Christmas

Each day is like Christmas when Christ is born anew in our heart, mind and will when we take on a Eucharistic pattern to our life.

For me, spending Christmas in Bethlehem is a way of standing in solidarity with the Christians who remain, holding onto their faith in the face of extraordinary challenges.

A Christmas creche conveys the “message of peace and love that Jesus left us,” the pope said Dec. 7 during a meeting with the artisans, volunteers and government representatives responsible for the Christmas decorations in the Paul VI Audience Hall and in St. Peter’s Square.

Imagine the life of a shepherd, his days spent under the vast expanse of open sky, hills and valleys stretching out before him. St. Patrick, a shepherd himself, was no stranger to this way of life, and he found God while in the field.

As Christmas approaches, we give thanks that the Word became flesh and chose to pitch his tent among us human beings. The greatest gift we have ever received, Jesus Christ, dwells within us and comes to us at every Mass.

In the spotlight: feast of Mary, Mother of God, Christmas in Ukraine, snowstorm’s impact

In focus: Antisemitism, Nicaraguan crisis, clemency for Christmas

The Christmas season begins with vigil Masses on Christmas Eve and concludes on the Feast of the Baptism of the Lord, Jan. 9.