By Kevin J. Jones
Denver, Colo., Dec 25, 2024 / 04:00 am
The Christmas season in the Catholic calendar is a time of great significance and celebration. In the Western liturgical tradition, Christmas is observed as an octave, spanning eight days of joyous commemoration of the birth of Jesus Christ.
Commencing on Christmas Day itself, the octave of Christmas culminates in the solemnity of Mary, Mother of God, on Jan. 1, 2025. This year, the solemnity falls on a Wednesday, marking the beginning of the new year with a special tribute to the Blessed Virgin Mary.
One intriguing aspect of this period is the change in liturgical vestments worn by clergy. Throughout the eight days of Christmas, priests and deacons don white vestments during Mass, symbolizing purity and joy.
However, there are exceptions to this rule on specific feast days when clergy don red vestments, signifying martyrdom. These feast days include the commemorations of St. Stephen on Dec. 26 and the Holy Innocents on Dec. 28.
St. Stephen, a deacon in the early Church, was the first martyr after the resurrection of Jesus. He bravely proclaimed Christ as the fulfillment of the Old Testament and was put to death for his faith. His witness to the truth of the Gospel was so powerful that even Saul, who later became St. Paul, was among those who witnessed his martyrdom.
The Holy Innocents, innocent children who were slain by King Herod in his quest to eliminate the infant Jesus, are also honored as martyrs. Their tragic sacrifice serves as a poignant reminder of the brutality of the world and the need to protect the most vulnerable.
On Dec. 27, the Church commemorates St. John the Apostle, known as Jesus’ “beloved disciple.” John played a pivotal role in the early Church, spreading the message of Christ through his evangelism and writings. He is credited with authoring the Gospel of John and three letters in the New Testament, leaving a lasting legacy of faith and love.
