The Christmas octave has an interesting flow of feasts. Yesterday, we celebrated the martyrdom of Saint Stephen. Tomorrow, we celebrate the martyrdom of the Holy Innocents.

Today, we celebrate Saint John the evangelist. What’s the significance of having his feast between two martyr feast days?

Perhaps the answer lies in John’s testimony of the Incarnation. The Word became flesh. St Athanasius, “He [Jesus] became what we are so that He might make us what He is.”

Christmas is the recognition of God’s nearness to us! Saint John is popularly portrayed as placing his ears against the chest of our Lord. We must do the same this Christmas. Place our ears against the heart of the Christ child and listen attentively to the heart that has loved us!

In my opinion, no other carol sings of the Incarnation as profoundly as God, Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen. It beautifully expresses the mission of the Word. Take a listen!