Here are the answers to the 25 Catholic Christmas questions:

1. What is the meaning of Christmas in the Catholic Church?
   It celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ, the Son of God made man.
2. On what date do Catholics celebrate Christmas?
   December 25.
3. What season leads up to Christmas in the liturgical calendar?
   Advent.
4. What does the word “Incarnation” mean in Catholic teaching?
   That God became human in the person of Jesus Christ.
5. Who are the central figures in the Nativity story?
   Jesus, Mary, Joseph, the shepherds, angels, and the Magi.
6. What is the significance of the Nativity scene?
   It visually depicts Christ’s birth and helps Catholics reflect on the humility of the Incarnation.
7. What feast is celebrated on December 26?
   Feast of St. Stephen, the first martyr.
8. Who are the Magi and what do they represent?
   Wise men from the East; they represent the Gentile nations recognizing Christ as King.
9. What gifts did the Wise Men bring to Jesus?
   Gold, frankincense, and myrrh.
10. What is the Octave of Christmas?
    An eight-day celebration of Christmas, ending on January 1 with the Solemnity of Mary.
11. How long does the Christmas season last in the Catholic Church?
    From December 24 until the Feast of the Baptism of the Lord in January.
12. What is the meaning of the star in the Christmas story?
    It led the Magi to Jesus and symbolizes divine guidance.
13. What is the Feast of the Holy Innocents and when is it celebrated?
    December 28; it commemorates the children killed by Herod.
14. What colors are used in the Church during Christmas?
    White or gold, symbolizing joy and purity.
15. What is the significance of Christmas Midnight Mass?
    It marks the beginning of Christmas and celebrates Christ’s birth with great solemnity.
16. What role did angels play in the Christmas story?
    They announced Jesus’ birth to the shepherds and praised God.
17. Why was Jesus born in a manger?
    Because there was no room in the inn; it shows His humility.
18. Who were the first to receive the news of Jesus’ birth?
    The shepherds.
19. What is the liturgical meaning of the Epiphany?
    It celebrates Christ being revealed to the nations through the Magi.
20. When is the Feast of the Baptism of the Lord celebrated?
    The Sunday after Epiphany.
21. What are the “O Antiphons”?
    Ancient prayers prayed from December 17–23 that anticipate Jesus’ coming.
22. What is the spiritual symbolism of the three gifts brought by the Magi?
    Gold for kingship, frankincense for divinity, myrrh for suffering/death.
23. What is the Gloria and when is it sung during Christmas?
    A hymn of praise to God, sung during Mass in the Christmas season (and omitted during Advent).
24. What Old Testament prophecies are fulfilled in the birth of Christ?
    Prophecies like Isaiah 7:14 and Micah 5:2 about a virgin birth and birth in Bethlehem.
25. How can Catholics spiritually prepare for Christmas?
    Through prayer, confession, attending Mass, acts of charity, and meditating on the Nativity.

Be Blessed