January 1, 2026 // Solemnity of Mary, the Holy Mother of God // The Octave Day of the Nativity of the Lord
Read the Word // Open your Bible to today’s Gospel: Luke 2:16-21
Reflect on the Word //
My husband and I took a mini pilgrimage to the Notre Dame de Chartres Cathedral in France this summer. As we ventured deeper into the church, we came across a panelled wall, covered in detailed limestone sculptures containing forty scenes of the life of Mary and Jesus in chronological order. In the very beginning of this long stretch of art, I was struck by the depiction of Saints Joachim and Anne as they discover Mary’s conception. A daughter miraculously conceived for a plan more glorious than they could imagine.
These stunning sculptures come to mind on this Solemnity of Mary as the Mother of God. These forty scenes offer a bird’s-eye view of God’s fidelity in Mary’s life story, but they also remind me of His fidelity to each one of us within our personal stories. I find deep assurance in the glory weaved through it all. The scene of Mary standing at the foot of the Cross isn’t too far from the joy of Christ’s Nativity, or the fulfillment of His Resurrection. Glory hidden, and glory revealed.
Our Blessed Mother lived her entire life with a posture of both anticipation and remembrance of God’s glory. Today’s Gospel recalls how the shepherds arrived at the manger, confirming the Lord’s promise of a Savior. One translation of Scripture says that “Mary treasured all these words and pondered them in her heart” (Luke 2:19, NRSV). She clung to these treasures of grace in moments of speechless joy and suffocating sorrow.
As we look into the face of a fresh new year, what do we find ourselves clinging to? Maybe there are moments from this last year that have pierced us or moments when beauty brought us to tears.
From her conception to her coronation, Mary’s life is a complete testimony of the glory and fidelity of God Almighty. No matter where we find ourselves today, let’s look for a treasured moment of grace from our year, and cling to the deep knowledge that God’s glory is not yet finished being revealed. His plan is always more brilliant than we can imagine.
Relate to the Lord // What have you been clinging to? Share your past year with the Lord.
Jana Zuniga Pingel is an artist and designer based in Colorado Springs, where she resides with her husband. She earned her B.A. in Studio Art from Saint Mary’s College in South Bend, Indiana. She is the founder and owner of January Jane Shop, an online boutique for Catholic art and goods. When she isn’t busy doing entrepreneurial things, she’s cooking a new recipe, hiking a mountain, or party planning.
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