P F L A U M G O S P E L W E E K L I E S F a i t h F o r m a t i o n P r o g r a m

December 25, 2019 & January 5, 2020Christmas & Epiphany of the Lord

Jesus Is Born!

Many families read the Nativity story after their special meal or before exchanging gifts. The Gospel readings for Christmas (December 25) and the Epiphany of the Lord (January 5) are provided here in reader parts. Assign parts to everyone who wishes to participate, and proclaim these joyful Gospel readings.

This Gospel Reading for Christmas describes the shepherds as afraid when they first heard and saw the angels. Angels serve God and his plan of salvation for us. They are like humans in that they were created by God and have free will to choose between good and bad behaviors. But unlike humans, they can see God, they are immortal, and they don’t have bodies like ours.

It’s easy to understand why the shepherds might be frightened by the appearance of the angels, who are spirits. But the angels quickly put the shepherds at ease. They

Shepherds Are the First to Hear of Jesus’ Birthhave a wonderful message. A Savior has been born, they tell the shepherds. He is in a manger in Bethlehem. The appearance and number of angels displays the glory of God to the humble shepherds.

Of all the people on Earth, the shepherds are the first to hear of Jesus’ birth. God has come to us as a human. Like the shepherds, Jesus is born to a poor family. He is born in a stable with animals around him. It is this model of humility that we must practice to be children of God. Humble people are always the first to accept Jesus. Mary, herself a model of humility, accepts her

and DOCTRINE

Co

nnec

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GO

SP

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1 Why did the appearance of angels frighten the shepherds at first?

2 What lesson can we learn from the shepherds?

3 Is it easy or hard to be a humble person? Explain.

“ ”

role as Mother of God so that the Holy Spirit can bring us humans into friendship with God. God’s love for us is indescribably immense, and the shepherds were the first to hear that message and accept it.

Narrator 1: At the time of Jesus’ birth, the Roman emperor Caesar Augustus ordered a census of the whole world. This was at the same time Quirinius was governor of Syria.

Narrator 2: In order to be counted in the census, people returned to the towns their families came from. Joseph went from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Bethlehem in Judea, the town where the family of David began. Joseph belonged to the house and family of David. With him he took Mary, his espoused wife, who was expecting a baby.

Narrator 3: While Mary and Joseph were in Bethlehem, Mary’s time to give birth arrived. She gave

birth to her firstborn son, wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger. They could find no room in the place where travelers stayed.

Narrator 1: Shepherds lived in the fields around Bethlehem and took turns watching over their flocks at night.

Narrator 2: The angel of the Lord appeared to them. The glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were very much afraid.

Angel: You have nothing to fear! I come to proclaim good news to you—tidings of great joy to all people. This day in David’s city a savior has been born to you, the Messiah and Lord. Let this be a sign to you: in a manger

Let Earth Receive Her King!

SUNDAY GOSPELThe Nativity of the Lord—Christmas Luke 2:1–14

TALkTALk“ ”1 Why was it noted that Jesus was born in Bethlehem, where David’s family began?2 Why were the shepherds among the first people to hear about the news of Jesus’ birth?3 Describe what it must have been like when the angels shared the news with the shepherds about the birth of Jesus.

2

you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling clothes.

Narrator 3: Suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host, praising God.

Angels: Glory to God in the highest, and peace to those on whom God’s favor rests.

After Jesus is born in Bethlehem and the Magi visit the Holy Family, the angel of the Lord tells Joseph to flee with Mary and Jesus to Egypt instead of returning directly to Nazareth (Matthew 2:13). This story reminds us of the thousands of people today who must flee violence and oppression in their home countries. Catholic social teaching guides how we are called to care for these vulnerable people today. Turn to page 51 in What the Church Believes and Teaches. Review the themes of Catholic social teaching and identify the teachings that apply to immigrants and refugees.

WHAT THE CHURCH BELIEVES AND TEACHES HANDBOOKPF

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The NEW

Gospel Weeklies

The first Christmas Mass I remember is when I was four years old. My twin sister, Erin, and I were all dolled up in green Christmas dresses, our hair brushed out nice and our feet strapped into uncomfortable shoes that squeaked.

The Mass was the same as usual except for a Christmas carol or two thrown in. The similarities ended when the priest began his homily. He asked us kids to sit with him, way up in front.

First, he told us the Christmas story. I hung way back with my sister, though. We were shy around all the older kids.

When he finished the story, the priest revealed his big surprise—a bowl filled with candy. I remember one little girl yelling as she launched herself at it.

Absolutely everybody was watching. Some of them were laughing, and it made me shy.

When Erin and I got to the priest, all I could see was the shiny bottom of the empty bowl. Every single piece of candy was gone. My sister and I were the only two kids in the whole church left empty-handed.

But this priest was pretty good at thinking on his feet. As my sister and I slid miserably into our seats, he busied himself momentarily with the little nativity scene set up near the

altar. He turned around and called Erin and me back. We walked over and looked, and in his hands was the statuette of baby Jesus in the manger.

“This,” he said, “is the baby Jesus. He’s the reason we celebrate Christmas.”

He put the tiny manger in Erin’s hands, and the little Jesus in mine. The statuette had its arms open, as if reaching out to us.

“This is something very special,” he told us. “None of the other kids got anything like this. I want you to keep this somewhere safe, and set it out every Christmas.” He smiled widely and ushered us back toward our seats. “Merry Christmas!” he said.

I didn’t feel the impact of that event back then.

I was too young to understand what a spiritual experience was. I was just glad that Erin and I weren’t only kids left empty-handed.

But the moment sticks with me today. From it sprouted a whole new family tradition for us, the tradition of setting the manger on the mantel above the fireplace, right between the tissue paper angels and some recycled tinsel. We have never had a full Nativity scene, just the lone statue of Jesus up there, and the story that continues

today—the story of Erin and me that makes putting the baby Jesus on the mantel one of our family’s most important Christmas traditions.

TraditionA Christmas

3

Write about or draw your favorite Christmas tradition. Be sure to say how the tradition started and why it’s your favorite!

The Christian Church was an underground religion for a long time after Jesus’ life, Death, and Resurrection. Then in a.d. 313, the Emperor Constantine, successor of the Roman emperors, made Christianity an acceptable religion. Constantine built his capital city in present-day Turkey and named it after himself—Constantinople.

Because Constantinople was such an important city, the bishop of the Church there also became very important. This is the story of how one of the bishops of Constantinople got himself into trouble.

His name was Nestorius (nes-TOR-ee-us). The Emperor Theodosius (the-oh-DOE-shus), one of Constantine’s successors, appointed Nestorius the Constantinople bishop in the year a.d. 428. (a.d. stands for Anno Domini. These Latin words mean “the year of the Lord.”)

Bishop Nestorius got off to a bad start. As soon as he arrived in Constantinople, he started making enemies. He told all the monks, men who take vows to live a holy life, to leave Constantinople and live apart from everyone else in their monasteries. He excommunicated any monk who would not obey him. When a person is excommunicated, he or she cannot receive any of the Sacraments or be given a Christian burial. Many of the Christians of Constantinople were angry with Nestorius because the monks did a lot for the local churches.

But when they complained, the bishop told them they were not good Christians either. He said it was wrong to go to the theater, the circus, games, and dances, and he forbade them to do any of those things. Most of all, Nestorius did not like Pulcheria (pull-care-e-uh), the sister of Emperor Theodosius. As soon as he came to Constantinople, Bishop Nestorius made a rule that women could not be part of evening prayers in the churches or keep night watches with the dead. He also refused to mention

Pulcheria when he offered public prayers for the royal family.

Nestorius and Pulcheria had their first major run-in on Easter Sunday, 428, only five days after Nestorius had taken over as Bishop of Constantinople. In Eastern churches, the sanctuary and the altar are hidden behind a screen.

Because Pulcheria was a member of the royal family, she had a seat inside the screen next to her brother, the emperor, and his family. But when she went to her seat that Easter, Nestorius

The colors used on an icon, a special religious painting, are very symbolic. Color the Theotokos icon as follows: Mary’s veil, dark blue; her inner garment, red; Jesus’ cloak, yellow or gold; his tunic, white; halos, yellow or gold.

Theotokos!

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Editor’s note: The Church celebrates the Solemnity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of God, each year on January 1. Catholics worldwide attend Mass on this Holy Day of Obligation.

VISIONS copyright © 2019 by Pflaum Publishing Group, a division of Bayard, Inc., sponsored by the Augustinians of the Assumption. Theological Reviewer: Reverend Michael T. Martine, S.T.B., J.C.L.; Publisher: David Dziena; Editor: Nicholle Check; Designer: Jennifer Poferl. Printed in the USA. Material in this issue may not be reproduced in whole or in part in any form or format without special permission from the publisher. Page 1: © Bayard Presse – Filotéo 254 – Illustration: Aline Bureau, Pollyana Ventura/iStock.com; page 3: Poferl; page 4: EDA; page 4 art: Marcelino Truong/Bayard; page 6: ©Saint John Paul II National Shrine; page 7: Michael Tortora; page 8: Ansgar Holmberg, CSJ.

Bishop Cyril of Egypt stood for calling Mary Theotokos, the Mother of God. Nestorius wanted to downgrade Mary’s importance. It only took a day for the bishops to decide against Nestorius. He was declared a heretic and excommunicated.

Emperor Theodosius didn’t know what to do. He wanted to support Nestorius, so he sent a letter asking the bishops to change their minds. Pulcheria began to lobby for Mary. Pulcheria was known in Constantinople for her holiness and for her generosity to the poor. Her friends held a rally in Constantinople. “Many years to Pulcheria!” they chanted. “She has strengthened the faith.”

The emperor could not ignore the people. He proposed a compromise—condemn both Nestorius and Cyril. This suggestion almost set off riots in the city. Finally, Nestorius himself decided go back to the quiet of the monastery he had lived in before becoming bishop. People praised Mary, the Mother of God. “Theotokos!” they cried. “Mary is God-bearer.” When Theodosius died, Pulcheria had to marry so that she could carry on the royal line. Pope Leo the Great wrote to Pulcheria and asked her and her husband to call another council. He wanted the bishops to make it clear that Jesus was both God and human. Pulcheria gathered the bishops

stood in her way. “Only priests may walk here,” he said. Pulcheria caught on that he was making another rule that would exclude women. “Why can’t I be present at the Eucharist?” Pulcheria asked. “Did I not give birth to God?” Pulcheria meant that a woman like her, Mary, gave birth to Jesus, who is God. Nestorius was furious. “You?” he answered, “You have given birth to Satan.”

The lines for battle were drawn. Pulcheria claimed that since Mary had given birth to Jesus—who is both human and God—all women have dignity and a place in the Church. Nestorius thought women were like Eve and responsible for all the sin in the world. As the fight went on, it became less about Pulcheria and more about Mary. “You can call Mary Christotokos, ‘Mother of Christ,’” Nestorius said, “but not Theotokos (thay-AW-tow-kus), ‘Mother of God.’” Most of the other bishops did not agree with Nestorius. They thought that when he said Mary was not the Mother of God, he was also saying Jesus was not God. Now Nestorius was being called a heretic. Pope Celestine in Rome wrote saying that Nestorius had to say he was wrong or he would be excommunicated. Theodosius, who had made Nestorius the bishop in the first place, was worried. To keep the religious part of his empire from completely falling apart, he called a council of all the bishops. The council gathered at Ephesus in present-day Turkey on Pentecost Sunday, 431. It didn’t take long for the bishops to choose sides.

at Chalcedon in 451, and they did what she asked. Pulcheria died in 453. She willed all her wealth to the poor of Constantinople. On the Tenth of September each year, Catholics in the Eastern Church celebrate Pulcheria for her generosity, her leadership among women, and her work for the Church.

TALkTALk“ ”1 Why does Bishop Nestorius refuse to let Pulcheria sit in the sanctuary? What is the argument between them really about?

2 Why do Constantinople’s people hold rallies and marches?

3 Why is the bishops’ statement at Chalcedon in 451 that Jesus is both human and divine important to us?

THEOTOKOS A title for Mary that means God-bearer. This title affirms that Mary is the Mother of God.

FAITH WORD

Catholic

Pray Thank you, God, for all of the gifts I received this Christmas season. I am most thankful for the gifts of Jesus and one another. Amen.

ThinkHow will you share the special news of Jesus’ birth with other people? What present would you give to the baby Jesus?

ActLook for a special picture, statue, or window depicting Mary in your church. Gather around and take turns thanking Mary for her being a great mother to Jesus. Pray a Hail Mary together to finish your time with Mary.

With My Family and Friends

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Narrator 1: After Jesus’ birth in Bethlehem of Judea during the reign of King Herod, Magi arrived in Jerusalem from the East.

Magi: Where is the newborn king of the Jews? We observed his star at its rising and have come to pay him homage.

Narrator 2: When King Herod heard this, he became greatly disturbed. He assembled all the chief priests and scribes.

Herod: Where was this Messiah born?

Chief Priests: In Bethlehem of Judea. The prophet Micah had written about it.

Micah: You, Bethlehem, land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah, since from you shall come a ruler who is

to shepherd my people Israel.

Herod: Find the child. Come back and tell me where he is so that I may pay him homage.

Narrator 1: The Magi set out after their audience with the king. The star that they had observed went ahead of them until it stopped over the place where the child was. They were overjoyed at seeing the star.

Narrator 2: On entering the house, the Magi found the child with Mary, his mother. They bowed before him and presented him with gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh.

Narrator 1: They received a message in a dream that warned

SUNDAY GOSPELThe Epiphany of the Lord Matthew 2:1–12

Foreign Kings Come to See Jesus

At Christmas, the birth of Jesus is first revealed to lowly shepherds. At Epiphany, the Magi are among the very first people to know about the birth of Jesus. These wise men represent all non-Jewish people. The shepherds and Magi show that Jesus became man for the salvation of all people, no matter their rank or religion.

From the start of his human life, Jesus is under persecution. King Herod orders his soldiers

Jesus’ Birth Is Good News to All People to kill every male under two years old. Herod fears the new King of the Jews that the Magi told him about.

What Herod does not understand is that Jesus is not an earthly king, concerned with power and riches. Rather, the kingdom Jesus ushers in is the Kingdom of God, where God’s peace and justice will reign.

Throughout his life and public ministry, even to the point of his Death on the Cross, many did not understand this true mission of

and DOCTRINE

Co

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GO

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1 What is the best gift you have ever received from someone? What made it memorable?

2 What does it mean to you that Jesus comes for all people?

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Bayard supports Pope Francis’s call to care for our common home. Please share your copy of VISIONS with a friend or recycle it properly. Thank you.

TALkTALk“ ”1 Why do the Magi travel to Bethlehem? What are they expecting to see? Why does this alarm King Herod?

2 What does the star tell us about who Jesus is?

3 In what ways do the Magi show they are wise?

Jesus. Then and today, Jesus Christ continues to invite all people into his Kingdom and offers salvation to all who would accept his invitation.

them not to return to Herod. They went back to their own country by another route.

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Dec

embe

r 26

—Sai

nt S

teph

en

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th

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mas

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hur

ch

cele

brat

es t

he

stor

y of

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phen

. He

was

on

e of

th

e fi

rst

deac

ons

and

the

firs

t C

hri

stia

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mar

tyr.

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fea

st r

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s th

at b

ein

g a

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ian

mea

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alw

ays

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g re

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and

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to w

itn

ess

to o

ur f

aith

in C

hri

st.

How

doe

s A

cts

desc

ribe

Ste

phen

? (A

cts

6:8)

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did

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phen

die

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cts

7:54

—60

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t is

one

way

you

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Dec

embe

r 27

—Sai

nt J

ohn

the

Evan

gelis

t

Joh

n w

as o

ne

of J

esus

’ firs

t fo

llow

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a

fish

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an b

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bro

ther

to

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es, a

nd

son

of

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edee

an

d Sa

lom

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ent

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sem

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at

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ross

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n w

rote

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ospe

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lett

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an

d a

soar

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visi

on o

f th

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mes

(B

ook

of R

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atio

n).

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the

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f Jo

hn’s

Gos

pel

(Joh

n 1:

1). H

ow is

it li

ke G

enes

is 1

:1?

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is fi

rst

lett

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ho d

oes

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say

God

is?

(1 J

ohn

4:16

)

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Dec

embe

r 29

—Sai

nt T

hom

as B

ecke

t

Kin

g H

enry

II

of E

ngl

and

wan

ted

to

con

trol

th

e C

hur

ch, s

o h

e ap

poin

ted

his

fri

end

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omas

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ket

arch

bish

op o

f C

ante

rbur

y. T

hom

as r

esis

ted.

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r of

th

e ki

ng’

s so

ldie

rs s

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th

is c

oura

geou

s bi

shop

on

Dec

embe

r 29

, 117

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earn

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1. _

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t m

oder

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ll w

hile

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ebra

ting

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s? (H

int:

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was

fro

m

the

nati

on o

f El

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vado

r.)

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day

afte

r C

hris

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s’ f

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ips

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h M

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and

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ph, w

ho

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an,

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s gr

ew in

wis

dom

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d gr

ace

beca

use

fam

ily m

embe

rs lo

ved

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care

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ey t

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ay y

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fam

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elps

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gro

w.

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nce

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ou s

o fa

r?

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Dec

embe

r 28

—The

Hol

y In

noce

nts

We

know

th

e st

ory

of J

esus

’ bir

th, b

ut d

o w

e kn

ow t

he

part

of

the

stor

y th

e “C

oven

try

Car

ol”

sin

gs a

bout

? R

ead

Mat

thew

2:1

6–18

.

Her

od th

e ki

ng in

his

rag

ing

Ord

ered

he

hath

this

day

, H

is m

en o

f mig

ht in

his

ow

n si

ght,

All

child

ren

youn

g to

sla

y.

Why

did

Her

od o

rder

the

kill

ing

of a

ll bo

ys

two

year

s ol

d an

d un

der?

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____

____

____

_

Why

do

we

call

thes

e ch

ildre

n “i

nnoc

ents

”?

____

____

____

____

____

____

____

____

____

____

_

Wha

t is

one

thi

ng s

omeo

ne y

our

age

can

do

to h

elp

suff

erin

g in

noce

nts

toda

y?

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_

Like all good stories, the Christmas story surrounds itself with other stories, all of which are worth telling, hearing,

and celebrating. Discover some of the stories of Christmas. See how they make Christmas a season, not just a day.

Christmas Season Cards

Janu

ary

1—M

ary,

Mot

her

of G

od

Th

is C

hri

stm

as fe

ast r

emin

ds u

s th

at M

ary

is th

e M

oth

er o

f God

. Mar

y’s

cour

ageo

us

“yes

” to

God

mad

e E

mm

anue

l pos

sibl

e.

Her

cou

rage

can

gui

de u

s in

our

sea

rch

to

resp

ond

posi

tivel

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God

’s w

ill fo

r us

. Pra

y M

ary’

s pr

ayer

, th

e M

agni

ficat

(L

uke

1:46

–55)

.

Wha

t do

all

ages

now

cal

l Mar

y?

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____

____

____

____

____

____

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Who

firs

t sa

id, “

Ble

ssed

are

you

am

ong

wom

en a

nd b

less

ed is

the

fru

it o

f yo

ur

wom

b”?

(Hin

t: s

ee L

uke

1:41

—42.

)

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____

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____

____

____

_

Wha

t pr

ayer

to

Mar

y do

you

kno

w a

nd p

ray?

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_

Living the G SPEL

Cut out the cards and lay them picture-side up. With a partner, identify each day by the picture,

and tell as much about it as you can. Then flip each card and respond to its questions or

directions together. Take turns until you know all about these stories and days of the Christmas season.

Play the Story Cards Game