoce!” In the Czech Republic, during Advent Catholics fast from eating milk, eggs and meat. These foods return on Christmas and there is a tradition of putting fish scales under the dinner plates to bring luck in the coming year. During the time of the Communist repression, the atheistic Com- munists tried to outlaw Christmas and replace the Baby Jesus with “Grandfather Frost.” It didn’t work—and neither did atheistic communism for that matter!

 “Feliz Navidad!” In Argentina, it is very warm at Christmas. So, people place cotton balls on their Christmas trees to look like snow. On Christmas Eve, people light up and float “globos”, colorful tissue- paper balloons lit from inside and fireworks are heard everywhere.

 “Srozhdestvom Kristovym!” In the Ukraine, the family places a loaf of bread with a candle in it in the middle of the table. The light reminds us that Jesus is the light of the world. Stalks of wheat are also scattered around the table to remind us of the manger where Jesus was born.

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Roman Martyrology

Throughout the season of Advent, the Church has reflected on God’s promises, so often spoken by the prophets, to send a savior to the people of Israel who would be Emmanuel, that is, God with us. In the fullness of time, those prom- ises were fulfilled. With hearts full of joy let us listen to the proclamation of our Savior’s birth.

Today, the twenty-fifth day of December, unknown ages from the time when God created the heavens and the earth and then formed man and woman in His own image.

Several thousand years after the flood, when God made the rainbow shine forth as a sign of the covenant.

Twenty-one centuries from the time of Abraham and Sarah; thirteen centuries after Moses led the people of Israel out of Egypt. Eleven hundred years from the time of Ruth and the Judges; one thousand years from the anointing of David as king; in the sixty-fifth week according to the prophecy of Daniel.

In the one hundred and ninety-fourth Olympiad; the seven hundred and fifty-second year from the foundation of the city of Rome.

The forty-second year of the reign of Octavian Augustus; the whole world being at peace, Jesus Christ, eternal God and Son of the eternal Father, desiring to sanctify the world by his most merciful coming, being conceived by the Holy Spirit, and nine months having passed since his conception, was born in Bethlehem of Judea of the Virgin Mary.

Today is the nativity of our Lord Jesus Christ according to the flesh.

Come let us adore him!

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THE NATIVITY SCENE

The Nativity Scene reminds us that CHRIST is the reason for the celebration of Christmas. In an increasingly secular world, let us boldly proclaim that God, the Father, sent us the first and greatest Christmas gift: JESUS CHRIST, Prince of Peace.

This tableau is to be placed in the FRONT WINDOW, or OTHER PROMINENT PLACE in your home, witnessing to WHOM and WHAT we believe in as Christians:

“For God so loved the world that He sent His only Son that all who believe in Him may have eternal life.”

~ John 3:16

We ask that you display this NATIVITY scene until SUNDAY, JANUARY 10, 2016, THE FEAST OF THE BAPTISM OF THE LORD. This marks the official end of the Christmas season. Let us do our part to keep Christ in Christmas!

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