The Feast of the Holy Family Year A
Sunday December 28, 2025
A Family Led by Faith
The Feast of the Holy Family Year A reminds us that Jesus lived in a real family. He had a mother and a father who cared for Him and protected Him. Mary and Joseph did not have easy lives, but they trusted God and followed His plan. Their home was simple, but it was full of love.
This feast helps us think about our own families. Every home has struggles. But like the Holy Family, we are called to listen to God and care for each other with patience. Love grows in quiet moments, hard choices, and daily kindness.
The readings for the Feast of the Holy Family Year A show how God works through family life. They speak about honoring parents, caring for others, and choosing peace. These small acts shape a strong and faithful home.
This day is not only about Jesus, Mary, and Joseph. It is about how we can live with love and trust in our families today. God is with us in family life, no matter how ordinary it may seem.
Mass Readings for the Feast of the Holy Family Year A
- First Reading – Sirach 3:2-6, 12-14: God values honoring one’s parents. Respecting them brings many blessings, including answered prayers, long life, and comfort for mothers. Care for aging parents kindly and patiently.
- Responsorial Psalm – Psalm 128: Respecting and following the Lord leads to personal blessings, a prosperous family, and a long, fulfilling life observing Jerusalem’s success.
- Second Reading – Colossians 3:12-22: Adopt virtues like compassion and kindness, forgive each other, and let Christ’s peace and message guide you. Act in all things with gratitude in the name of Jesus.
- Gospel – Matthew 2:13-15, 19-23: Joseph, following angelic directions in dreams, fled with Mary and Jesus to Egypt to escape Herod’s threat, returned to Israel after Herod’s death, and settled in Nazareth as foretold by prophets.
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.
The readings above are for lectionary cycle A. For other years see the links below:
Feast of The Holy Family Year B
Feast of The Holy Family Year C
When the magi had departed, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream and said, “Rise, take the child and his mother, flee to Egypt, and stay there until I tell you. Herod is going to search for the child to destroy him.”
Matthew 2:13
Themes for the Feast of the Holy Family Year A
The Feast of The Holy Family Year A celebrates the love and unity found in the family of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph. It invites reflection on family life and the values that strengthen these bonds.
- Honor and Respect in Families: The first reading emphasizes honoring parents, showing that respect within families brings blessings and strengthens relationships. Caring for parents, especially in their old age, is a way to live out God’s commandment.
- Love and Kindness at Home: The second reading from Colossians calls for compassion, kindness, and patience within families. These virtues build harmony and reflect Christ’s love in daily life.
- Forgiveness and Peace: Families are encouraged to forgive one another and live in peace. This echoes the call to let Christ’s peace rule in hearts, fostering unity and understanding.
- Obedience and Guidance: Joseph’s obedience to God’s guidance in the Gospel shows the importance of trusting God’s plan for the family. His example of leadership and protection inspires responsible and loving parenthood.
- Faith and Trust in God: The Holy Family’s journey to Egypt demonstrates faith and trust in God’s protection during hardships. Families are reminded to rely on God during difficult times.
- Role of Parents and Children: The readings highlight the roles of parents as caregivers and teachers, and children as respectful and obedient. These roles support a nurturing and loving home environment.
The Feast of The Holy Family Year A invites reflection on the values that create strong and loving families. By looking to the Holy Family as a model, families can find guidance and inspiration to live in love, faith, and unity.
Resources for the Feast of the Holy Family Year A
Sunday December 28, 2025
Living God’s Love in Family Lesson Plan
This lesson plan is based on the Gospel for the Feast of the Holy Family, Year A (Matthew 2:13-23). It helps youth see how the Holy Family faced real struggles but stayed close to God and each other. The story shows that love, trust, and faith can grow even when life is hard.
Youth will reflect on how they can bring God’s love into their own families. The lesson encourages patience, forgiveness, and kindness at home. It includes discussion, prayer, a fun game, and a weekly challenge to live out the message.
Family Circle Icebreaker Game
The Family Circle game connects well with the Feast of The Holy Family Year A by promoting unity, respect, and understanding. These values reflect the love and harmony seen in the Holy Family. Through sharing and listening, participants learn to appreciate each other’s experiences, building empathy and compassion, which are key to strong family and community bonds.
This activity also encourages young people to see the dignity in every person, echoing the virtues mentioned in the readings for the Feast of The Holy Family Year A. By practicing patience, kindness, and respect during the game, they learn to live out the call to love and support one another. This lesson in relationship-building helps them reflect on how they can bring these values into their own families and communities.
Have a Birthday Party for Jesus
A birthday party for Jesus beautifully connects to the Feast of The Holy Family Year A by helping children focus on the true meaning of Christmas.
Just as the Holy Family welcomed Jesus with love and humility, this celebration teaches kids about simplicity, generosity, and gratitude. It reminds them that Jesus was born in a humble stable, showing that greatness is found in love and service, not in wealth or status.
This celebration also emphasizes giving, reflecting the gifts the wise men brought to honor Jesus. It teaches children to share love and kindness, just as the Holy Family did. By focusing on Jesus and helping those in need, families live out the virtues highlighted in the Feast of The Holy Family Year A.
This joyful event helps children understand that Christmas is about love, faith, and the presence of God with us. Follow this link for activity suggestions for games, snacks, and more.
The Book of Sirach: Honor That Reflects God’s Wisdom
Sirach 3:2-6, 12-14 comes from a wisdom book that teaches how to live a life that pleases God. The reading highlights the importance of honoring one’s parents, which reflects a life grounded in respect, humility, and love. These values shape a faithful heart and bring blessings, which is a core message of Sirach.
This passage fits into the larger theme of Sirach by reminding readers that faith is lived out in everyday actions. Honoring aging parents is not just polite—it is part of walking in God’s ways. On the Feast of the Holy Family Year A, this reminds us that holiness begins at home.
Learn more about this book in our article on the wisdom of Sirach.
Psalm 128: Blessings in the Everyday
Psalm 128 is a song of blessing that shows the connection between honoring God and living a peaceful, fruitful life. It praises the joys of family life and daily work when rooted in fear of the Lord. This psalm fits the Feast of the Holy Family Year A by celebrating home life as a place of God’s grace.
In the wider context of the Psalms, Psalm 128 stands out for its focus on the home, not the temple or battlefield. It offers a quiet picture of hope, linking worship to simple blessings like children, food, and peace. It reflects a trusting walk with God.
The Letter to the Colossians: Clothed in Christ
Colossians 3:12-22 speaks to how Christian life should be shaped by the example of Christ. Paul urges the Colossians to live in peace, forgive one another, and practice love and gratitude. These virtues build unity and are key to Christian living, both in the Church and the family.
This reading connects to the wider message of Colossians, which centers on Christ’s authority and presence in all things. Paul calls believers to let Jesus shape their daily relationships. On the Feast of the Holy Family Year A, we see how holiness grows when our homes reflect the peace of Christ.
The Gospel of Matthew: Obedience and Trust in Action
Matthew 2:13-15, 19-23 shows Joseph’s obedience and trust as he protects Jesus by fleeing to Egypt and later returning to settle in Nazareth. Matthew uses these actions to show how God’s plan works through ordinary faith and quiet courage. The reading fits the Feast of the Holy Family Year A by highlighting how family life can follow God’s call.
In the larger context of Matthew’s Gospel, this story reveals how Jesus fulfills prophecy and shows God’s faithfulness in hard times. Matthew often connects Jesus’ life to the Old Testament to show continuity with God’s promises and care.
Discover more in our article exploring the Gospel of Matthew.
Homilies and Commentaries for the Feast of the Holy Family Year A
Sunday December 28, 2025
Herod and Joseph
In his homily for the Feast of The Holy Family Year A, Bishop Robert Barron contrasts the lives of Herod and Joseph to highlight the true meaning of holiness. Herod was powerful, influential, and focused on his own ambition, even to the point of harming his own family. In contrast, Joseph lived a life of obedience and humility, always following God’s will. He protected Jesus and Mary, even when it meant facing great danger. Bishop Barron points out that Joseph’s quiet faithfulness and willingness to listen to God made his family holy.
Bishop Barron challenges us to choose which example to follow: Herod’s pursuit of power or Joseph’s humble obedience. He reminds us that worldly success and ambition can lead to emptiness, while holiness comes from putting God’s will first. The Feast of The Holy Family Year A teaches that a truly holy family is one that listens to God and supports each other in faith and love.
Saving Family
In his commentary for the Feast of The Holy Family Year A, Scott Hahn explains how the readings reveal God’s purpose for family life. He connects the Holy Family’s journey to Egypt with the story of Moses, showing that God protects His people through family bonds. Just as Moses was saved to lead Israel, Jesus is rescued to lead the new people of God—the Church. Hahn highlights how families play a key role in God’s plan, reflecting His love and faithfulness.
Scott Hahn emphasizes that the Feast of The Holy Family Year A invites us to see our own families as part of God’s design. He explains that family duties, rooted in love and respect, are part of our faith journey. By fulfilling our roles as parents, children, and spouses, we participate in God’s work. This feast calls us to live out our faith within our families, showing love and patience as Christ did.
The Poverty of Christmas
In his reflection for the Feast of The Holy Family Year A, Fr. Richard Rohr challenges us to see God in unexpected places. He points out that the first Christmas was not glamorous or comfortable. Joseph broke the law to protect Mary, and the Holy Family was homeless and fleeing danger. Fr. Richard explains that God reveals Himself not in places of power and wealth but in humble, messy situations. This shows that God is present in the ordinary and difficult moments of life.
Fr. Richard Rohr urges us to rethink our image of God for the Feast of The Holy Family Year A. Instead of seeing God as a distant judge, he invites us to see God’s vulnerability in the helpless baby Jesus. This challenges our ideas of power and status. By embracing God’s presence in the simple and imperfect, we learn to live with hope, trust, and a deeper understanding of love.
Reflection for the Feast of the Holy Family Year A
The Feast of The Holy Family Year A reminds us of the importance of family life and the values that strengthen it. The readings invite us to reflect on honoring our loved ones, practicing compassion and patience, and trusting in God’s guidance. Through the example of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph, we learn how to live faithfully within our own families, even when faced with challenges. These reflections help us see how we can grow in love and unity by following their example.
Honoring Family Despite Imperfections
The first reading for the Feast of The Holy Family Year A emphasizes honoring parents. To honor someone means to desire their good, even when relationships are difficult. Family life is often complicated. It is possible to honor a parent or sibling without ignoring past hurts. Honoring does not mean accepting harmful behavior. It means seeking what is best for them while maintaining healthy boundaries.
Respect within families is about recognizing each person’s dignity. This includes those who have hurt us. We can pray for them and wish them well, even if we need to keep distance for our own well-being. Honoring them is about our own integrity, not necessarily about repairing broken relationships. It allows us to choose love without denying the truth of our pain.
This wisdom is echoed in the Feast of The Holy Family Year A, where Joseph protects his family by obeying God’s call. His actions honor God and his family. He shows that honoring does not always mean staying in one place or accepting everything as it is. Sometimes it requires courage and change to protect those we love.
Families are not perfect. There are misunderstandings and conflicts. But by honoring each other, even in imperfect situations, we follow the example of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph. Their trust in God and commitment to each other show us how to live faithfully within the realities of family life.
Building Harmony with Compassion
The second reading for the Feast of The Holy Family Year A calls for compassion, kindness, and patience. These virtues are essential for building harmony within families. Compassion means being sensitive to each other’s struggles. It means listening and offering support without judgment. Kindness is about choosing to be gentle in words and actions, even when conflicts arise.
Patience is crucial in family life. People make mistakes, and growth takes time. Patience allows us to accept each other’s limitations while encouraging positive change. It prevents us from reacting harshly or giving up on each other. By practicing patience, we mirror Christ’s love and mercy.
In the Feast of The Holy Family Year A, Joseph shows great patience and understanding. He responds to God’s message without anger or frustration. He accepts his role with humility, protecting Mary and Jesus even when the path is uncertain. His patience and kindness preserve peace within his family.
These virtues are not always easy to practice, especially when emotions run high. But they are essential for healthy relationships. They help us navigate challenges and forgive each other. In doing so, we reflect Christ’s love in our homes. By choosing compassion, kindness, and patience, we contribute to harmony and unity in our families.
Trusting God’s Guidance
Both the first reading and the Gospel for the Feast of The Holy Family Year A highlight the importance of trusting God’s guidance. In Sirach, we see the blessings that come from honoring parents and living according to God’s wisdom. This trust is rooted in faith, even when life is uncertain or challenging.
In the Gospel, Joseph demonstrates deep trust in God. When warned in a dream, he immediately takes action to protect Mary and Jesus. He does not hesitate or question God’s plan. He trusts that God’s guidance will lead his family to safety. This faith is the foundation of his role as a husband and father.
Trusting God’s guidance is not always easy. It often involves stepping into the unknown, just as Joseph did when he fled to Egypt. It means letting go of our own plans and allowing God to lead. This requires courage and humility. It challenges us to believe that God’s ways are better than our own.
The Feast of The Holy Family Year A reminds us that God is always present in our lives, even when we cannot see the full picture. Like Joseph, we are called to listen and respond to God’s call with faith. This trust builds strong families rooted in God’s love and wisdom.
By trusting God’s guidance, we find peace in the midst of uncertainty. We learn to lean on God in times of trouble, knowing that He cares for us as His children. This faith unites families and helps them navigate life’s challenges with hope and strength.
Reflecting on the Feast of The Holy Family Year A encourages us to look at our own family relationships with faith and humility. It invites us to honor each other, show compassion, and trust in God’s plan. By embracing these values, we can build stronger, more loving families rooted in faith and respect.
Prayer
Lord, help us to follow the example of the Holy Family. Teach us to honor each other with love and respect. Grant us compassion and patience in our daily lives. Guide our families with your wisdom and peace. May we always trust in your plan. Amen.
Reflection Questions for the Feast of the Holy Family Year A
- How can I honor my family members even when relationships are difficult?
- In what ways can I practice compassion and kindness at home?
- How can patience help me build better relationships with my loved ones?
- What does it mean to trust God’s guidance in my family life?
- How can I follow Joseph’s example of obedience and courage?
- Do I listen to God’s call in my family decisions?
- How can I contribute to harmony and unity in my home?
- What can I learn from the Holy Family’s faith and trust in God?
- How do I respond to challenges within my family?
- How can I better reflect Christ’s love to my family members?
Social Media Graphics and Bulletin Artwork for the Feast of the Holy Family Year A
Shelter in Their Arms
Celebrate the Feast of the Holy Family Year A with this beautiful image of Mary, Joseph, and the infant Jesus. It captures the peace and love at the heart of family life. Perfect for parish bulletins, newsletters, and classroom use.
Download this image today to share the message of trust, care, and unity found in the Holy Family.
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Colossians 3:15
Music Suggestions for the Feast of the Holy Family Year A
Sunday December 28, 2025
These music selections capture the themes of faith, love, and trust in God found in the readings for the Feast of The Holy Family Year A. Many songs focus on the humble beginnings of Jesus, highlighting the importance of family, obedience, and protection. Other selections celebrate the joy of Christ’s birth, echoing the unity and love within the Holy Family. Some songs emphasize gratitude and praise, reflecting the call to live with compassion and kindness. Together, they inspire us to embrace faith and harmony within our own families.
- Angels We Have Heard on High by Andrea Bocelli
- Bethlehem by Chris Tomlin
- Be Joyful, Mary by the Daughters of St. Paul
- Breath of Heaven / Mary’s Song by Amy Grant
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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 A. These pieces can enhance the celebration by connecting the congregation to the themes of family, faith, and love. Feel free to try different arrangements and styles to resonate with your community. Share your experiences and suggest other fitting songs in the comments to inspire others.
Questions and Answers for the Feast of the Holy Family Year A
What is the main message of the Feast of The Holy Family Year A?
The Feast of The Holy Family Year A celebrates Jesus, Mary, and Joseph as a model for all families. It reminds us of the importance of love, respect, and faith in family life.
Why is honoring parents important in the first reading?
The first reading emphasizes honoring parents as a way to show gratitude and respect. It teaches that caring for parents brings blessings and reflects God’s love.
How can we honor difficult family members?
Honoring someone does not mean ignoring harm or pain. It means treating them with respect, setting healthy boundaries, and choosing forgiveness when possible.
What does mutual submission mean in marriage?
Mutual submission means spouses support each other with love and respect. It is about serving each other selflessly, just as Christ served others.
How does the second reading relate to family life?
The second reading encourages compassion, kindness, and patience, which are essential in family relationships. It teaches that forgiveness and love create harmony in the home.
What can we learn from Joseph’s obedience in the Gospel?
Joseph listened to God and protected his family without hesitation. His example shows us the importance of trusting God and taking action to care for loved ones.
Why did the Holy Family flee to Egypt?
They fled to Egypt to escape King Herod’s threat. This shows that even holy families face challenges and must rely on faith and courage.
What role does faith play in the Feast of The Holy Family Year A?
Faith is central, guiding the Holy Family’s actions and decisions. It reminds us to trust God’s plan, even in difficult times.
How can we apply the lessons of the Feast of The Holy Family Year A to our lives?
We can practice love, respect, and forgiveness in our families. We can also follow Joseph’s example of protecting and guiding our loved ones with faith.
Why is the Holy Family a model for us?
The Holy Family shows us how to live with faith, love, and obedience to God. Their example helps us build stronger, faith-filled families.
Love and Trust in Families
The Feast of The Holy Family Year A honors Jesus, Mary, and Joseph as a model of faith and love. The readings show the importance of respect, patience, and trust within the family. In the first reading, honoring parents brings blessings and strengthens family bonds. It reminds us to care for each other, especially for aging parents.
In the second reading, Paul urges us to practice kindness, humility, and forgiveness. These virtues build harmony in our homes. He calls us to let Christ’s peace guide our actions, creating a loving and supportive family life. Gratitude and unity are key themes, reminding us to live with love and patience.
The Gospel tells of Joseph’s courage and trust in God’s plan. He protects his family by listening to God’s guidance, even when it leads them to an unknown land. His faith and obedience show the strength of a father’s love and responsibility.
The Feast of The Holy Family Year A encourages us to reflect on our own families. We learn from Jesus, Mary, and Joseph how to live with love, respect, and trust in God. Their example inspires us to strengthen our family bonds and grow in faith together.
Your Turn
The Feast of The Holy Family Year A invites us to reflect on our own families and how we live out love, respect, and faith. Consider the example set by Jesus, Mary, and Joseph. Think about how respect, patience, and forgiveness play a role in your home.
Take time to read the Scripture passages and reflect on their meaning. How do they speak to your life? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments. Your reflections can inspire others on their own faith journey.
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