The Music of the Season

by Francis X. Maier

The etymology of the word “carol” is linked back to dances of joy and praise. The birth of humanity’s savior seems pretty clearly to warrant both. Continue Reading »

14 Dec 2021

Rejoice in the Lord Always

by Gerald E. Murray

Gaudete Sunday reminds us that the Lord is not far away, and his grace already fills us with a share in the eternal joy we so eagerly seek. Continue Reading »

13 Dec 2021

Books for Christmas 2021

by George Weigel

George Weigel recommends books for your Christmas shopping list. Continue Reading »

1 Dec 2021

Happy Hanukkah

by Liel Leibovitz

It’s the most wonderful time of the year, and in our jingle-belling hearts and our hap-happiest TV ads, it’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas. But this year, Americans of all faiths concerned with preserving their religious liberties ought to join us Jews and celebrate a bit of Hanukkah. . . . . Continue Reading »

1 Dec 2021

Nolde’s “Heilige Nacht” (1912)

by Elisabeth Murawski

Mary’s long white armslift the baby high above her head.He is seated in her palms, a pose precarious—his head droops, an eerie portent of the cross. Through the open doorway shepherds mosey closer with their crooks. The mule slobbers grain from the trough. Blue shadows ring Joseph’s eyes. . . . . Continue Reading »

1 Dec 2021

Systemic Evil and the Justice of Advent

by Peter J. Leithart

Advent announces the coming of the Lord who breaks the arms of the sex traffickers, the drug lords, the arms dealers, and all their respectable collaborators. Continue Reading »

26 Nov 2021

The Heart of the Christmas Story

by John Wilson

If among those on your Christmas gift list there are some who love reading “mysteries,” consider When Christmas Comes. Continue Reading »

5 Nov 2021

My People Need Christ's Body and Blood

by Salvatore J. Cordileone

In humbling ourselves to serve others, we are not only doing what God asks of us: We are doing what God did for us.  Continue Reading »

14 Jan 2021

Christmas Sonnet

by Brandon Chasteen

My oldest son worked hard to rake the leavesInto a corner of our yard. Proud to proveWhat all his sweat and effort had achieved,He took my hand, suggesting where he’d moveThe rest tomorrow, to be burned. I gaveFive dollars for the work, advising oneTo spend, one to tithe, the other three, to . . . . Continue Reading »

1 Jan 2021

Light in the Darkness

by L. S. Dugdale

On this, the darkest day of the year, may we be confident that the light will soon begin to increase. Continue Reading »

21 Dec 2020