Christmas is a time of joy and celebration, and throughout the centuries, many saints have shared their thoughts and reflections on this special holiday. Their words continue to inspire and remind us of the true meaning of Christmas. From St. Augustine to St. John Chrysostom, their quotes offer wisdom, faith, and hope.
“What good is it to me that Mary once gave birth to the Son of God, 1400 years ago, if I do not also give birth to Him in my time and my culture? We are all meant to be Mothers of God.” -St. Meister Eckhart
“It is Christmas every time you let God love others through you… yes, it is Christmas every time you smile at your brother and offer him your hand.” -St. Teresa of Calcutta
“When the song of the angels is stilled, when the star in the sky is gone, when the kings and princes are home, when the shepherds are back with their flocks, the work of Christmas begins: to find the lost, to heal the broken, to feed the hungry, to release the prisoner, to rebuild the nations, to bring peace among the people, to make music in the heart.” -St. Howard Thurman
“What is Christmas? It is tenderness for the past, courage for the present, hope for the future. It is a fervent wish that every cup may overflow with blessings rich and eternal, and that every path may lead to peace.” -St. Agnes Winter
Saint Augustine’s Reflections on Christmas
Saint Augustine, one of the most influential Christian theologians, pondered deeply on the significance of Christmas. He reflected on the profound mystery of the Incarnation, where God became man in the person of Jesus Christ, and how this event brought hope and salvation to humanity.
Augustine emphasized the importance of Christmas as a time to celebrate the birth of Jesus, the Son of God. He saw in this humble birth the fulfillment of divine promises and the beginning of a new era of redemption.
Augustine wrote, “The Word became flesh to make us children of God. The only Son of God, having become man, became the Son of man, so that by taking our humanity, He might grant us His divinity.”
He saw in the birth of Jesus a renewal of humanity and a call to live in harmony with the teachings of Christ. Augustine believed that through Christ’s birth, God revealed His boundless love for humanity and provided a path to salvation.
For Augustine, Christmas was not just a historical event but a personal invitation to encounter the transformative presence of God. He understood that the birth of Christ was a divine gift, an opportunity for each individual to draw close to God and experience His love and mercy.
Augustine encouraged believers to reflect on the true meaning of Christmas and to embrace the joy and hope it brings. He wrote, “Rejoice, because the Lord exists, for when the Lord exists, there is no lack of joy. Rejoice, because you exist, for when you exist, there is no lack of joy in the Lord.”
As we celebrate Christmas, let us reflect on the wisdom of Saint Augustine and embrace the true spirit of this holy season. May we find joy in the birth of Jesus and open our hearts to His love, mercy, and grace.
Saint Teresa of Calcutta’s Words for Christmas
Saint Teresa of Calcutta, also known as Mother Teresa, dedicated her life to serving the poor and needy. Her words continue to inspire and guide people during the Christmas season. Here are some of her quotes:
- “It is Christmas every time you let God love others through you.”
- “The Christmas spirit is the spirit of giving without a thought of getting. It is happiness because we see joy in people.”
- “Christmas is the time for love. It is the time for caring, for sharing, for giving, and forgiving.”
- “Christmas is not just a time for festivity and merrymaking. It is more than that. It is a time for the contemplation of eternal things. The Christmas spirit is a spirit of giving and forgiving.”
- “Christmas, to be truly Christmas, needs love and compassion, forgiveness, and joy.”
- “Let us not be satisfied with just giving money. Money is not enough, money can be got, but they need your hearts to love them.”
- “The greatest gift you can give someone is your time. Because when you give your time, you are giving a portion of your life that you will never get back. “
These words from Saint Teresa of Calcutta remind us of the true meaning of Christmas, which is to love, care, and share with others. May her words inspire us to make this Christmas a season of giving, forgiveness, and joy.
Saint Francis of Assisi’s Christmas Thoughts
Saint Francis of Assisi, the patron saint of animals and the environment, had a unique perspective on Christmas. He believed that the birth of Jesus was not just a historical event, but a powerful symbol of humility, love, and sacrifice.
In one of his famous Christmas sermons, Saint Francis said, “For it is in giving that we receive, it is in pardoning that we are pardoned, and it is in dying that we are born to eternal life.” These words remind us that Christmas is not just about receiving gifts, but about giving of ourselves and showing compassion to others.
Saint Francis also had a deep reverence for animals and nature, and he saw them as part of God’s creation. In his Nativity scenes, he often included live animals to remind people of the humble setting of Jesus’ birth. He believed that the animals had a special role in celebrating the birth of Christ.
As we celebrate Christmas, let us remember the message of Saint Francis of Assisi. Let us give of ourselves, forgive others, and find new life in the spirit of love and humility. And let us not forget the importance of caring for the animals and the environment, as a reflection of God’s creation and our responsibility to be good stewards.
Saint John Paul II’s Messages on Christmas
Saint John Paul II, also known as Pope John Paul II, was the head of the Catholic Church from 1978 to 2005. Throughout his papacy, he delivered several messages on the significance of Christmas. Here are some of his notable quotes:
“Christmas is the feast of life. It is the feast of love and of joy.”
“Christmas reminds us that God became man, taking on our humanity, so that we may become more like Him.”
In his messages, Saint John Paul II emphasized the importance of celebrating Christmas not just as a historical event, but as a reminder of God’s love for humanity. He taught that Christmas is a time to reflect on the gift of Jesus Christ, who came into the world to bring salvation and eternal life.
“Christmas is a time of hope, a time to renew our faith and trust in God’s plan for humanity.”
Saint John Paul II encouraged believers to embrace the hope and joy of Christmas, even in times of difficulty or uncertainty. He reminded them that Christ’s birth brings hope to a world in need of redemption and restoration.
“Let us open our hearts to the message of Christmas, and let the light of Christ illuminate our lives.”
The message of Christmas, according to Saint John Paul II, is a message of love, peace, and reconciliation. He urged believers to allow the light of Christ to guide their actions and decisions, so that they may become bearers of God’s love and mercy to others.
In conclusion, Saint John Paul II’s messages on Christmas emphasized the importance of celebrating the birth of Christ with joy, hope, and openness to God’s love. His words continue to inspire believers around the world to embrace the true meaning of Christmas and to share the message of God’s love with others.
Saint Therese of Lisieux’s Christmas Devotions
Saint Therese of Lisieux, also known as “The Little Flower,” was a French Carmelite nun who lived from 1873 to 1897. She is known for her autobiography, “The Story of a Soul,” and her teachings on the “Little Way” of spiritual childhood.
During the Christmas season, Saint Therese had a profound devotion to the mystery of the Incarnation. She meditated on the humility and simplicity of God becoming man, and she found great joy and hope in this reality.
In one of her Christmas letters, Saint Therese wrote, “How sweet and consoling it is to think that from the depths of an infinite love, God becomes a little child for us! He wants to be our brother.” These words reflect her deep love for Jesus and her understanding of His profound love for humanity.
Saint Therese also wrote, “Christmas is the feast of the little ones. God became a little child for us, and He wants us to be like little children, completely dependent on Him.” She encouraged others to approach Christmas with childlike trust and simplicity, recognizing that it is through our weakness and littleness that God’s grace can work most powerfully.
For Saint Therese, Christmas was a time of spiritual renewal and a reminder of the immense love God has for each person. She wrote, “During this holy season, let us open our hearts wide to receive the Infant Jesus. Let us get rid of everything that would prevent His love from entering within us. Let us love His poverty, His littleness, and let us give ourselves entirely to Him who gives Himself entirely to us.”
Saint Therese’s Christmas devotions teach us the importance of embracing the true meaning of Christmas – God’s love made present in the world. Through her writings, she invites us to approach Christmas with childlike wonder and awe, and to open our hearts to the love that God offers us through the Incarnation.
As we celebrate Christmas, may Saint Therese’s reflections inspire us to deepen our own devotion to the mystery of the Incarnation and to live with childlike trust and love for our Savior.
Saint Bernard of Clairvaux’s Christmas Sermons
- Saint Bernard of Clairvaux, a French abbot and theologian of the 12th century, delivered several sermons on the topic of Christmas during his lifetime.
- In his sermons, Saint Bernard emphasized the significance of the Incarnation, the birth of Jesus Christ, as the ultimate act of God’s love for humanity.
- He spoke about the humility and poverty of Jesus’ birth, highlighting the contrast between the King of Kings being born in a lowly manger.
- Saint Bernard encouraged his listeners to contemplate the mystery of Christ’s birth and to strive for a deeper understanding of God’s love and mercy.
- He reminded his audience of the importance of embracing the humility and simplicity of Jesus’ birth, as a model for living a virtuous and Christ-centered life.
- Saint Bernard also discussed the significance of the shepherds and the wise men in the Nativity story, emphasizing the universal call to witness and adore the newborn Savior.
- Throughout his sermons, Saint Bernard conveyed a message of hope, peace, and joy, inviting his listeners to rejoice in the gift of salvation that was brought into the world through the birth of Jesus.
- His words continue to inspire and challenge believers to this day, reminding them of the true meaning and spirit of Christmas.
Saint Padre Pio’s Teachings on the True Meaning of Christmas
Saint Padre Pio, also known as Padre Pio of Pietrelcina, was a beloved Italian Franciscan friar and priest who lived in the 20th century. He was known for his holiness and deep spiritual insights. Here are some of his teachings on the true meaning of Christmas:
1. The Birth of God’s Love
Saint Padre Pio emphasized that the real meaning of Christmas lies in the birth of Jesus Christ, who is the embodiment of God’s love for humanity. He believed that Christmas should be a time of deep reflection on this love and a reminder for us to share it with others.
“Let us celebrate Christmas, not merely by exchanging gifts and worldly pleasures, but by bringing the love of Christ into our hearts and spreading it to all those we meet.”
2. The Gift of Humility
In his teachings, Saint Padre Pio often spoke about the importance of humility, especially during the Christmas season. He believed that Christmas is a time to embrace simplicity and seek true greatness in serving others, following the example of Jesus who was born in a humble manger.
“Christmas calls us to lower ourselves, to be small in the eyes of the world, and to recognize that true greatness lies in humility and service to others.”
3. The Joy of Salvation
For Saint Padre Pio, Christmas was a time of great joy because it marked the birth of our Savior Jesus Christ who came to bring salvation to the world. He believed that this joy should be shared with others, especially those in need, as a way of expressing gratitude for God’s gift of salvation.
“Let the joy of Christmas flow from our hearts and fill the hearts of those in need. By sharing our blessings, we participate in God’s plan of salvation for all.”
These teachings of Saint Padre Pio remind us that Christmas is not just about the decorations and presents, but about embracing the love of Christ, humble service, and the joy of salvation. May we strive to keep these teachings in our hearts as we celebrate the true meaning of Christmas.