Saint of the Day
Ss. Basil the Great and Gregory Nazianzen
Basil the Great (330–379) and Gregory Nazianzen (329–390) were lifelong friends and towering theologians of the Eastern Church, together with Gregory of Nyssa known as the Cappadocian Fathers. Basil founded monastic communities and hospitals, wrote foundational rules for Eastern monasticism, and defended Nicene orthodoxy against the Arian emperor Valens. Gregory was a reluctant bishop and one of the greatest preachers of the ancient church, whose theological orations on the Trinity helped secure the orthodox definition at the Council of Constantinople (381).
Scripture Reading
Isaiah 9:2
The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of deep darkness a light has dawned.
Reflection
Isaiah's great light was not a gentle candle-glow but a dawn breaking over people who had endured a long, long night. The Christmas season continues to extend that light into the new year. Whatever darkness characterized the year just passed, the light has dawned and is dawning still. We carry this light into a new year, charged with showing others that the darkness does not have the final word.
Prayer for Today
Dear Lord, don't let us miss You this Christmas season. Help us to simplify our activities and traditions so we can focus our celebration on Your birth. Thank You for being the Prince of Peace, and I ask You for that supernatural peace to reign in our hearts. Thank You for the simple but life-changing message of Your love for us. In Jesus' Name, Amen.
Amen.