New Year's is a time for celebrations, introspection, goals, and fresh starts. In addition, it's also the Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God, one of the most revered days in the Church. We give thanks to Christ's mother one week after we celebrate His birth. In addition to being the last day of the Octave of Christmas, this solemnity also marks the World Day of Peace, a day that was instituted by Pope Paul VI and confirmed by Pope John Paul II.
The focus of Christmas is expanded by Mary's divine motherhood. In the Incarnation of the Blessed Trinity's Second Person, Mary plays a significant role. She accepts the angel's invitation from God (Luke 1:26-38). "Most blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb," declares Elizabeth. "And how does this happen to me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me?” (Luke 1:42–43). Mary has a special place in God's redemptive plan because of her status as God's mother.
Some theologians maintain that Mary's role as Jesus' mother plays a significant role in God's creative plan. Jesus was God's "first" thought while creating. All of creation could give God perfect love and worship through Jesus, the incarnate Word. Mary was "second" to Jesus in God's eyes because she was selected to be his mother from all eternity.
Although the title "Mother of God" dates back to the third or fourth century, the first Marian dogma was formally established as Catholic doctrine at the Council of Ephesus in 431 using the Greek term Theotokos, which means "The God-bearer." "Praised be the Theotokos!" was yelled by large crowds as they marched through the streets following the Council of Ephesus.
The Incarnation doctrine, as articulated by St. Paul in Galatians 4:14, is the foundation of Catholic dogma. It states that "God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under the law."
The Dogmatic Constitution of Vatican II, "Lumen Gentium" (lit. "Light of the People"), refers to Mary as "Mother of God" twelve times in its chapter on her position in the Church.
Other Saints of the Day
Saint Connat
Saint Magnus
Saint William of Dijon
Saint Fulgentius of Ruspe
Saint Joseph Mary Tommasi