There are five holy days in December and January dedicated to some or all of the members of the Holy Family. The accompanying Gospel readings for each day tell the story of Mary’s pregnancy, and of Jesus’ childhood and family life. Below are the dates and readings for the 2009 December and January holy days:
- Dec. 8 — Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary. The Gospel reading will be Luke 1:26-38, which tells the story of the angel Gabriel’s visit to announce Mary’s pregnancy.
- Dec. 25 — Solemnity of the Nativity of the Lord. Depending on the time of day, the Gospel reading will be Luke 2:1-14, Luke 2:15-20 or John 1:1-18, which tell the story of Jesus’ birth and his visits from shepherds, and of John the Baptist, respectively.
- Dec. 27 — Feast of the Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph. The Gospel reading will be Luke 2:41-52, which tells the story of the Holy Family’s journey to Jerusalem when Jesus was 12 and his extended stay at the temple while his parents searched for him.
- Jan. 1 — Solemnity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of God. The Gospel reading will be Luke 2:16-21, which describes the shepherds’ visit to the baby Jesus.
- Jan. 3 — Solemnity of the Epiphany of the Lord. The Gospel reading is Matthew 2:1-12, which tells of the Magis’ visit to the infant Jesus.
