SOLEMNITY OF THE NATIVITY OF OUR LORD | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/solemnity-of-the-nativity-of-our-lord/
SAINTS OF THE DAY ~ FEAST DAY: DECEMBER 25, 2025 | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/category/saints-of-the-day
MEMORIAL OF SAINT ANASTASIA, MARTYR | DECEMBER 25TH | Direct link to the detailed history of Saint Anastasia, Martyr | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/saints-of-the-day-feast-day-december-25th/
Watch “Holy Mass and Holy Rosary | EWTN | December 25, 2025 | “Holy Mass from the National Shrine of the Divine Mercy” | Pray “Holy Rosary Novena From Lourdes” | Pray “The Chaplet of Divine Mercy in song from the National Shrine of the Divine Mercy” | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/catholic-daily-mass-december-25-2025/
THE LITURGICAL YEAR IN THE CATHOLIC CHURCH | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/the-liturgical-year-in-the-catholic-church/
Greetings and blessings, beloved family and Merry Christmas!
Today, the Church joyfully celebrates the Solemnity of the Nativity of the Lord—Christmas Day—when the eternal Word of God enters human history and dwells among us. On this holy day, we rejoice in the fulfillment of God’s promises as Christ is born for our salvation, bringing light into our darkness and peace into our world. As we reflect on the mystery of the Word made flesh through today’s sacred readings, we are also mindful of the witness of Saint Anastasia, Martyr, whose steadfast faith shines even amid suffering. United with the whole Church, we give thanks for the gift of Emmanuel, God-with-us, and open our hearts to receive Him anew with faith, humility, and joy. 🙏🏽
We joyfully thank God for the gift of life and for leading us safely into the month of December. As we continue this sacred journey of faith, we give thanks for God’s boundless mercy and the hope of eternal life promised to those who believe in Him. May the witness of the Saints and the faith of our loved ones inspire us to live each day in holiness, humility, and love. This month of December, dedicated to the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary, invites us to grow in grace and devotion, following her example of purity, obedience, and complete trust in God’s plan. Through the prayers of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Queen of All Saints, may God fill our hearts with hope, strengthen our faith, and guide us in holiness throughout this Advent season. May this month bring light to our minds, peace to our hearts, and strength to our souls. Amen 🙏🏽
“Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted” ~ Matthew 5:4
We join our Holy Father Pope Leo XIV to pray for the gentle repose of the souls of our dear beloved late Pope Francis, the Cardinals, Bishops, Priests and Religious who have gone to be with the Lord. We also remember in prayer all who began this journey of life with us but are no longer here. We pray for the gentle repose of the souls of our loved ones who recently passed away, and we continue to pray for the souls in Purgatory; lost souls. For the repose of the souls of all the faithful departed, may the Lord receive them into the light of Eternal Kingdom.
“Precious in the sight of the LORD is the death of His Saints.” ~ Psalm 116:15
Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord. And let perpetual light shine upon them. May their gentle souls through the mercy of God rest in perfect peace with our Lord Jesus Christ… Amen 🙏🏽
PRAYER FOR THE DEAD: In your hands, O Lord, we humbly entrust our brothers and sisters. In this life, you embraced them with your tender love; deliver them now from every evil, and bid them eternal rest. The old order has passed away: welcome them into paradise, where there will be no sorrow, no weeping or pain, but fullness of peace and joy with your Son and the Holy Spirit forever and ever. Amen🙏🏽✝️🕯✝️🕯✝️🕯
Lord Almighty, we lift our hearts in gratitude for Your unfailing love, protection, and mercy that carried us through the past months. We entrust the days of December into Your hands, asking for Your blessings, guidance, and peace upon our lives and families. May this month be for us a time of renewed faith, deeper hope, and overflowing joy. We pray especially for all families, for children, parents, and teachers, that they may be strengthened and protected. Bless those who will celebrate birthdays, anniversaries, new opportunities, and milestones this month, and comfort those who enter it with heavy hearts or struggles. Lord, go before us, walk beside us, and remain with us always, now and forever. Amen. 🙏🏽
Today, we humbly pray for the poor, abandoned, and those in need, for all those who are marginalized in our society. For those who are imprisoned, especially those who are unjustly imprisoned. We pray for charitable organizations, asking God’s blessing upon their mission and we lift our prayers for peace, love, justice and unity in our families, marriages and our world. May God protect us all and keep us safe and united in peace, love and faith. Amen 🙏🏽
Through the intercession of our Blessed Mother Mary on this special Feast day, we lift our prayers for the protection, safety and well-being of healthcare professionals, educators, missionaries, pilots, and all travelers. We ask for healing for the sick and dying, especially those who are suffering from cancers and other terminal diseases, strength for the weary, peace in troubled homes, and provision for all in need. Guide our steps in righteousness, protect us from harm, and fill our hearts with faith, joy, and gratitude. May this month draw us closer to Your will, and may every day be a testimony of Your goodness and mercy in our lives. We begin this month with trust in Your unfailing love, Lord, and we surrender all that lies ahead into Your hands. Amen 🙏🏾
We continue to pray for the Church, the Clergy, our Holy Father, Pope Leo XIV, the Cardinals, Bishops, all Priests, that they be sanctified in their ministry to God’s people. We pray for persecuted Christians, for the conversion of sinners, and Christians all over the world suffering from political and religious unrest.
Through the intercession of St. Joseph, we pray for all fathers, mothers, workers, and all those who labor in this world. May the Lord bless the work of their hands, and may God’s grace and mercy be with us all during this season of Advent. Wishing us all and our loved ones a joyful, peaceful, and grace-filled month of December. 🙏🏽
SOLEMNITY OF THE NATIVITY OF OUR LORD | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/solemnity-of-the-nativity-of-our-lord/
Today, we joyfully celebrate the Solemnity of the Nativity of Our Lord Jesus Christ—the mystery of God’s overwhelming love made visible in the birth of His Son. “The Word was made flesh and dwelt among us.” In this sacred moment, the eternal Son of God enters human history, taking on our humanity so that we might share in His divine life. Christmas proclaims the heart of our faith: that God did not remain distant, but came among us as Emmanuel, God-with-us, to bring salvation, light, and hope to a waiting world. This feast, second only to Easter, invites us to rejoice with unrestrained joy at the Incarnation—the Second Person of the Holy Trinity born of the Virgin Mary for our redemption.
Today also marks the beginning of the Octave of Christmas, eight days celebrated as one great feast, extending until the Solemnity of Mary, the Mother of God. The longings of the prophets are fulfilled, and with the shepherds we hasten to the manger to adore the Infant King. In the humility of Bethlehem—where there was no room in the inn—God reveals His glory through weakness and love. The Nativity reminds us that Christ comes not only to be born in history, but to be born anew in our hearts. As we gaze upon the Child laid in a manger, we are reminded that this divine gift is given for one reason: that we may have life, and have it in its fullness. May the joy of this holy day renew our faith, deepen our hope, and fill our hearts with lasting peace. 🙏🏽
SCRIPTURE REFLECTIONS:
Bible Readings for today’s Holy Mass, The Nativity of the Lord (Christmas) | USCCB | https://bible.usccb.org/daily-bible-reading
Today’s Bible Readings: The Nativity of the Lord (Christmas Day – Mass during the Day)
Reading 1: Isaiah 52:7–10
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 98:1, 2–3, 3–4, 5–6
Reading 2: Hebrews 1:1–6
Gospel: John 1:1–18
Gospel Reading ~ John 1:1–18
“And the Word became flesh and made His dwelling among us.”
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things came to be through him, and without him nothing came to be. What came to be through him was life, and this life was the light of the human race; the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it. A man named John was sent from God. He came for testimony, to testify to the light, so that all might believe through him. He was not the light, but came to testify to the light. The true light, which enlightens everyone, was coming into the world. He was in the world, and the world came to be through him, but the world did not know him. He came to what was his own, but his own people did not accept him. But to those who did accept him he gave power to become children of God, to those who believe in his name, who were born not by natural generation nor by human choice nor by a man’s decision but of God. And the Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us, and we saw his glory, the glory as of the Father’s only Son, full of grace and truth. John testified to him and cried out, saying, “This was he of whom I said, ‘The one who is coming after me ranks ahead of me because he existed before me.’” From his fullness we have all received, grace in place of grace, because while the law was given through Moses, grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. No one has ever seen God. The only Son, God, who is at the Father’s side, has revealed him.
In today’s Gospel, Saint John leads us into the mystery of Christmas in a profound and timeless way. Rather than beginning with a manger or shepherds, he takes us back to the very beginning of all things. “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.” With these words, we are reminded that the child born in Bethlehem is not merely a great teacher or prophet, but the eternal Son of God. Jesus existed before time itself. Through Him, all things were created, and without Him nothing came to be. Christmas, therefore, is not just the celebration of a birth, but the celebration of God entering His own creation.
John tells us that in the Word was life, and that this life was the light of the human race. This light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it. These words speak powerfully to our world today. Christ comes into a world marked by sin, suffering, confusion, and rejection, yet His light is stronger than every form of darkness. Christmas assures us that no matter how deep the darkness may seem, it cannot extinguish the light of Christ. God does not remain distant from human pain; He steps into it to bring hope and salvation.
The Gospel also speaks honestly about rejection. “He came to what was His own, but His own people did not accept Him.” From the very beginning, Jesus is misunderstood and refused. Yet, even in rejection, God’s mercy overflows. To those who do accept Him, to those who believe in His name, He gives the power to become children of God. Christmas is an invitation to receive Christ not just as a historical figure, but as Lord and Savior, and to allow Him to transform our identity. Through Him, we are reborn, not by human effort, but by God’s grace.
At the heart of today’s Gospel is the great mystery we celebrate: “And the Word became flesh and made His dwelling among us.” God chose to dwell among humanity, to take on our weakness, our limitations, and our struggles. In Jesus, God becomes visible. John tells us that no one has ever seen God, but the only Son, who is at the Father’s side, has revealed Him. In Christ, we come to know who God truly is merciful, faithful, loving, and near. Christmas proclaims that God is not far away; He is Emmanuel, God-with-us.
The First Reading from Isaiah announces the joy of salvation with poetic beauty and hope. The prophet speaks of messengers bringing good news, news of peace, salvation, and the reign of God. This is a proclamation of restoration: God is returning to His people, comforting them and redeeming Jerusalem. The image of the Lord baring His holy arm before all nations reminds us that God’s saving power is not hidden or limited, but revealed openly for the whole world to see. On Christmas Day, this prophecy finds its fulfillment in Christ, whose birth proclaims peace and whose life reveals God’s saving love to every corner of the earth.
The Responsorial Psalm continues this theme of joyful proclamation. It calls all people to sing a new song to the Lord because of His wondrous deeds. The psalm celebrates a God who remembers His kindness and faithfulness, making His salvation known to the nations. This is not a quiet joy but a universal celebration—voices, instruments, and hearts united in praise before the King, the Lord. At Christmas, the Church joins this song, rejoicing that God’s saving power has been revealed in the birth of Jesus, a salvation meant for all peoples and all generations.
In the Second Reading, the Letter to the Hebrews deepens our understanding of who this Child truly is. God, who once spoke through the prophets, now speaks fully and definitively through His Son. Jesus is described as the refulgence of God’s glory and the very imprint of His being fully divine, yet now revealed in human form. Through Him, creation was made, sins were purified, and salvation accomplished. The angels themselves worship Him, for He is not merely a messenger, but the Son of God. Christmas, therefore, is not only the birth of a child, but the revelation of God’s final and perfect Word to humanity.
As we celebrate Christmas today, we are invited not only to rejoice, but to respond. Do we welcome the light of Christ into every part of our lives? Do we allow Him to dwell within our hearts, our homes, and our relationships? The eternal Word has entered our world, bringing light into darkness and hope into every human situation. Christmas calls us to receive Christ anew, to believe in His name, to live as children of God, and to reflect His light in our daily lives. May this holy day deepen our faith, renew our hope, and fill our hearts with joy, as we behold the Word made flesh, full of grace and truth as we behold the Word made flesh, full of grace and truth, dwelling among us. 🙏🏽
Lord Jesus Christ, Eternal Word of the Father, we thank You for becoming flesh and dwelling among us. You are the light that shines in our darkness, the life that brings hope to the world. Help us to receive You with open hearts and to believe in Your saving power. As we celebrate Your birth today, dwell within us and transform us by Your grace. May our lives reflect Your light, Your truth, and Your love to all we meet. You live and reign with the Father and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever. Amen. 🙏🏽
MEMORIAL OF SAINT ANASTASIA, MARTYR – FEAST DAY: DECEMBER 25TH: On this solemn and joyful Feast of the Nativity of Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, the Church also commemorates the Memorial of Saint Anastasia, Martyr. While the world rejoices in the birth of Christ, Saint Anastasia stands as a powerful witness to the cost of discipleship and the triumph of faith over suffering. Her life reminds us that the light born in Bethlehem demands a response—one of courage, fidelity, and sacrificial love. As we celebrate Christ who comes to dwell among us, we also honor a woman who gave her life in witness to Him, choosing eternal life over earthly security. 🙏🏽
Saints of the Day with Daily Reflections | December 25th https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com
( Direct link to the detailed history of Saint Anastasia, Martyr | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/saints-of-the-day-feast-day-december-25th/)
SAINT ANASTASIA, MARTYR: Saint Anastasia (c. 281–314 A.D.) was a Roman noblewoman born into wealth and privilege, the daughter of a pagan father and a devout Christian mother who secretly had her baptized. Raised in faith despite great risk, Anastasia learned early that following Christ would demand courage and sacrifice. Married against her will to a pagan Roman official, she endured cruelty and suffering when her husband discovered her Christian faith. Yet she remained steadfast, refusing to renounce Christ even under threat and abuse.
After her husband’s death, Saint Anastasia dedicated her life entirely to works of mercy. She used her resources to aid persecuted Christians, visiting those imprisoned for their faith, comforting them, and tending to their wounds. Her compassion earned her deep love among the faithful, but also drew the attention of Roman authorities during the brutal persecutions under Emperor Diocletian. Arrested for her faith, Anastasia endured imprisonment, starvation, and severe torture. She ultimately gave her life as a martyr at Sirmium (in present-day Serbia), remaining faithful to Christ until death. Saint Anastasia was later venerated as a healer and deliverer, especially invoked against poison and spiritual affliction. Her name holds a place of honor in the Roman Canon of the Mass, where she is one of the seven women—besides the Blessed Virgin Mary—solemnly remembered in the Eucharistic Prayer. Her witness proclaims that the Christ born on Christmas Day is worth everything, even life itself.
PRAYER: O God, who strengthened Saint Anastasia to remain faithful to You amid suffering and persecution, grant us the grace to stand firm in our faith, even when it demands sacrifice. Through her intercession, may we grow in courage, charity, and unwavering trust in Your saving love. As we celebrate the birth of Your Son, help us to live as true witnesses to His light in the world. Through Christ our Lord. Amen. 🙏🏽
Our Blessed Mother Mary, and Saint Anastasia, Martyr ~ Pray for us. 🙏🏽
GENERAL PRAYERS AND INTENTIONS | PRAYERS FOR PEACE | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/general-prayers-and-intentions/
LIST OF ALL NOVENAS | Month of December | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/list-of-all-novenas-december/
COMMON CATHOLIC PRAYERS | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/common-catholic-prayers/
THE HOLY ROSARY: WHAT IS THE HOLY ROSARY AND WHY DO WE PRAY THE HOLY ROSARY? | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/2024/11/21/the-holy-rosary-what-is-the-holy-rosary-and-why-do-we-pray-the-holy-rosary/
KIND REMINDER: JUBILEE YEAR OF HOPE 2025 HOLY DOOR SCHEDULE TIMELINES | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/jubilee-of-hope-2025/
Please find below links to the websites for Daily Reflections, Foundation, and interesting topics and articles about our Catholic faith and doctrines | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/2025/01/30/daily-reflections-and-prayer-links/
THE POPE’S MONTHLY INTENTIONS FOR 2025: FOR THE MONTH OF DECEMBER: For Christians in areas of conflict. Let us pray that Christians living in areas of war or conflict, especially in the Middle East, might be seeds of peace, reconciliation and hope.
(https://popesprayerusa.net/popes-intentions/)
DEVOTION OF THE MONTH OF DECEMBER | MONTH OF THE IMMACULATE CONCEPTION: December is dedicated to the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary, a celebration of God’s most wondrous work in preparing a pure and spotless Mother for His Son. From the first moment of her existence, Mary was preserved from the stain of Original Sin by a singular grace and privilege, in view of the merits of Christ’s saving passion. She is the “all-holy,” full of grace, the radiant dawn announcing the coming of our Savior, and the perfect model of what God desires for every Christian—a life transformed by grace.
This devotion reaches its summit on December 8, the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception, one of the most cherished Marian feasts of the Church. Throughout this month, the Church invites us to contemplate Mary’s unique call, her purity of heart, and her total openness to God’s will. As we enter the Advent season and prepare for the birth of Christ, Mary stands before us as the first and most faithful disciple—the woman whose “yes” changed the course of salvation history.
In honoring Mary Immaculate, we are drawn into the mystery of God’s redeeming love and reminded that holiness is possible for us too through God’s grace. May this month awaken in us a deeper devotion to the Mother of God and inspire us to imitate her virtues of humility, purity, obedience, and trust.
“O Mary, conceived without sin, pray for us who have recourse to thee.” 🙏🏽
https://www.catholicculture.org/culture/library/view.cfm?recnum=12540
PRAYER INTENTIONS: On this holy day of Christmas, as we rejoice in the mystery of the Word made flesh, we lift our hearts in prayer to God who has revealed His salvation to the ends of the earth. We pray for the Church throughout the world, that she may faithfully proclaim the Good News of Christ, the Light who shines in the darkness, and bear joyful witness to His saving love. We remember all who suffer persecution for their faith, especially Christians who, like Saint Anastasia, remain steadfast amid trials, imprisonment, and suffering. May the Lord strengthen them with courage, protect them in danger, and grant them the consolation of His presence. We pray for families, the poor, the sick, and the lonely, that the peace of Christ born for us today may dwell in their hearts and homes. We also pray for our own intentions, that we may welcome Christ fully into our lives and live as true children of God, reflecting His light and love to the world.
LET US PRAY:
Loving and Eternal God, on this glorious day You have revealed Your Son as the Light of the world and the fulfillment of Your promises. As we celebrate the birth of Jesus, the Word made flesh, grant us hearts open to receive Him with faith and joy. Through the intercession of Saint Anastasia, Martyr, who gave her life in witness to Christ, strengthen us to remain faithful in times of trial and generous in love and service. May the salvation revealed today renew our hope, deepen our faith, and fill us with lasting peace. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen. 🙏🏽
Save Us, Savior of the World. Our Blessed Mother Mary, and Saint Anastasia ~ Pray for us 🙏🏾
Sacred Heart of Jesus, I place all my trust in you. Immaculate Heart of Mary, Pray for us. Amen 🙏🏽
Thanking God for the precious gift of this new day, and on this joyful Feast of the Nativity of Our Lord, may our hearts remain open to the wondrous mystery of Christ’s birth, who comes to dwell among us and bring light, hope, and salvation to the world. As we celebrate this holy day, we lift our hearts in gratitude for the greatest gift ever given, God Himself, born for us in humble love. May our Christmas be filled with the peace, joy, and grace that flow from the presence of Emmanuel, God-with-us. Alleluia! May God bless all those gathering with family and friends today, and may His love shine brightly in every home. Have a blessed, safe, grace-filled Christmas, a joyful celebration of the Lord’s birth, and a peaceful season of wonder and reflection. 🙏🏽
Blessings and Love always, Philomena 💖
Daily Reflections with Philomena | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/
Sir G.L.I Opiepe’s Health and Education Foundation | https://gliopiepehe.org
Sir G.L.I Opiepe’s Health and Education Foundation | Global Missions Now Awards |
https://youtu.be/gB31nuOFx0A?si=mSoZs-wiByhGs
North Texas Catholic Magazine | Dr. Philomena Ikowe – Life on Purpose (pages 44-45) | https://www.flipsnack.com/A9DFE877C6F/north-texas-catholic-magazine-mar-apr-issue-2025/full-view.html
Dr. Philomena Ikowe and Her Joyful Catholic Witness | Lights, Catholic, Action! | Podcast Interview | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/dr-philomena-ikowe-and-her-joyful-catholic-witness/