Tag: Christmas
Pray for a spirit of love to dominate your family time this Christmas
Q: Our extended family is getting together for Christmas this year, and I have to admit I’m not looking forward to it. Some of our relatives don’t get along with each other, and I’m afraid we’ll just end up squabbling. Any suggestions? — Mrs. L.R. A: My first (and most important) suggestion is that you commit your… Read More ›
Evergreens and The Advent Wreath
The Advent wreath is an increasingly popular symbol of the beginning of the Church year in many churches as well as homes. It is a circular evergreen wreath (real or artificial) with five candles, four around the wreath and one in the center. Since the wreath is symbolic and a vehicle to tell the Christmas… Read More ›
Jesus’ birth declares God is not distant
Vatican City, Dec 25, 2010 / 12:55 pm (CNA/EWTN News).- God is not distant. He became a man, Pope Benedict declared today to people around the world. The Pope prayed that Jesus’ birth, and the love of God that it made apparent to the world, would bring peace, real freedom to the oppressed, and strength… Read More ›
Christmas a time to seek purification, walk toward Christ, says Pope
Vatican City, Dec 22, 2010 / 01:17 pm (CNA/EWTN News).- Jesus’ birth invites all people to transform their hearts through his infinite goodness and mercy, Pope Benedict XVI said in his weekly general audience, Dec. 22. In his last Wednesday audience before Christmas, there was a jovial mood in the Vatican’s Pope Paul VII Hall… Read More ›
Health Benefits of Christmas Dinner
Christmas time rolls around the same time every year without fail. In the run up we get excited and we make plans to have our family round and begin shopping for all the essentials while the kids count down the days to the big event with their advent calendars. It truly is a holiday enjoyed… Read More ›
What Child is This?
As we turn our eyes on Bethlehem and away from the rich and busy world, we recall the following lines: A little Child, A shining star, A stable rude, The door ajar. Yet in that place So crude, forlorn, The hope of all The world was born. If only the people of this world could… Read More ›
Love Lays Bare
It was a bitterly cold Christmas eve in Korea in 1952. A pregnant young mother, Bak Yoon, hobbled through the snow toward the home of a missionary friend where she knew she could find help. Tears of sorrow froze on her face as she mourned her husband. He had recently been killed in the Korean… Read More ›
Astounded
As I age (I have just turned 62), I find myself being astounded at the turn of events in my life. In the past, when I went to the doctor, it was a simple matter of going in and getting a clean bill of health; it was expected and I was not disappointed. Then when… Read More ›
U.S. bishops launch Advent and Christmas website
Washington D.C., Nov 29, 2009 / 08:55 pm (CNA).- The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) has created an Advent and Christmas website with suggestions for daily prayers, readings, reflection and action. A collection of Lessons and Carols is also provided for live listening or download. Printable calendars in English and Spanish are one new… Read More ›
Youths, young adults gather for Lenten prayer, reflection at Belmont Abbey
Charlotte, N.C., Apr 9, 2009 (The Catholic News and Herald) “We are all on a pilgrimage during the Lenten season,” said Bishop Peter J. Jugis. This is a “time for interior renewal and turning away from sin, a time to embrace Jesus,” said the bishop to young Catholics from across the Diocese of Charlotte. Bishop… Read More ›