In Pope Francis' speech on the "state of the world" this year, it is the words dedicated to the growing tension between Iran and the United States that attract attention. The Pope, who had already spoken on the subject on Sunday 5 January, reiterates the appeal to avoid further escalating the confrontation, keeping alive "the ‘flame of dialogue and self-control restraint’, in full respect of international law".

The Star of Bethlehem is most certainly a central part of the Epiphany story. But for me, Mary is the real star.

I love the feast of Epiphany.

Not only is it one of the six Christmas dates we should not forget, but also it’s a reminder that we should search for the “Little Epiphanies” in our own lives – the times that our Lord reveals himself to us in sometimes mysterious and often not-so-mysterious ways.

There’s another reason, I love it so much.

I love it because I believe Mary is the real “Star” at Epiphany.

Throughout the world, Christian believers are celebrating the Epiphany, the visitation of the Magi from the East. The word literally means the “manifestation,” and is used to describe the revelation of Jesus Christ to the world. Represented by the Magi, the nations of the world are invited to come and adore the long-awaited Messiah, the new-born King and Savior of the world.

The Greek word Epiphany (epiphanos), which means appearance or manifestation or showing forth, is used to describe Jesus’ first appearance to the Gentiles. Originally the word Epiphany referred to the visit of a king to the people of his provinces. "Epiphany" refers to God’s Self-revelation as well as to the revelation of Jesus as His Son to all mankind. Epiphany is an older celebration than the feast of Christmas, having originated in the East in the late second century.

While much of the world marks the new beginning of the calendar year, the Church commemorates the great solemnity of the Mother of God.

What does this mean?

Having served on many professional international standard setting boards at the U.N. and on global organizations including the International Federation of Accountants (IFAC), International Accounting Standards Committee, and IFAC’s Board, as Chair of the U.N. Committee on accounting and reporting Standards, on the panel of experts of the World Intellectual Property Organization at the UN, WTO’s Panel of Experts, Education Quality Councils, in addition to others, I ended up firmly convinced that professionalizing any trade is self-serving.

Fr. Antony Kadavil reflects and comments on the readings at Mass for the feast of Mary Mother of God. He says that the Feast of Mary, the Mother of God is a very appropriate way to begin a new year, reminding us to rely on the powerful intercession of our Heavenly Mother.

Numbers 6:22-27, Galatians 4:4-7; Luke 2:16-21

As we celebrate the great feast of the Holy Family, today’s first reading reflects the great importance of the Fourth Commandment: “Honor your father and mother, that your days may be long in the land which the Lord your God gives you.” The reading from Sirach, like the commandment, gives a promise to those who faithfully observe the law — several promises, actually: atonement for sins, answered prayers, riches, children and a long life.

Advent and Christmas is a most wonderful time of the year — and laden with stress if we let it. But lists that grow, shopping fatigue, bad assembly directions and too much eggnog all have a reset button. If we stop to take a breath, we can ask the saints of Christmas to pray for us to be filled with the peace and joy that God intended for the season.

Even if things are rolling along smoothly, life is always better with intercessors who made it to heaven by keeping a divine perspective. Here are some saints of Christmas to call upon.

Our Blessed Mother

Advent and Christmas fill my mind with so many words and images.

I think of millions of children born into searing poverty, particularly those living in refugee camps and those without basic amenities.

I think about 'the coming of our God' who chose similar circumstances for his taking up the flesh of our humanity.

I think about the angels whose glorious appearance would certainly have won them four straight tens!

But my mind stays with the image of that wondrous birth, so often portrayed in art, in music and poetry.