THE OCTAVE OF CHRISTMAS
SAINTS OF THE DAY ~ FEAST DAY: DECEMBER 27, 2025 | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/category/saints-of-the-day
FEAST OF SAINT JOHN THE APOSTLE AND EVANGELIST | DECEMBER 27TH | Direct link to the detailed history of Saint John| https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/saint-of-the-day-feast-day-december-27th/
Watch “Holy Mass and Holy Rosary | EWTN | December 27, 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-27-2025/
THE LITURGICAL YEAR IN THE CATHOLIC CHURCH | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/the-liturgical-year-in-the-catholic-church/
Greetings and blessings, beloved family!
Thanking God for the gift of this new day, we rejoice within the Octave of Christmas as the Church celebrates the Feast of Saint John, Apostle and Evangelist, the beloved disciple who bore witness to the Word made flesh. As the joy of Christ’s birth continues to echo in our hearts, today’s celebration invites us to contemplate the mystery of the Incarnation through the eyes of one who saw, believed, and proclaimed the Risen Lord with love and fidelity. In this sacred season, may our hearts be filled with light, faith, and joy, as we are drawn into deeper communion with Christ, the eternal Word, who dwells among us and makes our joy complete. May this day be grace-filled, peaceful, and rich in the abiding presence of Emmanuel, God-with-us. 🙏🏽
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/
SCRIPTURE REFLECTIONS:
Bible Readings for today’s Holy Mass, The Octave of Christmas | USCCB | https://bible.usccb.org/daily-bible-reading
Today’s Bible Readings: Feast of Saint John, Apostle and Evangelist | December 27, 2025
Reading 1: 1 John 1:1–4
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 97:1–2, 5–6, 11–12
Gospel: John 20:1a and 2–8
Gospel Reading ~ John 20:1a and 2–8
“Then the other disciple also went in, the one who had arrived at the tomb first, and he saw and believed.”
On the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene ran and went to Simon Peter and to the other disciple whom Jesus loved, and told them, “They have taken the Lord from the tomb, and we do not know where they put him.” So Peter and the other disciple went out and came to the tomb. They both ran, but the other disciple ran faster than Peter and arrived at the tomb first; he bent down and saw the burial cloths there, but did not go in. When Simon Peter arrived after him, he went into the tomb and saw the burial cloths there, and the cloth that had covered his head, not with the burial cloths but rolled up in a separate place. Then the other disciple also went in, the one who had arrived at the tomb first, and he saw and believed.
In today’s Gospel, Saint John, the beloved disciple, teaches us a profound lesson about faith. His belief is not based on physical proof alone, but on love and intimacy with Christ. He had leaned on Jesus’ breast at the Last Supper, stood faithfully at the foot of the Cross, and now, seeing the signs of the Resurrection, his heart recognizes the truth before his mind fully understands it. This is the faith that springs from deep relationship rather than mere evidence.
Reflecting more deeply on the Gospel, we see that John’s response contrasts with our own tendency to demand certainty before believing. Often, we want clear answers, dramatic signs, or undeniable proof before we place our trust in God. Yet John teaches us that love opens the eyes of faith. His belief flows naturally from a heart that has remained close to Jesus in moments of joy and suffering alike. The empty tomb becomes a space not of confusion, but of quiet revelation, where love recognizes what reason has not yet grasped.
In the First Reading, Saint John himself speaks to the Church, proclaiming what he has “heard,” “seen,” and “touched” concerning the Word of Life. Christianity, he reminds us, is not an idea or philosophy, but a living encounter with Christ. The Word became visible, tangible, and real, so that we might have fellowship with the Father and the Son. John writes not only to inform, but to invite us into communion, so that our joy may be complete. Faith, therefore, is meant to be shared; it draws us into unity with God and with one another.
The Responsorial Psalm echoes this joy-filled faith with the proclamation: “Rejoice in the Lord, you just!” The psalm celebrates God’s kingship, justice, and glory revealed to all peoples. Light dawns for the just, and gladness for the upright of heart. This rejoicing is not shallow happiness, but the deep gladness that comes from trusting in the Lord who reigns, even amid mystery. Like Saint John, the psalm invites us to rejoice because God’s truth and justice will always prevail.
As we reflect on the Sacred Scriptures today, we are invited to examine the quality of our own faith. Do we remain close to Jesus even when we do not fully understand His ways? Do we allow love to lead us to belief, especially in moments of uncertainty or loss? Saint John teaches us that faith grows through intimacy with Christ and fidelity in both darkness and light. When we stay with the Lord, even at the Cross, we are given the grace to recognize His Resurrection in our lives.
May today’s readings inspire us to be witnesses of what we have seen and heard in our encounter with Christ. Like Saint John, may we live as disciples of love, whose faith springs from deep communion with the Lord. In a world searching for truth and certainty, our quiet, faithful belief can become a powerful testimony that Christ is truly risen and alive among us. May the Lord grant us the grace to believe with loving hearts, rejoice in His light, and proclaim Him with joy, now and always. Amen. 🙏🏽
FEAST OF SAINT JOHN THE APOSTLE AND EVANGELIST (Patron of Asia Minor, Theologians, and Writers) – FEAST DAY: DECEMBER 27TH: Today, the Church joyfully celebrates the Feast of Saint John the Apostle and Evangelist, the Third Day within the Octave of Christmas. As we continue to contemplate the mystery of the Incarnation, this feast invites us to reflect on the intimate love, faithfulness, and deep spiritual insight of the disciple whom Jesus loved. Saint John’s life and witness draw us into the heart of the Christmas mystery, reminding us that the Word who became flesh calls us into a relationship of love, fidelity, and truth. As both Apostle and Evangelist, Saint John reveals Christ not only through proclamation but through a life lived close to the heart of the Savior. 🙏🏾
Saints of the Day with Daily Reflections | December 27th https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com
(Direct link to the detailed history of Saint John the Apostle and Evangelist | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/saint-of-the-day-feast-day-december-27th/)
SAINT JOHN THE APOSTLE AND EVANGELIST: Saint John the Evangelist (1st century), son of Zebedee and brother of Saint James the Great, was called by Our Lord during the first year of His public ministry. One of the Twelve Apostles, he belonged to Jesus’ inner circle with Peter and James and is traditionally known as the “Beloved Disciple.” John reclined on the breast of Jesus at the Last Supper and remained faithfully at the foot of the Cross, where Christ entrusted His Blessed Mother, Mary, to his care. He is traditionally regarded as the author of the fourth Gospel, three Epistles, and the Book of Revelation, offering profound insight into the mystery of Christ and His divine love.
After the Resurrection, Saint John became a key leader of the early Church, serving especially in Jerusalem and later in Ephesus, where he founded Christian communities throughout Asia Minor. Tradition holds that he survived persecution under Emperor Domitian, including exile to the island of Patmos, where he received the visions recorded in the Apocalypse. Unlike the other Apostles, John was not martyred but lived to old age, dying peacefully around the year 100. Known as the Apostle of Charity, he taught that love is the heart of Christian life, a lesson he learned from Christ and lived faithfully until the end.
PRAYER: O God, through Saint John the Apostle and Evangelist, You revealed to the Church the depths of Your Word made flesh. Grant that what he so faithfully proclaimed, we may come to understand with minds enlightened by faith and hearts inflamed with love. Through his intercession, help us to remain close to Christ, to stand firm in times of trial, and to live always in charity and truth. Through Christ our Lord. Amen. 🙏🏾
Our Blessed Mother Mary and Saint John the Apostle and Evangelist ~ 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 Feast of Saint John the Apostle and Evangelist, we lift our prayers to the Lord, asking that the Church may always remain faithful to the truth she has seen and heard, boldly proclaiming the Word of Life with love and integrity. We pray for bishops, priests, religious, and all who teach the faith, that, like Saint John, they may bear joyful witness to Christ through lives rooted in charity and communion. We pray for all believers struggling with doubt or uncertainty, that they may come to believe through love and encounter, and recognize the Risen Lord even in moments of silence and mystery. We remember those who suffer persecution for their faith, those who grieve, and all who seek meaning and hope, that the light of Christ may dawn upon them and fill their hearts with peace and gladness. We also pray for ourselves, that our fellowship with the Father and the Son may grow deeper each day, and that our joy may be made complete in faithful discipleship.
LET US PRAY:
Loving Father, You revealed the mystery of Your Son to the beloved disciple, who saw, believed, and proclaimed the Word of Life with joy. Grant us hearts like Saint John’s faithful in love, steadfast in hope, and bold in witness. Help us to believe even when we do not fully understand, to remain close to Christ in times of light and darkness, and to rejoice always in the truth of His Resurrection. May our lives proclaim what we have seen and heard, so that others may come to share in the fellowship of Your love. Through Christ our Lord. Amen. 🙏🏽
Save Us, Savior of the World. Our Blessed Mother Mary, and Saint John ~ 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 as we continue our joyful celebration of the Octave of Christmas, 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 journey through these holy days, we lift our hearts in gratitude for the greatest gift ever given: God Himself, born for us in humble love. May this sacred season fill our lives 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 during this blessed time, and may His love shine brightly in every home. May these days of the Christmas Octave be safe, grace-filled, and joyful, drawing us ever deeper into the mystery of the Lord’s Incarnation and the quiet wonder of His abiding presence among us. 🙏🏽
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/