We're all sometimes dissatisfied with the Church as we experience it, but Flannery O'Connor has seriously good advice for us. That baby in the manger, he changed everything, yes. Hinge of human history, all that, of course. But when for…

Even the best of parents can end up worrying about their children, even when the child happens to be the best of children. I’ve never been able to read this except as a parent. St. Luke casually reports, “When the…

And why today is only the beginning of our celebration of that mystery. Each one of us—adults and kids alike—has a favorite image or memory of Christmas. Perhaps yours is a song or holiday movie (Love Actually, It’s a Wonderful…

The crèche, like the crucifix, tells a story so powerful that it turned the world upside down. How many ways can you tell the Christmas story? On Netflix, the answer seems to be “countless.” But it has always been that…

Joseph had extra help on that cold Christmas night. When most of us imagine the scene of Jesus’ birth, we naturally think of Mary and Joseph, alone in a stable with animals surrounding them. This image is usually preceded by…

With His mother and the choirs of angels, let us pray to him ... Lord have mercy, Lord have mercy,  Christ, have mercy, Christ, have mercy,  Lord have mercy, Lord, have mercy. Infant Jesus, hear us,  Infant Jesus, graciously hear us. God the Father of…

The term is unique and differs from how other languages name the yearly celebration. “Merry Christmas” is a common phrase this time of year, but what does “Christmas” really mean? The English word is unique and greatly differs from how…

A reflection and prayer for December 23, 2017, Day 21 of Advent Thus says the Lord GOD: Lo, I am sending my messenger to prepare the way before me; And suddenly there will come to the temple the LORD whom…

The Cistercian reformer had a beautiful prayer that helps set the tone for a prayerful Christmas. Born in the 11th century, Bernard of Clairvaux is known for his powerful reforms of the Cistercian order and his inspiring holiness of life.…

We look at our fellow Christians doing missionary work abroad and wish we could impact people's lives as greatly. Well, God is everywhere and His children are all around us - we can serve without even leaving the country. The…