Discover how to use Advent as a time for preparation for Christmas by unpacking Catholic customs, their origins and their significance. What does the Advent wreath symbolise? Who invented the Christmas crib? What are the Catholic origins of the Christmas tree? Learn these fascinating facts and more in this blog.
What makes a Christmas tree a Christmas tree? Traditionally, Christmas trees are decorated with glass baubles of all different colours, and candles or chains of lights. Why not make your own decorations this year? Discover this fun activity for children!
In Renaissance paintings of the Nativity, the stable is often shown as ruined, a symbol of the world around us. Our own relationships with God are often broken, a gaping hole. Yet, as Bishop Hugh Gilbert, OSB, says in this homily, Christmas reveals the great love of God amidst the ruins, how He restores our broken relationship and make us His friends. The ruins can always be rebuilt, then, with the power of His love.
In Christmas, we find a tremendous hope: God is with us. Yet as we ponder this incredible truth on Christmas Day, we must remember that there are many living without hope, those who suffer persecution for their hope, or whose hopes are vested in things which can never satisfy. Pope Francis reflects on these themes in this Christmas blog.
On Christmas night, as darkness enfolded the world, an event happened that changed everything: a great light entered the world. In this Christmas meditation, Pope Francis reflects upon the love and faithfulness of God, who came to free us from the darkness and who still brightens our darkness today.
The many readings for the Christmas liturgies present a glorious mosaic. Throughout, there is a constant movement from God towards man and, in response, man towards God: a circle of direct communication flowing from the gift of divine communion. Read this reflection on the Christmas Mass readings and be reminded of the depth of meaning in this momentous day.
