Christmas Eve Eucharist

This homily reflects on the popular Christmas song “Mary Did You Know” and asks what Mary truly knew about her Son. By walking through four events in Luke’s Gospel, the preacher shows that Mary knew a great deal. At the annunciation, the angel Gabriel told her that she would conceive by the Holy Spirit and give birth to the promised Messiah who would reign forever. Elizabeth confirmed this truth and honored Mary as the mother of her Lord. The angels announced Jesus’ birth to the shepherds as that of Christ the Lord, and Mary treasured their words. Simeon later identified the child as God’s salvation for Israel and the nations and warned Mary of future sorrow. These events show that Mary knew her Son as the Son of God, the Savior, and the long awaited Messiah. With her, the Church rejoices and adores Christ.