It is not easy to be an atheist during Christmas. Atheism demands seriousness: if God does not exist, one must be consistent. However, the experience of living without dependence on a Creator Being—a defining characteristic of atheism—often gives rise to...
Last night, as I was walking on the Green in my home city, I stopped by the crèche – nestled on the rough equivalent of half a parking space ceded by the city, installed (and funded) by my hometown multinational men’s...
Deck the halls with boughs of holly! It is getting to be that time of year again: a time full of joyous songs that celebrate Jesus’s birthday and presents to be unwrapped. But have you ever considered what happens to...
“That’s not fair.” “That makes no sense.” “I don’t see why it doesn’t count if you just go once, it’s a Sunday.” “Do we still get to open one gift early like we do every year on Christmas Eve?” These...
On Christmas Eve, December 24, 1968, the crew of Apollo 8 entered lunar orbit and began circling the moon – the first time in history for humans to visit another world. That evening the crew’s astronauts Bill Anders, Jim Lovell...
We sat down as a family and reflected on Advent Stations found in the current copy of Magnificat Advent Companion. I’d love to paint a picture of a scene out of a Hallmark movie, but that’s not how things go...
A few days ago, Fr. Casey Cole, OFM, tweeted that, “If the story of Christmas doesn’t shake you, you might be missing the point.” He linked to a video that conveyed the familiar scold that, instead of focusing on gifts...
After years of ending the Christmas season and recognizing that I hadn’t listened to any carols, watched any classic Christmas movies, or otherwise engaged the holiday spirit at all (aside from ministry-related matters, obviously), I have approached Christmas a bit...
There has been something inexplicable going on somewhere deep within me this Advent. I am finding it difficult to put it into words, but Christmas, its true meaning, and all its implications are overwhelming me. Of course, Christmas is the...
‘Tis the season. The weather is turning colder, the colored lights are going up, family gatherings are being planned—and right on cue, one of the routine culture war battles is heating up. It is time to signal your allegiance; will...
This is a reflection for the Feast of the Holy Family of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph, December 26, 2021 When we come together to celebrate Mass during the Christmas season, we see the entire Church on full display in a...
This morning, Pope Francis offered the customary Christmas Urbi et Orbi address (“to the city and the world”), offering prayers for peace, healing, and reconciliation for the people of countries facing crises and hardships throughout the world. Reporting for Catholic News...
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