Octave Day of the Nativity of the Lord, the Solemnity of Mary, the Holy Mother of God

Today the Church celebrates the Octave Day of the Nativity of the Lord, the Solemnity of Mary, the Holy Mother of God. The assigned readings are Numbers 6:22-27, Galatians 4:4-7, and Luke 2:16-21. The Responsorial Psalm is Psalm 67 (Psalm 67:2-3, 5-6, 8).

For one version of the Responsorial Psalm set to music, please visit:

YouTube: Psalm 67 – May God bless us in his mercy

The Gospel reading is as follows: 

The shepherds went in haste to Bethlehem and found Mary and Joseph, and the infant lying in the manger. When they saw this, they made known the message that had been told them about this child. All who heard it were amazed by what had been told them by the shepherds. And Mary kept all these things, reflecting on them in her heart. Then the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, just as it had been told to them.
When eight days were completed for his circumcision, he was named Jesus, the name given him by the angel before he was conceived in the womb.

Reflections related to these readings and this feast day:

Msgr. Charles Pope: The Rich Tapestry Faith On New Years Day (31 DEC 18)

Oblates of St. Francis de Sales: Sundays Salesian: Mary, Mother of God (January 1, 2019)

The Deacon's Bench: Resolutions: Homily for January 1, 2019, Solemnity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, the Mother of God (31 DEC 18)

Dr. Marcellino D’Ambrosio: Mary, the Mother of God?

The Sacred Page: Mary, Mother of God (31 DEC 18) 

Spirituality of the Readings: Calm (Solemnity of Mary, the Holy Mother of God)

In Exile: The Mother Tongue (Solemnity of Mary, the Holy Mother of God)

Let the Scriptures Speak: Mary Mother of God (Solemnity of Mary, the Holy Mother of God)

The Word Engaged: First the Savor, Then the Sending (Solemnity of Mary, the Holy Mother of God)

Thoughts from the Early Church: Commentary by John Chrysostom (Solemnity of Mary, the Holy Mother of God)