Sunday within the Octave of Christmas 2012
St. Paul tells us that although we were under the dominion of the world, we are the adopted sons of God and heirs of His kingdom.  It was prophesied that those who accepted the Messias will rise, while those who reject him will fall.  We have three major feasts after Christmas: St. Stephen, St. John, and the Holy Innocents.  We are taught by St. Stephen that it will not be easy to follow Christ.  St. John teaches us that we will be called to stand against heresy as he did in the first century.  And the Holy Innocents remind us of the secular persecution which desires to put Christ to death once again.  We must resist the attacks on the family which are widespread.  We must be thankful because we have been blessed.  We are the shepherds who have been chosen to approach the manger.
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