Episode 2808: The Crib, the Eucharist, and the Song of Heaven - Morning Episode

Episode 929: Christmas Eve - Christmas Day - Christmas Night

Episode 1724: St. Anastasia

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Advent season ends on Christmas Eve, December 24, just before the celebration of the Vigil Mass of Christmas. The Advent season leads up to Christmas and focuses on preparation for the coming of Christ, both in His Nativity and His Second Coming.
The period between Christmas Day (December 25) and the Feast of the Epiphany (traditionally celebrated on January 6) is called the Twelve Days of Christmas. This time is often referred to as Christmastide and is a festive season celebrating the Nativity of Christ.
In the liturgical calendar, it is part of the Christmas Season, which extends from Christmas Day until the Feast of the Baptism of the Lord, typically the Sunday after Epiphany. The Feast of the Baptism of the Lord is typically celebrated on the Sunday after Epiphany. In 2024, the feast will fall on Sunday, January 7 in most liturgical calendars. This marks the conclusion of the Christmas season of the Roman Rite.

The Crib, the Eucharist, and the Song of Heaven
Welcome to today’s episode, where we explore the beauty of the Nativity, the Eucharist, and the unending song of the angels. Christmas is a time of profound mystery: God becomes man, the Infinite enters the finite, and the Creator of the universe is cradled in a manger.
But this mystery isn’t just a moment in history; it continues today, most profoundly in the Eucharist, the source and summit of our faith. We’ll weave together scripture, the wisdom of St. John Chrysostom, the reflections of Pope Benedict XVI, and Isaiah’s prophecy to reflect on the joy and peace brought to us by Christ’s birth and His Real Presence.
Let’s begin with the prophetic words of Isaiah:
"For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government will be upon his shoulder, and his name will be called 'Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.'" —Isaiah 9:6
Segment 1: The Child in the Crib and the Bread of Life
The crib at Bethlehem is where the mystery of the Incarnation first unfolds. The Son of God, fully divine and fully human, is born into poverty and simplicity. This image of humility calls us to adore Him with childlike faith.
St. John Chrysostom draws a profound connection between the crib and the Eucharist:
"If we approach with faith, we too will see Jesus ... for the Eucharistic table takes the place of the crib. Here the Body of the Lord is present, wrapped not in swaddling clothes but in the rays of the Holy Spirit."
In the Eucharist, the same Christ born in Bethlehem becomes present under the appearance of bread and wine. Just as the shepherds and Magi came to adore Him in the manger, we are invited to adore Him at the altar. Advent and Christmas remind us of this sacred reality: the child born in Bethlehem is the Bread of Life given for the salvation of the world.
Segment 2: The Angels’ Eternal Song
The Gospel of Luke recounts the angelic proclamation:
"And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among men with whom he is pleased” (Lk 2:12-14).
Pope Benedict XVI reflects on this moment:
"According to the evangelist, the angels ‘said’ this. But Christianity has always understood that the speech of angels is actually song, in which all the glory of the great joy that they proclaim becomes tangibly present. And so, from that moment, the angels’ song of praise has never gone silent. It continues down the centuries in constantly new forms and it resounds ever anew at the celebration of Jesus’ birth."
The angels’ song is more than a one-time event it is eternal. Every time we celebrate the Eucharist, we join their heavenly hymn of praise. At Mass, we echo their words in the Sanctus: "Holy, Holy, Holy Lord God of hosts. Heaven and earth are full of Your glory."
Christmas carols, which are a hallmark of the season, are an extension of this angelic song. As we sing, we not only recall the birth of Christ but also participate in the joy of heaven, proclaiming the great news that peace has come to earth through the Prince of Peace.
Segment 3: Peace on Earth, A Gift of the Savior
Isaiah’s prophecy reminds us of the titles of Christ:
"Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace."
The peace proclaimed by the angels is not merely the absence of conflict. It is a deeper, supernatural peace that reconciles humanity with God. This peace is made possible through the Incarnation and reaches its fulfillment in the Paschal Mystery.
As we prepare to celebrate Christmas, let us open our hearts to this peace. Let us approach the crib and the Eucharist with the same faith and wonder as the shepherds and Magi. The child born in Bethlehem comes to bring light to our darkness, joy to our sorrow, and peace to our restless hearts.
Conclusion Prayer
Let us end with a prayer to the Prince of Peace, born in Bethlehem and present in the Eucharist.
Heavenly Father,
We thank You for the gift of Your Son, Jesus Christ, born of the Virgin Mary in the humble manger of Bethlehem. In Him, You have revealed Your infinite love and mercy, calling us to share in Your divine life.
Lord Jesus,
You are the Bread of Life, wrapped not in swaddling clothes but in the rays of the Holy Spirit upon the altar. Help us to approach You in the Eucharist with the same faith and adoration as the shepherds at the crib. May we carry Your peace into a world longing for hope and healing.
Holy Spirit,
Fill our hearts with the angelic joy that resounds through the ages. Teach us to sing with the heavenly host: "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men of goodwill." Transform us this Christmas, that we may become bearers of Christ’s peace to all we meet.
We ask this through the intercession of Mary, Mother of the Eucharist, and St. Joseph, protector of the Holy Family. Amen.
Thank you for joining us today. May this Christmas season draw you closer to the Prince of Peace, who comes to us in the crib and in the Eucharist. Until next time, may God bless you and keep you in His love.