Bishop Thomas John Paprocki | Diocese of Springfield

St. John the Baptist's role in preparing for Christ's arrival is highlighted in the Gospel, but many failed to recognize him and treated him poorly. His suffering and death are seen as a precursor to Jesus' own passion.

The connection between Christmas and Christ’s Passion is not often considered, yet Christmas set the stage for Good Friday and Easter Sunday. Jesus was born to redeem humanity from sin and death. The St. Andrew Christmas Novena notes that Jesus suffered from birth, laid in a manger which foreshadowed His offering of Himself in the Eucharist as the Bread of Life.

Reflecting on Christ’s Passion during Christmas may seem contrary to its joyful nature, but it underscores the purpose of His birth. St. Paul reminds us that Christ “humbled Himself, becoming obedient unto death” (Phil 2:8). Despite knowing His fate, He was born humbly as an infant.

Many rejected St. John the Baptist and were unprepared for Christ’s coming, ultimately leading to His crucifixion. Advent serves as a time for believers to prepare their hearts for Christ's arrival at Christmas. The celebration of Mass commemorates this event through the representation of His sacrifice on Calvary.

“For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son” (Jn 3:16) signifies God's eternal love for humanity. Even if only one person existed, Jesus would have incarnated to save them from sin and death. This season encourages believers to reciprocate this love by preparing their hearts for Christmas.

This article originally appeared on missiodeicatholic.org and is reprinted with permission. Missio Dei was founded by Phillip Hadden, a parishioner of St. Alexius in Beardstown.