The Christmas story traditionally shows a giant star hovering above the stable in Bethlehem, guiding the wise men to the infant Christ. What was this star and how did it lead the Magi? Here are six fascinating things to learn about the Star of Bethlehem, with astrophysicist-turned Catholic priest Fr Douglas McGonagle.
From the moment that Cain, blinded by envy, killed his brother Abel, humanity has been plagued by violence, wars, hatred and oppression. Yet, as Pope Francis reflects in this blog, God has been patient with us, never giving up, but waiting for the moment when He would send us a great light in the form of His Son. What is important now, the Pope says, is to seek the Lord.
"Blessed art thou among women and blessed is the fruit of thy womb..." During Advent, we are given the opportunity to reflect more deeply on the life of Mary. Particularly by meditating upon her faith, we can come to understand why the reverence paid to Mary by Catholics and Eastern Orthodox is deserved, and the particular importance of the words of the Angel Gabriel, who proclaims Mary to be blessed.
When you put up your Christmas tree this Advent, pray this blessing together as a family or household before turning on the lights, asking that it all who delight in it may come to knowledge and joy of salvation.
It’s one of the paradoxes of Christianity that we find life in death, freedom in captivity, patience in action. For St John of the Cross, his time in captivity was a period of intense growth. John didn’t just endure and suffer but spent his time meditating on the things of Heaven. His life and action serve as a guide for us.
On Christmas Eve, it is traditional to gather your household together and pray this blessing over the nativity scene.
