Feast of the Holy Family Year B

• First Reading – Sirach 3:2-6, 12-14: God honors the authority of parents. Respecting one’s father and mother brings blessings, atonement for sins, and longevity. Caring for aging parents is a lasting act of kindness.
• Alternate First Reading – Genesis 15:1-6; 21:1-3: God promises Abram a great reward, assuring him his own descendants will be numerous as stars. Abram’s faith is counted as righteousness, and Sarah bears him a son, Isaac, as promised.
• Responsorial Psalm – Psalm 128: Those who revere the Lord and follow His ways are blessed. They will prosper in their work, have a fruitful family, and witness Jerusalem’s prosperity throughout their lives.
• Alternate Responsorial Psalm – Psalm 105: Thank the Lord and declare His deeds. Rejoice in seeking Him, remembering He is our God, whose just rule extends worldwide. He forever upholds His covenant with Abraham and Isaac.
• Second Reading – Colossians 3:12-21: As God’s chosen, embrace compassion, kindness, humility, and patience. Forgive as the Lord forgave you and let Christ’s peace rule your heart. In all things, act with thankfulness to God.
• Alternate Second Reading – Hebrews 11:8, 11-12, 17-19: Abraham’s faith led him to unknown lands and enabled him to father descendants despite old age and Sarah’s sterility. His faith was tested when he offered Isaac, trusting in God’s promise.
• Gospel – Luke 2:22-40: Joseph and Mary presented Jesus at the temple, fulfilling the law. Simeon, guided by the Holy Spirit, recognized Jesus as the Messiah, prophesying His impact and Mary’s future sorrow. The prophetess Anna also acknowledged Jesus, praising God and speaking of Him to those awaiting Jerusalem’s redemption. Afterward, they returned to Nazareth, where Jesus grew strong and wise, with God’s favor.

Lectionary Reference: 17

When a Sunday does not occur between December 25 and January 1, the Feast of the Holy Family is celebrated on December 30 with only one reading before the Gospel.

Upcoming dates: December 27, 2026, December 30, 2029, December 26, 2032

The Feast of The Holy Family Year B celebrates the example of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph as a model for all families. It invites us to reflect on the values that strengthen family bonds and faith.

• Obedience and Faithfulness: Mary and Joseph obeyed the law by presenting Jesus at the temple. Their faithfulness to God’s commandments shows the importance of following God’s will within family life.
• Recognition of the Messiah: Simeon and Anna recognized Jesus as the promised Savior. Their joyful faith reminds us to look for God’s presence in our lives and share this good news with others.
• Sacrifice and Sorrow: Simeon foretold Mary’s sorrow, showing that love often involves sacrifice. Families are called to support each other through joys and challenges.
• Growth and Wisdom: Jesus grew in strength and wisdom under the care of Mary and Joseph. Families provide the environment for children to grow spiritually, emotionally, and intellectually.
• Gratitude and Praise: Anna praised God when she saw Jesus. Gratitude and worship help families stay connected to God and each other.
• Hope and Redemption: Simeon and Anna spoke of the hope Jesus would bring. Families are called to be places of hope, sharing faith and love with the world.

The Feast of The Holy Family Year B invites us to learn from Jesus, Mary, and Joseph. By reflecting on these themes, we can strengthen our families and grow closer to God.

Seeing Salvation: Lesson Plan on Recognizing God

The Seeing Salvation Lesson Plan on Recognizing God connects well with the Feast of The Holy Family Year B. It helps young people learn how to notice God’s presence in everyday life, just as Simeon and Anna recognized Jesus as the Messiah at the Temple. This lesson teaches that God is often found in simple, ordinary moments, which reflects how the Holy Family lived with faith and humility.

This lesson also encourages reflection on personal experiences of God’s presence. It invites young people to think about how God is active in their lives and helps them grow in faith. By learning to recognize God’s love and guidance, they can better appreciate the message of the Feast of The Holy Family Year B, which highlights faith, trust, and recognizing God’s work in our families and communities.

Presentation of the Lord Crossword Puzzle

This crossword puzzle is a fun way to learn about the Gospel reading for the Feast of The Holy Family Year B. It helps young people understand the story of Jesus’ presentation in the Temple, where Simeon and Anna recognized Him as the Savior. By working through words related to the event, like “Simeon,” “Anna,” and “Temple,” children can remember key parts of the story in an interactive way.

This activity also helps youth reflect on the Holy Family’s faithfulness and obedience to God’s plan. It connects the Gospel message to their own lives by showing the importance of recognizing God’s presence. The puzzle is a simple tool to make learning about the Feast of The Holy Family Year B both meaningful and fun.

Psalm 128: A Happy Home

On the Feast of The Holy Family Year B, Psalm 128 highlights the blessings that come from living a faithful life. It speaks of happiness, peace, and prosperity for those who follow God’s ways. The psalm connects this faithfulness to family life, showing that strong, loving families are a gift from God. It encourages us to honor our loved ones and to build our homes on faith and trust in God.

This psalm is a reminder of the joy and peace that come from living according to God’s teachings. It calls us to value our families and communities, creating spaces of love and faith. On the Feast of The Holy Family Year B, Psalm 128 inspires us to reflect on how we can strengthen our family bonds and live out our faith each day.

This blessed home prayer is based on Psalm 128, seeking blessings for the home and family in following the Lord’s ways, resonates with the themes of the Feast, particularly the emphasis on family unity and spiritual growth found in the readings.

Background on the Book of Hebrews

On the Feast of The Holy Family Year B, Hebrews 11:8, 11-12, 17-19 reminds us of Abraham’s faith and trust in God. Abraham obeyed God, even when he did not fully understand His plan. He trusted God’s promise of a great family, even when it seemed impossible. His faith shows the importance of trusting God’s guidance in family life.

This reading encourages us to follow Abraham’s example by trusting God in our own families. It reminds us that faith and obedience bring blessings, even in difficult times. On the Feast of The Holy Family Year B, we reflect on how trusting God can strengthen our family bonds and guide us through challenges.

Understanding the Gospel of Luke

On the Feast of The Holy Family Year B, Luke 2:22-40 tells the story of Jesus being presented in the Temple. This event shows Mary and Joseph’s obedience to Jewish customs and their dedication to God. In the Temple, Simeon and Anna recognize Jesus as the Messiah. Their joy and praise show the fulfillment of God’s promise.

This gospel emphasizes faithfulness, obedience, and recognition of God’s presence. It reminds us to be open to seeing God in our lives, just as Simeon and Anna did. On the Feast of The Holy Family Year B, we reflect on how our families can grow in faith and trust in God’s plan.

Go to Joseph

In his homily for the Feast of The Holy Family Year B, Bishop Robert Barron reflects on the powerful yet humble role of St. Joseph. Described as the greatest male saint, St. Joseph never speaks in the Gospels but listens to God and acts with quiet obedience. Bishop Barron highlights Joseph’s righteousness balanced with mercy, as seen when he chose to protect Mary rather than expose her. His example teaches us the value of silent faithfulness and the importance of doing God’s will without seeking praise.

Bishop Barron also emphasizes St. Joseph’s mission as the protector of Mary and Jesus. Facing danger and uncertainty, Joseph safeguarded the Holy Family with courage and trust in God. This role as protector extends to his title as Patron of the Universal Church. Bishop Barron encourages us to look to St. Joseph for guidance and protection, especially as a model of faithful obedience and silent strength.

Our True Home

In his commentary on the Feast of The Holy Family Year B, Scott Hahn explains that Jesus chose to live in an ordinary human family to show God’s plan for all people to become one holy family in His Church. By being born of Mary and Joseph and obeying them, Jesus revealed the importance of family relationships as part of God’s design. These ties point to a greater reality—God’s Fatherhood and our identity as His children.

Scott Hahn emphasizes that our families are meant to reflect God’s family on earth, building up His household, the Church. The Gospel shows Jesus in the Temple, which symbolizes God’s dwelling and the family of God. By living faithfully in our family roles, we participate in this divine plan. Hahn’s reflection invites us to see our family life as a way to help build God’s living temple, the Church.

The Feast of The Holy Family Year B invites us to reflect on the example set by Jesus, Mary, and Joseph. Their faithfulness, love, and trust in God offer a model for our own families. These reflections explore how we can bring the values of faith, obedience, and trust into our homes. By looking to the Holy Family, we learn how to live as disciples of Christ within our families and communities.

A Blueprint for Christian Living

The Feast of The Holy Family Year B shows us how to build a home centered on faith and love. In the Gospel of Luke, Mary and Joseph present Jesus in the temple, showing their obedience to God’s law. This act of faith is a powerful example of putting God first in family life. By choosing to follow God’s will, they created a home filled with love and trust.

This example challenges us to look at our own families. Do we make space for prayer and worship in our homes? Do we seek God’s guidance in our decisions? The Holy Family teaches us that faith is the foundation of a strong family. Their actions remind us that every choice can be an act of love and obedience to God.

The first reading for the Feast of The Holy Family Year B also emphasizes respect and honor in family life. By respecting parents and caring for each other, we live out God’s commandments. This respect builds trust and love, creating a home where God’s presence is felt.

The example of the Holy Family encourages us to build our homes on faith, love, and obedience to God. They were not wealthy or powerful, but their commitment to God made them holy. This shows us that holiness in family life is about faithfulness and love, not perfection or success.

Beyond Biology

The Feast of The Holy Family Year B invites us to see family beyond our own households. In the Gospel, the Holy Family’s visit to the temple connects them to a larger community of faith. This visit shows that they were part of God’s family, united by faith and obedience. It reminds us that we are also part of a bigger spiritual family—the Church.

In the temple, Simeon and Anna welcomed Jesus, showing how faith connects people across generations. This reflects the Church as a spiritual family where faith is shared and passed on. Just as Jesus grew in wisdom within this community, our faith also grows in the Church. This calls us to be active members of our parish, supporting and learning from each other.

The Holy Family’s example challenges us to care for our spiritual family as much as our biological families. This means participating in Church life, supporting each other, and living out the teachings of Jesus. It reminds us that faith is not just personal but shared within the Body of Christ.

Through the Feast of The Holy Family Year B, we are encouraged to embrace our Church community. Like Mary and Joseph, we are called to be faithful members of God’s family. By doing so, we grow in faith and help others to do the same.

Trusting God’s Plan

The Feast of The Holy Family Year B shows us the power of trusting God’s plan, even when the future is uncertain. In the Gospel, Mary and Joseph follow God’s direction by presenting Jesus at the temple. They didn’t fully understand what was ahead, but they trusted God’s promise. Their faith teaches us to trust God, even when life is unclear.

Simeon’s words to Mary hinted at future suffering, yet she trusted in God’s plan. Her faithfulness shows us how to face challenges with hope and courage. Trusting God doesn’t mean everything will be easy, but it means believing that God is with us.

This theme of trust is also seen in Joseph’s role as protector and guide. He listened to God’s messages and acted with faith and courage. His example reminds us to be open to God’s guidance in our own lives, trusting that God’s plan is good.

Through the Feast of The Holy Family Year B, we learn that faith grows through trust. By looking to the Holy Family, we see how to live with faith and courage, even in uncertainty. Their trust in God’s plan led them to holiness, showing us how to follow God with hope and love.

The Feast of The Holy Family Year B challenges us to build homes centered on faith, love, and trust in God. By following the example of the Holy Family, we can strengthen our relationships and grow closer to God. Let us reflect on how we can live out these values in our daily lives, bringing God’s love and peace into our families.

Prayer

Lord, guide our families to live with faith, love, and trust in You. Help us to follow the example of the Holy Family. May our homes be places of peace and kindness. Teach us to listen to Your will and to care for each other. Lead us closer to You each day. Amen.

• How can I make my home a place of faith and love?
• In what ways can I show obedience to God’s will in my family life?
• How can my family grow in prayer and faith together?
• What challenges do I face in trusting God’s plan?
• How can I support my family members in their faith journeys?
• What can I learn from the Holy Family about handling difficulties?
• How does my relationship with the Church reflect my spiritual family?
• How can I serve my church community as part of God’s family?
• In what ways can I live out love and respect in my family relationships?
• How can I bring God’s peace and joy into my home?

These music selections for the Feast of The Holy Family Year B reflect themes of faith, family, and obedience to God. Many songs celebrate the Holy Family’s love, trust, and dedication to God’s will, echoing Mary and Joseph’s faithfulness. Others highlight the joy and hope brought by Jesus, connecting to Simeon and Anna’s recognition of the Messiah. Some songs focus on unity, love, and peace, encouraging families and communities to live in harmony, as taught in the readings. Together, these songs help us reflect on the importance of faith-centered family life.

• Angels We Have Heard on High by Andrea Bocelli
• Bethlehem by Chris Tomlin
• Breath of Heaven / Mary’s Song by Amy Grant
• Canticle of Simeon by Randall Debruyn
• Christians, Let Us Love One Another by Claudia Foltz 
• City of God by Dan Schutte
• Glory / Let There Be Peace by Matt Maher
• Glory and Praise to Our God by Dan Schutte
• Here Is Our King by David Crowder Band
• Joy to the World by Casting Crowns
• Love Has Come by Matt Maher
• Now Let Your Servant Go in Peace (Nunc Dimittis) by Taizé
• O Holy Night by Pentatonix
• O Little Town of Bethlehem by Lewis H. Redner & Phillips C. Brooks
• Of the Father’s Love Begotten by Curtis Stephan
• Once in Royal David’s City by Rend Collective
• Open My Eyes by Jesse Manibusan
• Our God Is Here by Chris Muglia
• Psalm 128: Blessed Are Those Who Fear the Lord by Francesca LaRosa
• Psalm 128: O Blessed Are Those by Paul Inwood
• Sing a New Song by Dan Schutte
• Song of Simeon by Janèt Sullivan Whitaker & St. Meinrad Archabbey
• Today Is Born Our Savior by Marty Haugen
• The First Noël by Kari Jobe
• The Servant Song by Richard Gillard & Betty C. Pulkingham
• Ubi Caritas by Bob Hurd & Pedro Rubalcava
• Unto us a Child is Born by the Vienna Boys Choir
• Wake from Your Sleep by Dan Schutte
• Welcome to Our World by Chris Rice
• What Child is This / Child of the Poor by The Hound + The Fox
• Where Charity and Love Abide by Trevor Thomson
• Where Charity and Love Prevail

Music directors and musicians are encouraged to explore these selections for the Feast of The Holy Family Year B. These songs beautifully capture the themes of faith, love, and obedience found in the readings. Consider trying them in your liturgy or family celebrations. Feel free to share your experiences or suggest other meaningful music choices in the comments.

What date is the Feast of the Holy Family Year B?

The next date is Sunday December 27, 2026.
For other years see the links below:
Feast of the Holy Family Year A
Feast of the Holy Family Year C

What are the Mass readings for the Feast of the Holy Family Year B?

The Mass readings for Sunday December 27, 2026 are:
First Reading – Sirach 3:2-6, 12-14: Honor for Parents
Alternate First Reading – Genesis 15:1-6; 21:1-3: Abram’s Promise and Faith
Responsorial Psalm – Psalm 128: Blessings of Reverence
Alternate Responsorial Psalm – Psalm 105: Remembering God’s Covenant
Second Reading – Colossians 3:12-21: Living as God’s Chosen
Alternate Second Reading – Hebrews 11:8, 11-12, 17-19: Abraham’s Faithful Obedience
Gospel – Luke 2:22-40: Presentation at the Temple

What is the main message of the Feast of The Holy Family Year B?

The main message is about the importance of family life rooted in faith and obedience to God. It highlights how the Holy Family of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph serves as a model for all families.

Why is the Holy Family important for Catholics?

The Holy Family shows us how to live with love, respect, and faithfulness. Their example teaches us to put God at the center of our family life.

What can we learn from Jesus being obedient to Mary and Joseph?

Jesus’ obedience shows respect and love for His parents. It teaches us to honor and respect our parents and guardians.

Why did Mary and Joseph present Jesus in the Temple?

They were following Jewish law, showing their obedience to God. It shows the importance of following religious traditions with faith.

Who were Simeon and Anna in the Gospel for the Feast of The Holy Family Year B?

Simeon and Anna were faithful people who recognized Jesus as the Messiah. Their faith and patience remind us to trust in God’s promises.

Why did Simeon speak of Mary’s sorrow?

Simeon foretold the suffering Mary would face as the mother of Jesus. It shows that faith sometimes involves sacrifice and pain.

How does the Gospel for the Feast of The Holy Family Year B teach about faith?

It shows the faithfulness of Mary and Joseph in following God’s law. It also highlights the faith of Simeon and Anna, who trusted God’s promises.

How can families today learn from the Holy Family?

Families can learn to live with love, patience, and faith. They can also learn the importance of prayer, respect, and helping each other grow closer to God.

Why is the Temple important in this Gospel?

The Temple represents God’s presence and the center of faith. It reminds us to keep God at the heart of our family life.

How can we apply the message of the Feast of The Holy Family Year B to our lives?

We can follow the Holy Family’s example by being faithful, obedient, and loving. We should also honor our parents and build strong, faith-centered families.

What does this feast teach about community and Church?

It teaches that families are the building blocks of the Church. By living faithfully at home, we strengthen the community of believers.