Dec

24

Bethlehem Opens Its Doors

December 24, 2008 | Leave a Comment

The city where Jesus was born recovered some Christmas joy this year, rebounding from seven seasons when few pilgrims arrived to celebrate Christmas there.
Some 250,000 pilgrims arrived in Bethlehem this week, compared to only 65,000 last year, the mayor of the city reported.
The whole year showed a marked improvement, with some 1.2 million [...]

Dec

24

Taizé Leader Proposes New Year’s Resolutions

December 24, 2008 | 1 Comment

The leader of the Taizé Community says taking responsibility for the things that shape a person, even when they have not been chosen, results in true freedom.
This was one of the counsels Brother Alois Loser gave in a letter for 2009, which he wrote during a meeting last month in Kenya. The letter [...]

Dec

24

For Unto Us a Child Is Born …

December 24, 2008 | Leave a Comment

Biblical Reflections for Hanukkah and the Birth of the Lord
By Father Thomas Rosica, CSB
One of my personal Advent and Christmas traditions each year has been to attend (or at least listen to) Handel’s Messiah. My “Messiah night” took place this past week, not in a concert hall or church, but in [...]

Dec

24

Aide Advises Finding God’s Surprises in Christmas

December 24, 2008 | Leave a Comment

The director of the Vatican press office is recommending to the faithful that they discover God’s surprises this Christmas.
Jesuit Father Federico Lombardi made this suggestion during the weekly edition of Vatican Television’s “Octava Dies.” He was considering the review of 2008 made by Benedict XVI on Monday during the Pope’s traditional exchange [...]

Dec

24

Pope: Parties Can Be Organized, But Joy Is a Gift

December 24, 2008 | Leave a Comment

Benedict XVI says that joy is a gift, a fruit of the Holy Spirit, and that in this gift, all others are summed up.
This was one of the Pope’s reflections Monday when he met with the Roman Curia and other officials for the traditional exchange of Christmas greetings.
“A party is an integral [...]

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