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Reflection: "A voice was heard in Ramah, sobbing and loud lamentation; Rachel weeping for her children, and she would not be consoled, since they were no more." -1 John 2:2

Challenge: Today is the Feast of the Holy Innocents, a day when the blood of innocent children cries out and we remember them with reverence and love. It is also a day when that points to the obedience of St. Joseph who heeded the warning of the angel and took Mary and Jesus into Egypt to escape this massacre. Ponder these mysteries.

As we draw closer to the New Year, how is God asking you to be more obedient to His will? Where is He calling you to change? What one resolution will make the greatest impact in your relationship with Him?

Reflection: "For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in Him may not perish but may have eternal life." -John 3:16

Challenge: As you have journeyed with Mary through Advent into the Christmas season, ponder how God has worked in your life, drawing you closer to Himself through the joys and challenges of your time of preparation. Make note of the many ways you are grateful for the gift of faith and belief in Christ.

Reflection: "Mankind is a great, an immense family...This is proved by what we feel in our hearts at Christmas." - Pope John XXIII

Challenge: How can you love your family better during this Christmas season? How can you love better your extended family, the family of God as well?

Reflection: O holy night! The stars are brightly shining, It is the night of our dear Saviour's birth. Long lay the world in sin and error pining, Till He appear'd and the soul felt its worth. A thrill of hope, the weary world rejoices, For yonder breaks a new and glorious morn.

Fall on your knees! O hear the angel voices! O night divine, O night when Christ was born; O night divine, O night, O night Divine.

Led by the light of Faith serenely beaming, With glowing hearts by His cradle we stand. So led by light of a star sweetly gleaming, Here come the wise men from the Orient land. The King of Kings lay thus in lowly manger; In all our trials born to be our friend.

He knows our need, to our weaknesses no stranger, Behold your King! Before Him lowly bend! Behold your King, Before Him lowly bend!

Truly He taught us to love one another; His law is love and His gospel is peace. Chains shall He break for the slave is our brother; And in His name all oppression shall cease. Sweet hymns of joy in grateful chorus raise we, Let all within us praise His holy name.

Christ is the Lord! O praise His Name forever, His power and glory evermore proclaim. His power and glory evermore proclaim. - O Holy Night by John Sullivan

Challenge: Ponder the holy moment of Christ's birth when the Word was made flesh and dwelt among us. What does it mean to you this year? How will you carry Jesus Christ anew in your heart throughout 2019?

Reflection: "O Jesus, I ask only for peace -- peace and, above all, love that is without measure or limits." - St. Therese of Lisieux

Challenge: This reflection from St. Therese reminds us that "perfect love casts out fear." Our Lady was the perfect example of perfect love. Ask her to show you where you need to love more? Who do you need to forgive so that you might experience fully the peace of Christ on Christmas day?