The Sixth Day in the Octave of Christmas

“Still in Christmas”

There’s a quiet joy in being here today.

Outside the Church, Christmas is already fading.
But inside, the Church is still celebrating. We’re only on the sixth day of Christmas—and the joy hasn’t worn off yet.

And today’s readings help us understand why.

The Gospel gives us Anna.

I love Anna because she reminds me that holiness doesn’t always look exciting. She’s elderly, widowed, and her life has become very simple: prayer, fasting, waiting in the Temple.

Day after day.

And yet—when Jesus is brought in—she sees Him immediately. No hesitation. No confusion. She recognizes salvation when He’s still a baby in His mother’s arms.

And then what does she do?

She rejoices.
She praises God.
And she can’t stop talking about Him.

That’s real joy—the kind that overflows.

And here’s the beautiful part: that joy didn’t come from excitement or novelty. It came from faithfulness. Anna had spent her life close to God, so when God showed up, she was ready.

That connects perfectly with what St. John tells us.

He reminds us that so many things in life promise happiness—but don’t last. Pleasure fades. Possessions wear out. Even pride doesn’t satisfy for long.

But the one who does the will of God remains forever.

Anna is living proof of that. She let go of what doesn’t last—and because of that, she was free to recognize what does.

That’s good news for us.

Because most of us here come to daily Mass not because we’re perfect—but because we want that lasting joy. We want something deeper than what the world offers.

And Christmas tells us: you’re right to want that.

Christ comes quietly. Humbly. Gently.
But He comes bringing joy that doesn’t fade.

And He’s still coming.

He comes to us today in the Eucharist.
He comes in the quiet rhythm of daily prayer.
He comes in the ordinary moments of our lives.

If our hearts stay turned toward Him—like Anna’s did—we won’t miss Him.

So today, let’s rejoice.

We’re still in Christmas.
Christ is still among us.
And the joy He brings is not passing away.