Solemnity of Mary, The Holy Mother of God, Thursday, January 1, 2026

Reflection on the WORD

“Messiah Child – Mary the Mother”: In today’s Gospel scene, the Messiah Child Jesus was asleep in the manger. His Mother Mary looks at Him with deep love, and humbly accepting of His Divine Mystery, that is beyond comprehension. Ponder on, “Mary conceived the Messiah through the Holy Spirit. The Church is inspired to honour Her as the Mother of God!”

Luke 2:16-21

The shepherds hurried away to Bethlehem and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby lying in the manger. When they saw the child they repeated what they had been told about him, and everyone who heard it was astonished at what the shepherds said to them. 

As for Mary, she treasured all these things and pondered them in her heart. And the shepherds went back glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, just as they had been told. 

When the eighth day came and the child was to be circumcised, they gave him the name Jesus, the name the angel had given him before his conception.

Today's Pointers on God's Word

As you read the passage what words, phases or meanings caught your attention?

  • God sent His angels as divine messengers to proclaim the Good News of God coming into our world, as a child to be born in a manger.  The first and honoured guests to hear of this “News” were the shepherds; the poorest of the poor in Israel.  
  • The shepherds listened attentively, believed wholeheartedly and responded trustfully.  How have you responded to God coming into your life at Christmas so far? 
  • As we begin the New Year, spend some time to reflect on the Truth that God Himself has now come into our lives and is determined that we fulfil His hopes of living for Him in this world and with Him for all eternity in His glory.