By Hannah Brockhaus Vatican City, Dec 18, 2019 / 03:12 am (CNA).- Pope Francis Wednesday called Christmas nativity scenes a “domestic Gospel,” which helps to make the Holy Family present in one’s home. He also encouraged every family to have one in their home at Christmas time. During his last …

By Rebecca Sontag “All music should have no other end and aim than the glory of God and the soul’s refreshment.” –Johann Sebastian Bach Christmas is a time of wonderment and delight when even the dull early winter skies are made new with the glimmer of rich decorations and the twinkling …

There is definitely a spirit to Christmas. Based on Hollywood movies, you might think that this spirit is of giving, of peace on earth, or even of family. For Christians, this is a major oversimplification, and misses a bit part of what Christmas is about. Father Casey talks about not …

by Gail Finke The University of Dayton’s Christmas on Campus may be the country’s largest single-day campus service activity. Students work for months to plan and raise money, then spend a week decorating. The campus-wide event is held on or near the university’s titular feast of the Immaculate Conception, and …

Some Christmas mornings I wake up feeling spiritually underwhelmed. I don’t feel the holy wonder at the miracle of God being born upon Earth but instead feel disappointment in my own lack of real, faithful preparation for the Nativity. The previous weeks were spent fretting over decorating and shopping and …

By Courtney Mares Vatican City, Dec 5, 2019 / 10:40 am (CNA).- Ahead of the Vatican Christmas tree lighting Dec. 5, Pope Francis expressed hope that the nativity scene in St. Peter’s Square will serve as a reminder of what Christmas is truly about. A nativity scene “is a genuine …

Dayton, OH: St. Henry Catholic Church in conjunction with the Office for Respect Life Ministries for the Archdiocese of Cincinnati will be providing a Sensory-Friendly Mass on Christmas Day at 11:30am. This service will be perfect for any person who struggles with the crowds, noise, sights, and smells of the …

“It’s a Wonderful Life” is a Advent or Christmas classic, but there’s a theme carried through the movie that is rarely discussed—the role of duty.

In the waning days of December, some non-Christians celebrate the winter solstice instead of Christmas. The connection between the two observances is worth reflecting on this Advent Season. The winter solstice, which will occur on December 21, marks the longest night of the year. After that, the nights grow shorter …