Journey of Christmas

Welcome to the December and final of the Journey through 2013 blog-along. The purpose for this series is to explore an area of life in a purposeful manner. I'm so thankful that Mathnerd is willing to join. Thank you!

Over the past year, I've been exploring different aspects of my journey to the Catholic church and what it all means, or at least some of it. For me the past year has been transformational as I entered into a new community - the Roman Catholic Church. Other other posts in the series are linked at the bottom of this post, feel free to check them out.

Christmas in the Roman Catholic church is not a one-day wonder but the period of time following Christmas day through The Feast of the Baptism of the Lord. (Although, some folks say it only lasts until Epiphany.) Christmas is the culmination of all the advent waiting and preparation; the celebration that the Christ child has come down to earth. Yet, that is not all that Christmas tide has to offer.

• The 26th is the Feast of Saint Stephen, the First Martyr. 
• The 27th the Feast of Saint John the Evangelist
• The 28th is the Feast of the Holy Innocents, those young children murdered by King Herod searching for the Christ child. 
• The 29th is the Feast of the Holy Family of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph

The wonder of the incarnation is quickly followed by the reminder of the ultimate sacrifice in defense of what one believes. It raises the question: am I willing to make the ultimate sacrifice for my beliefs? It is a question that most of us living comfortable lives in the U.S. seldom ask ourselves. There are many throughout the world who do not have that luxury, yet their stories do not often get shared in the media. It is uncomfortable to hear stories of persecutions and death by the martyrs. Yet, it is a powerful encouragement and bolster to my faith to read their stories.


So at this Season of Joy, I need to look beyond the simple story of a child born in a manger to his role as the ultimate game changer who came as the savior and redeemer of the world. And ask myself: am I willing to die a martyr's death for my faith?

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Journey into Catholicism

Jan - Epiphany
Feb - Love
March - Lent
April - Easter
May -Pentecost
June - Birthday Bliss
July - Saint Day
August - Ordinary Time
September  - Waiting in Anticipation
October - A Year's Reflection
November - Advent Preparation
December - Christmas