This isn’t an ordinary Christmas. In many places, officials are trying to steal Christmas from those who wish to celebrate it in churches. Families are discouraged from holding get-togethers in the home. Thus, we are left to observe this Christmas in our hearts, where no force can enter, but we still feel … Read more
Christmas is a special time for children, who are attracted by the sublime and themes of wonder and grace. As at the time of His birth, the Divine Infant radiates innocence and joy in a sinful world. Children especially sense these special graces and share in the Christmas joy. Even the commercialization … Read more
As Christmas approaches, let us make some considerations about this great feast. What were Our Lady’s thoughts on Christmas Day? What did Christmas represent for Our Lady? We must consider that Our Lady carried Our Lord within herself as in a tabernacle. She evidently had the greatest intimacy with Him; she maintained … Read more
For those agonizing over what to buy this Christmas for their toddlers, the wait may be over. A panel of experts has just weighed in with suggestions targeting young children in the digital age. What do the experts say? Do they recommend a family-friendly video game that might be good fun and … Read more
The War on Christmas is very real. Everyone has seen the massive attempt to take Christ out of Christmas. There are sparkle trees, X-mas cards and Happy Holidays. Major retailers jumped on the bandwagon and filled their advertising with joyless celebrations of an unnamed winter solstice holiday. Merry Christmas has become the … Read more
The Nativity Scene is one of the most endearing Christmas traditions in the Catholic Church, recalling the conditions in which the Redeemer was born. Its origin goes back to Christmas 1223 to Saint Francis of Assisi. The saint wished to celebrate the birth of the Divine Redeemer in a more solemn way … Read more
This article was written by the eminent Catholic thinker and man of action, Professor Plinio Corrêa de Oliveira on January 1st, 1979 for the newspaper, Folha de S.Paulo, in Brazil. Harkening to days of his youth in the early twentieth century, in then small-town São Paulo, he bemoans what rampant materialism … Read more
25th Annual Christmas Open House What makes a small group in Spring Grove, Pennsylvania, a rival to the White House’s Christmas celebration? Both have carols, entertainment, tasty treats and (of course) a roaring fireplace. But there is a noticeable difference in the warm, familiar atmosphere when the American Society for the … Read more
Vicente Borras Abella (1867–1945) is one of those Spanish painters who attained their full artistic maturity in the first half of the twentieth century. His family is from Valencia, a seaside city where the golden sunlight on the Mediterranean inspired so many artists. The painting at the top of the page, full … Read more
In making my list of gift suggestions for Christmas, I could not help but reflect that what we need most are things spiritual, not material. We need things that will not agitate us but which will fill us with peace and order. We don’t need “stuff” to fill our closets but gifts … Read more