The Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph

When we celebrate Christmas we honor the birth of Christ come in the flesh to dwell among us. But like any child in this world, he is born into a family. The Christian value of family life is highlighted this day when we pray in the opening prayer by asking God to help us imitate the example of the Holy Family by practicing the virtues of family life and the bonds of charity. It is the bond of charity that holds a family together. Whatever the makeup of our particular family, exercising the bond of charity within the family unit helps us act in charity out in the world.