lifesitenews--2020-12-24--Christ’s birth teaches us to seek humility in all things, even when we’re personally attacked

December 24 , 2020 ( LifeSiteNews ) — One of my favorite movies on the life of Christ is the 1977 film Jesus of Nazareth .
Although there are some parts that don ’ t line up theologically with what the Church teaches , in my opinion it ’ s the most complete , well-produced , and well-casted depiction of what Our Lord and Savior did when he walked the earth .
There ’ s a memorable scene in the movie where the famous actor James Earl Jones portrays one of the three wise men .
Jones and his two @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s birthplace .
“ I did not know what we were to find , ” he says .
“ And coming here , a stable .
I thought my brothers were mistaken .
But now I see the justice of it .
There could be no other place.
” To which one of the other men responded approvingly , “ not in glory but in humility.
” The humility of Christ ’ s birth is at the heart of our faith .
Our Lord could have been born on a sprawling estate in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ statues , and flowing water .
It would have been his right to be born in such a place .
His kingly majesty deserves that and so much more .
Instead , he chose to enter this world on a chilly December night in a cave just feet away from smelly barn animals .
Most world leaders today would be embarrassed to admit they ’ d been born under such circumstances .
Christ ’ s humble birth reflects the equally humble decision God made to become man in the first place .
Many @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rebelled was because God revealed to him the plan of the Incarnation .
Upon learning that God was going to lower himself to the status of a man — a far lesser creature than even the angels — Lucifer became incensed , infamously shouting , “ I will not serve !
” God ’ s decision to become man and to be born in a stable should remind us to be humble in all aspects of life , even if and especially when we find ourselves under assault from others .
It ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ when we ’ re treated unfairly .
But that 's not necessarily what God wants all the time .
When Christ was arrested in the Garden of Gethsemane , St. Peter drew his sword to defend him .
Instead of rallying to his cause , Christ told him to put away it .
Furthermore , when Our Lord was spat upon and mocked before the Jewish high priest Caiaphas , he didn ’ t exchange insult for insult .
He remained silent and simply called for the truth to be made known .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ , bear witness to it .
But if what I said is right , why do you strike me ?
” The lesson in all this is that when we ’ re called names and profanities are thrown our way , and when our integrity and reputation are being unjustly smeared , we must strive to be as Christ-like as possible .
That doesn ’ t mean to let our enemies trample over us .
The Bible is replete with references to God taking vengeance on evildoers .
Psalm 110 begs God to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with disgrace ” and to “ make them wear shame like a mantle.
” Moreover , we all have a right to a good name .
“ Whoever unjustly deprives his neighbor of his good name is guilty of sin , ” St. Francis de Sales says .
But when we ’ re faced with persecution , we should remain calm , speak charitably , and refuse to meet fire with fire .
“ A mild answer breaks up wrath : but a harsh word stirs up fury , ” Proverbs 15:1 says @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ill-tempered man , nor the companion of a wrathful one , lest you learn his ways , and get yourself into a snare , ” Proverbs 22:24-25 .
Ultimately , correcting the record and clearing our name is a matter of justice but it ’ s not the end of the world if things don ’ t end up going our way .
We live in a broken world where injustice often prevails .
We should simply offer up whatever we ’ re forced to endure for our own salvation and for the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ keep our eyes fixed on our Crucified Savior , ” St. Francis advises .
“ He will watch over our reputation , and if He permits it to be lost , He will restore it tenfold…If we are unjustly blamed , let us calmly oppose the calumny with truth ; but if it perseveres , let us persevere in our humility , for we can not better protect our reputation than by trusting it wholly in the hands of God .
”

December 24, 2020 (LifeSiteNews) — One of my favorite movies on the life of Christ is the 1977 film Jesus of Nazareth.
Although there are some parts that don’t line up theologically with what the Church teaches, in my opinion it’s the most complete, well-produced, and well-casted depiction of what Our Lord and Savior did when he walked the earth.
There’s a memorable scene in the movie where the famous actor James Earl Jones portrays one of the three wise men. Jones and his two colleagues had just arrived at Christ’s birthplace.
“I did not know what we were to find,” he says. “And coming here, a stable. I thought my brothers were mistaken. But now I see the justice of it. There could be no other place.”
To which one of the other men responded approvingly, “not in glory but in humility.”
The devil hates humility
The humility of Christ’s birth is at the heart of our faith. Our Lord could have been born on a sprawling estate in a palace with gold-plated walls, bronze statues, and flowing water. It would have been his right to be born in such a place. His kingly majesty deserves that and so much more.
Instead, he chose to enter this world on a chilly December night in a cave just feet away from smelly barn animals. Most world leaders today would be embarrassed to admit they’d been born under such circumstances.
Christ’s humble birth reflects the equally humble decision God made to become man in the first place.
Many theologians have argued that the reason Lucifer rebelled was because God revealed to him the plan of the Incarnation. Upon learning that God was going to lower himself to the status of a man — a far lesser creature than even the angels — Lucifer became incensed, infamously shouting, “I will not serve!”
A lesson for all life’s hardships
God’s decision to become man and to be born in a stable should remind us to be humble in all aspects of life, even if and especially when we find ourselves under assault from others.
It’s easy to want to fight back when we’re treated unfairly. But that's not necessarily what God wants all the time. When Christ was arrested in the Garden of Gethsemane, St. Peter drew his sword to defend him. Instead of rallying to his cause, Christ told him to put away it.
Furthermore, when Our Lord was spat upon and mocked before the Jewish high priest Caiaphas, he didn’t exchange insult for insult. He remained silent and simply called for the truth to be made known. “If what I said is wrong, bear witness to it. But if what I said is right, why do you strike me?”
The lesson in all this is that when we’re called names and profanities are thrown our way, and when our integrity and reputation are being unjustly smeared, we must strive to be as Christ-like as possible.
That doesn’t mean to let our enemies trample over us. The Bible is replete with references to God taking vengeance on evildoers. Psalm 110 begs God to “clothe” our false accusers “with disgrace” and to “make them wear shame like a mantle.”
Moreover, we all have a right to a good name. “Whoever unjustly deprives his neighbor of his good name is guilty of sin,” St. Francis de Sales says.
But when we’re faced with persecution, we should remain calm, speak charitably, and refuse to meet fire with fire. “A mild answer breaks up wrath: but a harsh word stirs up fury,” Proverbs 15:1 says. “Be not friendly with an ill-tempered man, nor the companion of a wrathful one, lest you learn his ways, and get yourself into a snare,” Proverbs 22:24-25.
Ultimately, correcting the record and clearing our name is a matter of justice but it’s not the end of the world if things don’t end up going our way. We live in a broken world where injustice often prevails. We should simply offer up whatever we’re forced to endure for our own salvation and for the salvation of others.
“Let us keep our eyes fixed on our Crucified Savior,” St. Francis advises. “He will watch over our reputation, and if He permits it to be lost, He will restore it tenfold…If we are unjustly blamed, let us calmly oppose the calumny with truth; but if it perseveres, let us persevere in our humility, for we cannot better protect our reputation than by trusting it wholly in the hands of God.”
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lifesitenews--2020-12-24--Why I thank Baby Jesus for bringing me to work at LifeSite

December 24 , 2020 ( LifeSiteNews ) — As we near truly the most wonderful celebration of the year , the Christmas Season , the Nativity of Our Lord , and also the beginning of a new year , I would like to take this time to reflect on and express my thanksgiving to the Baby Jesus for the blessing of joining the LifeSiteNews team this year as an intern and now part-time staff .
It was nearly the end of summer when I was strolling my Twitter feed and came upon an article on John-Henry Westen ’ s account @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the coming Fall .
When clicking that link , I never would have known the incredible moments and experiences I was about to go through during these four short months .
As I was going through the application process , I honestly had doubts whether I would be able to fit in an internship during a very busy , penultimate semester at my community college , with an all-online class schedule .
However , looking back now , I firmly believe that God called and has led me to work with LifeSite during @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , just as He has created every human being from the intricate moment of conception with a specific purpose .
As King David says in the Book of Psalms : `` For you created my inmost being , you knit me together in my mother 's womb ... You know me right well , my frame was not hidden from you , when I was being made in secret . ''
It is this firm and absolute belief ( each person has unimaginable potential and unending dignity , starting from the beginning of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to continue the important mission of spreading the culture of life , in the midst of rampant immoralities .
During these months , the core values of promoting the sanctity of the unborn and the family has inspired me to become more attentive and active in these issues , as they are foundational to a stable civilization .
In today ’ s society , where the intrinsic value of each human being and small , but purposeful individual deeds have been disparaged by a secular , materialistic , and utilitarian culture , I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ undoubtedly one of the most pro-life saints of our modern times , Saint Teresa of Calcutta .
She famously said , “ I alone can not change the world , but I can cast a stone across the waters to create many ripples.
” This is one of the lessons I have learned with this internship experience : though one ’ s actions in countering the anti-life , anti-Catholic , and anti-family culture may seem so dwarfish and worthless , in Christ truly all things are possible , and faith , fortitude , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ truth .
The most beautiful experiences I have been given , through the opportunity to work at LifeSite , have been the moments of prayer and spiritual enrichment .
What surely sets this news apostolate apart from many others is a work environment which is prayer , faith , and Christ-centered .
With the internship specifically , the entire class of interns was given the opportunity to join in a weekly faith formation call and program , where we would get together on an early Friday afternoon , and enrich our devotion to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and , in turn , Our Lord Jesus Christ .
Besides this faith-building experience shared with fellow interns , I greatly appreciate the overall work ethic of LifeSite , which includes fulfilling the end of all things here on earth , which is the greater glory of God .
The faith-filled environment I witness here with this organization will be the longest-lasting and most cherished experience I will take away from this time , and will undoubtedly carry it with me wherever God will lead me next .
As we draw closer @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ , I sincerely thank the Creator for bringing me to this incredible apostolate , and in embarking on a new year , together with all the fellow warriors in this organization , He truly has showered me with blessings to continue the battle for faith , family , and life .

December 24, 2020 (LifeSiteNews) — As we near truly the most wonderful celebration of the year, the Christmas Season, the Nativity of Our Lord, and also the beginning of a new year, I would like to take this time to reflect on and express my thanksgiving to the Baby Jesus for the blessing of joining the LifeSiteNews team this year as an intern and now part-time staff.
It was nearly the end of summer when I was strolling my Twitter feed and came upon an article on John-Henry Westen’s account stating that LifeSite was hiring interns for the coming Fall. When clicking that link, I never would have known the incredible moments and experiences I was about to go through during these four short months. As I was going through the application process, I honestly had doubts whether I would be able to fit in an internship during a very busy, penultimate semester at my community college, with an all-online class schedule.
However, looking back now, I firmly believe that God called and has led me to work with LifeSite during this most difficult time for a reason, just as He has created every human being from the intricate moment of conception with a specific purpose. As King David says in the Book of Psalms: “For you created my inmost being, you knit me together in my mother's womb…You know me right well, my frame was not hidden from you, when I was being made in secret.”
It is this firm and absolute belief (each person has unimaginable potential and unending dignity, starting from the beginning of life itself) that motivates this organization to continue the important mission of spreading the culture of life, in the midst of rampant immoralities. During these months, the core values of promoting the sanctity of the unborn and the family has inspired me to become more attentive and active in these issues, as they are foundational to a stable civilization.
In today’s society, where the intrinsic value of each human being and small, but purposeful individual deeds have been disparaged by a secular, materialistic, and utilitarian culture, I am reminded of a beautiful quote from undoubtedly one of the most pro-life saints of our modern times, Saint Teresa of Calcutta. She famously said, “I alone cannot change the world, but I can cast a stone across the waters to create many ripples.” This is one of the lessons I have learned with this internship experience: though one’s actions in countering the anti-life, anti-Catholic, and anti-family culture may seem so dwarfish and worthless, in Christ truly all things are possible, and faith, fortitude, and humility are needed when advancing the truth.
The most beautiful experiences I have been given, through the opportunity to work at LifeSite, have been the moments of prayer and spiritual enrichment. What surely sets this news apostolate apart from many others is a work environment which is prayer, faith, and Christ-centered. With the internship specifically, the entire class of interns was given the opportunity to join in a weekly faith formation call and program, where we would get together on an early Friday afternoon, and enrich our devotion to Our Lady, the Blessed Virgin Mary, and, in turn, Our Lord Jesus Christ.
Besides this faith-building experience shared with fellow interns, I greatly appreciate the overall work ethic of LifeSite, which includes fulfilling the end of all things here on earth, which is the greater glory of God. The faith-filled environment I witness here with this organization will be the longest-lasting and most cherished experience I will take away from this time, and will undoubtedly carry it with me wherever God will lead me next.
As we draw closer to the Solemnity of the Birth of Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, I sincerely thank the Creator for bringing me to this incredible apostolate, and in embarking on a new year, together with all the fellow warriors in this organization, He truly has showered me with blessings to continue the battle for faith, family, and life.
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lifesitenews--2020-12-24--‘Best mama, best dada’: The spirit of Christmas is marriage

December 24 , 2020 ( LifeSiteNews ) — “ The Virgin Mary is the best mama .
St. Joe-vess is the best dada.
” That ’ s what my two-year-old son said , pointing at the statues when we set ourselves up in our church for Mass one Sunday .
It was the Sunday when our priest , a hero who had provided the Mass all through 2020 , homilized that the bonds of faith are stronger than the bonds of blood .
Now , as I put together some thoughts for LifeSite for Christmas , I ’ m thinking @ @ @ @ @ @ @ what Father said , and the Holy Family .
It seems as though the Holy Family was lonely on Christmas Eve .
In Tomie dePaola ’ s Christmas book for children , Merry Christmas , Strega Nona , the old witch looks at the crèche in the village church and laments to the Christ Child , “ You were all alone with your mama and Saint Joseph — all alone , just like Strega Nona is tonight.
” This is true to a point : the Holy Family was alone in its epoch @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are alone today in ours .
Evil pressed Mary and Joseph and their newborn baby on all sides — a world choking on darkness , where mothers gruesomely sacrificed their children , men of influence spat on the institution of marriage , and sacralized prostitutes were revered as beacons of wisdom .
So too our world — abortion , adultery , the worship of the reproductive system without the reproduction .
There is nothing new under the sun .
But to harp on loneliness is to miss something important .
It ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ when we go to Mass : the Virgin Mary is the best wife , and St. Joseph is the best husband .
That ’ s how they could be the best mama and the best dada in the first place , and that ’ s why they were not alone , but together .
Whatever unspeakable evils raged outside that stable on Christmas Eve , Joseph made himself a steadfast head and guardian of his household , and Mary submitted herself as helper and supporter to her groom .
By repudiating the male @ @ @ @ @ @ @ parents , these two spouses sanctified their home .
They were not alone ; they had each other , in a perfect union of chaste , self-giving love .
Satan despised that marriage , so the world , his domain , despises every such marriage .
Today , the husband who stands up for the Faith and protects his household from idolatry and fornication and pornography and feminism earns seething hatred from a society that idolizes single mothers , worldly career women , and constant consumption .
Wives who revere and submit to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a stranger to raise their children , are mercilessly gaslighted , called brainwashed cult members with no will .
Divorce is everywhere — everywhere , beloved by liberals and conservatives both , unlamented , un-condemned , enabled , accommodated in every religion , winked and nodded at , disgracefully , even in the Catholic Church .
Separate , the world says constantly , so you can be free .
Leave your husband .
Leave your wife .
Leave your children in daycare , public school , grandparents ’ houses so you can be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , produce , contribute , consume .
The bonds of blood offer no protection from these evils .
In fact , some of the most strident attacks against united spouses come from their respective families .
Only an unbreakable bond of faith , the likes of which joined Joseph and Mary and Our Lord in the manger , confers that protection .
A lot is said about how marriage requires hard work and dedication .
For whatever reason , less is said about the flip-side of that coin : that marriage also requires @ @ @ @ @ @ @ husbands and wives unashamedly , unapologetically , un-self-consciously delighting in each other ’ s companionship and mutual mission .
For all the destruction they wreak , the tattooed feminist and the godless politician are not the primary enemy in our great battle .
Nor are our allies the smiling think-tank and capitol personalities who solicit our allegiance .
These smilers , too , champion divorce , sodomy , contraception , and every other evil made uncontroversial in our age .
Our enemy is much closer — indeed , in our own houses .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ both sides of the political divide , that hates marriage , hates children , hates a husband and wife who take their God-given roles seriously and team up against it .
Anyone who does not conscientiously fight this culture becomes it .
Anyone who does , especially in this age , needs to seriously contemplate whether he ’ ll have the strength to accept martyrdom when it comes calling .
Don ’ t be misled : it ’ s a great honor and even a joy to fight this fight .
Those spouses @ @ @ @ @ @ @ world will be reimbursed for their temporal suffering a thousandfold , in their relationship with God and with each other .
Believe it or not , they will laugh .
What conclusion can I come to when I meditate on the best mama and the best dada , with their unbreakable bond of faith , at Christmas ?
It ’ s this : if you want to win the culture war , if you want to fight for innocent lives , you need to strive for the holiness of the Holy Family and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ your marriage first .
If you rebel against your husband ’ s leadership , stop it .
If you expect or allow anyone but your wife ( and yourself ) to raise your children , stop it .
Remember Joseph , the best husband , and Mary , the best wife , and how they exemplified all the godly qualities laid out in Scripture for their respective states in life .
Remember that God decided that the Good News could not come about except through a husband and wife , personally and jointly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that marriage is a symbol of the perfect love of the Holy Trinity , is the image of that love , and that wherever people deface that image , they tread on the Godhead it represents and rain destruction down on themselves and their neighbors .
Think about this : in the two big “ transgender kids in court ” stories LifeSite covered , buried under all the lurid details about hormone poisoning and insane judges were two divorces .
Contrast all the chaos that came out of those desecrated marriages with the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Christmas Day , when the years of Our Lord began .
When it comes to restoring peace , no amount of activism or fundraising or voting will substitute for repairing and defending the marriages in our households , and then in our neighborhoods .
What is the Nativity ?
It ’ s the best mama and the best dada — the best wife and the best husband — bound not by blood , but by faith , with love so fierce that it begets .
It is the Godhead expressed in the language @ @ @ @ @ @ @ peace personified .
Remember that this Christmas , and pursue it .

December 24, 2020 (LifeSiteNews) — “The Virgin Mary is the best mama. St. Joe-vess is the best dada.”
That’s what my two-year-old son said, pointing at the statues when we set ourselves up in our church for Mass one Sunday. It was the Sunday when our priest, a hero who had provided the Mass all through 2020, homilized that the bonds of faith are stronger than the bonds of blood. Now, as I put together some thoughts for LifeSite for Christmas, I’m thinking about what my son said, and what Father said, and the Holy Family.
It seems as though the Holy Family was lonely on Christmas Eve. In Tomie dePaola’s Christmas book for children, Merry Christmas, Strega Nona, the old witch looks at the crèche in the village church and laments to the Christ Child, “You were all alone with your mama and Saint Joseph — all alone, just like Strega Nona is tonight.”
This is true to a point: the Holy Family was alone in its epoch, just as our less holy families are alone today in ours. Evil pressed Mary and Joseph and their newborn baby on all sides — a world choking on darkness, where mothers gruesomely sacrificed their children, men of influence spat on the institution of marriage, and sacralized prostitutes were revered as beacons of wisdom. So too our world — abortion, adultery, the worship of the reproductive system without the reproduction. There is nothing new under the sun.
But to harp on loneliness is to miss something important. It’s the same thing my son innocently overlooks when we go to Mass: the Virgin Mary is the best wife, and St. Joseph is the best husband. That’s how they could be the best mama and the best dada in the first place, and that’s why they were not alone, but together. Whatever unspeakable evils raged outside that stable on Christmas Eve, Joseph made himself a steadfast head and guardian of his household, and Mary submitted herself as helper and supporter to her groom. By repudiating the male cowardice and female rebellion of our first parents, these two spouses sanctified their home. They were not alone; they had each other, in a perfect union of chaste, self-giving love.
Satan despised that marriage, so the world, his domain, despises every such marriage. Today, the husband who stands up for the Faith and protects his household from idolatry and fornication and pornography and feminism earns seething hatred from a society that idolizes single mothers, worldly career women, and constant consumption. Wives who revere and submit to their husbands, who refuse to pay a stranger to raise their children, are mercilessly gaslighted, called brainwashed cult members with no will. Divorce is everywhere — everywhere, beloved by liberals and conservatives both, unlamented, un-condemned, enabled, accommodated in every religion, winked and nodded at, disgracefully, even in the Catholic Church. Separate, the world says constantly, so you can be free. Leave your husband. Leave your wife. Leave your children in daycare, public school, grandparents’ houses so you can be free, free, free to work, produce, contribute, consume.
The bonds of blood offer no protection from these evils. In fact, some of the most strident attacks against united spouses come from their respective families. Only an unbreakable bond of faith, the likes of which joined Joseph and Mary and Our Lord in the manger, confers that protection. A lot is said about how marriage requires hard work and dedication. For whatever reason, less is said about the flip-side of that coin: that marriage also requires the joy and happiness that inhere in husbands and wives unashamedly, unapologetically, un-self-consciously delighting in each other’s companionship and mutual mission.
For all the destruction they wreak, the tattooed feminist and the godless politician are not the primary enemy in our great battle. Nor are our allies the smiling think-tank and capitol personalities who solicit our allegiance. These smilers, too, champion divorce, sodomy, contraception, and every other evil made uncontroversial in our age. Our enemy is much closer — indeed, in our own houses. It’s the culture, on both sides of the political divide, that hates marriage, hates children, hates a husband and wife who take their God-given roles seriously and team up against it. Anyone who does not conscientiously fight this culture becomes it. Anyone who does, especially in this age, needs to seriously contemplate whether he’ll have the strength to accept martyrdom when it comes calling.
Don’t be misled: it’s a great honor and even a joy to fight this fight. Those spouses who embrace each other and defy the world will be reimbursed for their temporal suffering a thousandfold, in their relationship with God and with each other. Believe it or not, they will laugh.
What conclusion can I come to when I meditate on the best mama and the best dada, with their unbreakable bond of faith, at Christmas? It’s this: if you want to win the culture war, if you want to fight for innocent lives, you need to strive for the holiness of the Holy Family and fight for marriage first. Fight for your marriage first. If you rebel against your husband’s leadership, stop it. If you expect or allow anyone but your wife (and yourself) to raise your children, stop it. Remember Joseph, the best husband, and Mary, the best wife, and how they exemplified all the godly qualities laid out in Scripture for their respective states in life. Remember that God decided that the Good News could not come about except through a husband and wife, personally and jointly devoted to their newborn baby. Remember that marriage is a symbol of the perfect love of the Holy Trinity, is the image of that love, and that wherever people deface that image, they tread on the Godhead it represents and rain destruction down on themselves and their neighbors.
Think about this: in the two big “transgender kids in court” stories LifeSite covered, buried under all the lurid details about hormone poisoning and insane judges were two divorces. Contrast all the chaos that came out of those desecrated marriages with the image of enduring peace in Bethlehem on Christmas Day, when the years of Our Lord began. When it comes to restoring peace, no amount of activism or fundraising or voting will substitute for repairing and defending the marriages in our households, and then in our neighborhoods.
What is the Nativity? It’s the best mama and the best dada — the best wife and the best husband — bound not by blood, but by faith, with love so fierce that it begets. It is the Godhead expressed in the language of human life. It’s peace personified. Remember that this Christmas, and pursue it.
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lifesitenews--2020-12-24--Where God reveals Himself to us in a Christmas under oppression

GLASGOW , Scotland , December 24 , 2020 ( LifeSiteNews ) — As far as I can tell , out of all the advents I have lived through , the advent of 2020 has been possibly one of the most ... adventy .
What I mean is , the manner in which I have entered into and , indeed , experienced this advent has been among the most authentic in my life , and much of that is down to 2020 itself ( and God ’ s good grace , naturally ) .
This year has brought many unexpected surprises @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , like COVID and travel restrictions , to the joyful announcement of a new nephew joining our family , it has been a mixed bag .
The unexpected has sort of become the expected this year .
In a peculiar twist , the converse is also true , with the expected having become unexpected .
Normally , Christmas is a time that we anticipate quite far in advance ( perhaps too far in advance for our own sanity at times ) .
It is an occasion that we plan for meticulously , booking @ @ @ @ @ @ @ food and drink , and eventually decking our halls .
But for many months now , we have been continuously told by our governing powers that “ Christmas is canceled this year ” as they browbeat us into accepting that our ancient festivities simply will not be , or at least will not be the same .
But perhaps this doesn ’ t have to be an altogether bad thing .
Not that it isn ’ t bad in that some people will lock themselves away in fear and trepidation , but , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ chance to reclaim a time of silent expectation .
With shops and eateries closed , we have the unusual opportunity for respite from the mad rush of Christmas shopping , shelter from the temptations of consumerist decadences , silence from the distractions of a world that doesn ’ t want to know the true meaning of Christ and His coming at Christmas .
These are the ingredients for an advent of profound interior preparation , a time spent in quiet , maybe even penitential , expectancy .
And is it not this quiet @ @ @ @ @ @ @ oriented toward ?
Without the usual distractions , we are free to contemplate , in the void normally filled by hustle and bustle , the coming of the Christ Child .
While we are supposed to make the effort to do quiet , interior preparation for Christmas during advent anyway , it rarely happens with great success , at least , regrettably , for me .
This advent I ( and everyone else ) have been forced in a very material way to wait — to wait for the day I might see @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for the day I might be able to freely enter a shop or café without being hassled for not wearing a mask ; to wait for my local bishop to lift the cumbersome impositions unduly placed on the liturgies .
Yes , some of these things are less pressing than others , but they are real , and they make material the kind of spiritual expectancy that advent is all about : waiting to greet the King of Kings .
God brings all sorts of good out of evil ; He permits evil @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from it , Augustine says .
The evil that has been allowed to fill our lives of late — the separation from loved ones , and the oppression of state governments and imprudent bishops , have all been permitted to happen within the eternal vision of the Thrice-Holy God .
This does not mean that what has happened is good — it is not — but it can make us good , should we allow God to show us how .
Just as God brought the world out of the darkness of sin @ @ @ @ @ @ @ so too will the darkness of this advent , and indeed this year , be brought to the glory of a new birth , beyond our expectations .

GLASGOW, Scotland, December 24, 2020 (LifeSiteNews) — As far as I can tell, out of all the advents I have lived through, the advent of 2020 has been possibly one of the most…adventy. What I mean is, the manner in which I have entered into and, indeed, experienced this advent has been among the most authentic in my life, and much of that is down to 2020 itself (and God’s good grace, naturally). This year has brought many unexpected surprises: from the more general and depressing, like COVID and travel restrictions, to the joyful announcement of a new nephew joining […]
GLASGOW, Scotland, December 24, 2020 (LifeSiteNews) — As far as I can tell, out of all the advents I have lived through, the advent of 2020 has been possibly one of the most…adventy.
What I mean is, the manner in which I have entered into and, indeed, experienced this advent has been among the most authentic in my life, and much of that is down to 2020 itself (and God’s good grace, naturally).
This year has brought many unexpected surprises: from the more general and depressing, like COVID and travel restrictions, to the joyful announcement of a new nephew joining our family, it has been a mixed bag. The unexpected has sort of become the expected this year.
In a peculiar twist, the converse is also true, with the expected having become unexpected. Normally, Christmas is a time that we anticipate quite far in advance (perhaps too far in advance for our own sanity at times). It is an occasion that we plan for meticulously, booking travel arrangements, ordering copious amounts of food and drink, and eventually decking our halls.
But for many months now, we have been continuously told by our governing powers that “Christmas is canceled this year” as they browbeat us into accepting that our ancient festivities simply will not be, or at least will not be the same. But perhaps this doesn’t have to be an altogether bad thing. Not that it isn’t bad in that some people will lock themselves away in fear and trepidation, but, for some, it might be a chance to reclaim a time of silent expectation.
With shops and eateries closed, we have the unusual opportunity for respite from the mad rush of Christmas shopping, shelter from the temptations of consumerist decadences, silence from the distractions of a world that doesn’t want to know the true meaning of Christ and His coming at Christmas. These are the ingredients for an advent of profound interior preparation, a time spent in quiet, maybe even penitential, expectancy.
And is it not this quiet expectancy that is precisely what advent is oriented toward? Without the usual distractions, we are free to contemplate, in the void normally filled by hustle and bustle, the coming of the Christ Child. While we are supposed to make the effort to do quiet, interior preparation for Christmas during advent anyway, it rarely happens with great success, at least, regrettably, for me.
This advent I (and everyone else) have been forced in a very material way to wait — to wait for the day I might see certain family members again; to wait for the day I might be able to freely enter a shop or café without being hassled for not wearing a mask; to wait for my local bishop to lift the cumbersome impositions unduly placed on the liturgies. Yes, some of these things are less pressing than others, but they are real, and they make material the kind of spiritual expectancy that advent is all about: waiting to greet the King of Kings.
God brings all sorts of good out of evil; He permits evil only that a greater good might arise from it, Augustine says. The evil that has been allowed to fill our lives of late — the separation from loved ones, and the oppression of state governments and imprudent bishops, have all been permitted to happen within the eternal vision of the Thrice-Holy God. This does not mean that what has happened is good — it is not — but it can make us good, should we allow God to show us how.
Just as God brought the world out of the darkness of sin after the birth of His Son, so too will the darkness of this advent, and indeed this year, be brought to the glory of a new birth, beyond our expectations.
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lifesitenews--2020-12-24--The earthly and heavenly rituals of Christmas

December 24 , 2020 ( LifeSiteNews ) – A smell of moss and fir tree in the living room .
Typically Dutch meat patties in home-made puff pastry baking in the oven .
Stollen with dried currants and almond paste in the middle , rising lazily in a warm corner of the kitchen .
Everything will be just so .
Everything will be ready this Thursday when we leave for our long drive to a vetus ordo Midnight Mass .
Yes , I ’ m sure it ’ s Christmas , whatever ’ s happening in the outside world .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ in their proper places .
And woe to whom would aim to change the rightful smells , colors , and feel of our “ Noël ” !
I grew up in a nomadic family , going from country to country at the mercy of my father ’ s moves from one diplomatic post to another .
We never really blended in , knowing that we would leave anyway after four or five years ; besides , it was my father ’ s very job to be Dutch .
Dutch with a Catholic turn @ @ @ @ @ @ @ did not fall into the hands of Protestantism in the 16th and 17th centuries and has kept the culture of the “ rich romish life ” as the northern Calvinist population used to call it .
Perhaps more than people living in a stable environment , my parents and especially my mother , who left the Netherlands in 1946 just after her marriage , always took care to give an unmistakable homely and unchanging character to our Christmases around the world .
This meant hard work , a lot of preparation , respect @ @ @ @ @ @ @ resourcefulness .
Just try to make puff pastry , which only really works in a draughty kitchen on a mid-winter ’ s day , in Jamaica ’ s tropical heat !
My mother got around that one in the 1970 ’ s by closing the louvres and running the air conditioning on “ plus ” for 24 hours in one of the bedrooms ( the only place where we had it ) , cooling her utensils in the deep-freezer , and putting dozens of ice-cubes on her improvised work surface before bringing out @ @ @ @ @ @ @ chilled , of course .
Was it worth the trouble ?
Oh , yes .
It wasn ’ t only worth it , but necessary , because in a strange way it linked our wandering family to a stronghold where things are safe and secure , anchoring it on the sure ground of faith and the true story of our Redemption that became visible to the world in a manger in Palestine , that my mother would read to us from a beautiful , ancient illustrated book in front of the Nativity scene @ @ @ @ @ @ @ made of gnarled old Portuguese cork .
And so , as best I can , I do the same , in a new balance that was born of my marriage to a Frenchman , which has allowed me to put down roots in France , but with an outlandish twist I know I must retain .
As the youngest daughter of a youngest daughter , I had the grace of being paradoxically close to those old traditions .
My maternal grandfather was born in Maastricht , in the southern Netherlands , third in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 1884 ; he had trained as a pastry chef and it was he who made all those wonderful Christmas breads and meat rolls at home .
He took ( from what I understand ) great pleasure in what became a hobby , baking treats for his own large family following recipes that had been in use for many years before his time .
My mother must have learned from him… She remembered the rhythm of her father beating egg whites and would play it to me , so many decades later , bringing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ grandfather who died 20 years before I was born .
And so Christmas at the turn of the twentieth century had the same flavors and aromas as our Christmas will have , God willing , in 2020 , and that is very good .
When I roll out my pastry I think of my mother and my grandfather and of their forebears , and of their times that seem to come alive in my kitchen .
When I lay the festive table with white linen and red ribbon exactly like my mother used @ @ @ @ @ @ @ her – and why not my great-grandmother , born in 1853 ?
– I feel the deep satisfaction of being part of a lineage , of passing along traditions , of creating the joy and memories of an ever-returning family feast .
As heaven will also be , in an endlessly perfect way .
When we build this year ’ s Nativity scene , the truth we fight for all year round at LifeSite takes on light and color and tenderness and feel .
We are pro-life , and the child Jesus is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Is this all there is to my Christmas ?
Of course not .
But the tangible , here on earth , is the necessary passage to our higher , spiritual faith , hope and charity .
And the goodness of these humble traditions and our joy in them illustrates the much greater value and necessity of religious traditions .
In the same way I don ’ t want anything to mess with the “ feel ” of Christmas , I know that it is good that our worship to God should obey the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ love of returning family events , with so many recurring details , is a practical illustration of the use and value of the yearly cycle of the liturgical year , and of the scrupulous respect , albeit on a much higher plane , of the rubrics , chants and canons of our age-old Latin Mass .
Its beauty is not repetitive : its repetitions are just right .
It is life-giving , always new , because it surely transmits the fullness of truth and family love – the love that knits the family @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is in heaven .
We are believers of the true religion of Incarnation .
So many of us are weak enough to need the simple artefacts of our family traditions… When we have had the privilege of a Catholic upbringing , we are strengthened and fortified in our very faith by the memories of our childhood Christmases .
If we own that immaterial treasure , it is surely our delightful duty to pass on that joy to our own loved ones , because it makes our very beliefs amiable , and helps us @ @ @ @ @ @ @ like coming home to the divine Jesus of Bethlehem and his blessed Mother .
If in years to come – and may God preserve us from it – we can no longer celebrate Christmas as we ought or would want to , may our memories of the rituals of “ Noël , ” the humble ones at home and the lofty ones of the divine liturgy , help us to desire the wedding supper of the Lamb where all that is good will be given to us to contemplate , in endless bliss @

December 24, 2020 (LifeSiteNews) – A smell of moss and fir tree in the living room. Typically Dutch meat patties in home-made puff pastry baking in the oven. Stollen with dried currants and almond paste in the middle, rising lazily in a warm corner of the kitchen. Everything will be just so. Everything will be ready this Thursday when we leave for our long drive to a vetus ordo Midnight Mass. Yes, I’m sure it’s Christmas, whatever’s happening in the outside world. The signs will all be there, in their proper places. And woe to whom would aim to change […]
December 24, 2020 (LifeSiteNews) – A smell of moss and fir tree in the living room. Typically Dutch meat patties in home-made puff pastry baking in the oven. Stollen with dried currants and almond paste in the middle, rising lazily in a warm corner of the kitchen. Everything will be just so. Everything will be ready this Thursday when we leave for our long drive to a vetus ordo Midnight Mass. Yes, I’m sure it’s Christmas, whatever’s happening in the outside world. The signs will all be there, in their proper places. And woe to whom would aim to change the rightful smells, colors, and feel of our “Noël”!
I grew up in a nomadic family, going from country to country at the mercy of my father’s moves from one diplomatic post to another. We never really blended in, knowing that we would leave anyway after four or five years; besides, it was my father’s very job to be Dutch. Dutch with a Catholic turn: a good proportion of the Netherlands did not fall into the hands of Protestantism in the 16th and 17th centuries and has kept the culture of the “rich romish life” as the northern Calvinist population used to call it.
Perhaps more than people living in a stable environment, my parents and especially my mother, who left the Netherlands in 1946 just after her marriage, always took care to give an unmistakable homely and unchanging character to our Christmases around the world. This meant hard work, a lot of preparation, respect for traditions of all kinds, and resourcefulness.
Just try to make puff pastry, which only really works in a draughty kitchen on a mid-winter’s day, in Jamaica’s tropical heat! My mother got around that one in the 1970’s by closing the louvres and running the air conditioning on “plus” for 24 hours in one of the bedrooms (the only place where we had it), cooling her utensils in the deep-freezer, and putting dozens of ice-cubes on her improvised work surface before bringing out the flour and butter and water – chilled, of course.
Was it worth the trouble? Oh, yes. It wasn’t only worth it, but necessary, because in a strange way it linked our wandering family to a stronghold where things are safe and secure, anchoring it on the sure ground of faith and the true story of our Redemption that became visible to the world in a manger in Palestine, that my mother would read to us from a beautiful, ancient illustrated book in front of the Nativity scene she would always arrange in a grotto made of gnarled old Portuguese cork.
And so, as best I can, I do the same, in a new balance that was born of my marriage to a Frenchman, which has allowed me to put down roots in France, but with an outlandish twist I know I must retain.
As the youngest daughter of a youngest daughter, I had the grace of being paradoxically close to those old traditions. My maternal grandfather was born in Maastricht, in the southern Netherlands, third in a row of ten children, in 1884; he had trained as a pastry chef and it was he who made all those wonderful Christmas breads and meat rolls at home. He took (from what I understand) great pleasure in what became a hobby, baking treats for his own large family following recipes that had been in use for many years before his time. My mother must have learned from him… She remembered the rhythm of her father beating egg whites and would play it to me, so many decades later, bringing me a little bit closer to a grandfather who died 20 years before I was born.
And so Christmas at the turn of the twentieth century had the same flavors and aromas as our Christmas will have, God willing, in 2020, and that is very good.
When I roll out my pastry I think of my mother and my grandfather and of their forebears, and of their times that seem to come alive in my kitchen.
When I lay the festive table with white linen and red ribbon exactly like my mother used to do, and her mother before her – and why not my great-grandmother, born in 1853? – I feel the deep satisfaction of being part of a lineage, of passing along traditions, of creating the joy and memories of an ever-returning family feast. As heaven will also be, in an endlessly perfect way.
When we build this year’s Nativity scene, the truth we fight for all year round at LifeSite takes on light and color and tenderness and feel. We are pro-life, and the child Jesus is Life, under our own eyes.
Is this all there is to my Christmas? Of course not. But the tangible, here on earth, is the necessary passage to our higher, spiritual faith, hope and charity. And the goodness of these humble traditions and our joy in them illustrates the much greater value and necessity of religious traditions. In the same way I don’t want anything to mess with the “feel” of Christmas, I know that it is good that our worship to God should obey the ancient rituals of age-old liturgy. Our love of returning family events, with so many recurring details, is a practical illustration of the use and value of the yearly cycle of the liturgical year, and of the scrupulous respect, albeit on a much higher plane, of the rubrics, chants and canons of our age-old Latin Mass. Its beauty is not repetitive: its repetitions are just right. It is life-giving, always new, because it surely transmits the fullness of truth and family love – the love that knits the family of saints to its Father, who is in heaven.
We are believers of the true religion of Incarnation. So many of us are weak enough to need the simple artefacts of our family traditions… When we have had the privilege of a Catholic upbringing, we are strengthened and fortified in our very faith by the memories of our childhood Christmases. If we own that immaterial treasure, it is surely our delightful duty to pass on that joy to our own loved ones, because it makes our very beliefs amiable, and helps us to understand that going to God is like coming home to the divine Jesus of Bethlehem and his blessed Mother.
If in years to come – and may God preserve us from it – we can no longer celebrate Christmas as we ought or would want to, may our memories of the rituals of “Noël,” the humble ones at home and the lofty ones of the divine liturgy, help us to desire the wedding supper of the Lamb where all that is good will be given to us to contemplate, in endless bliss.
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lifesitenews--2020-12-24--Why midnight Mass is my greatest joy at Christmas

CHESHIRE , England , December 24 , 2020 ( LifeSiteNews ) – When musing on what to write for a LifeSiteNews Christmas reflection , it was all too easy for me to fall onto the ‘ big ’ topics of the year , because in them , there is near endless material upon which to build a reflection .
My pessimistic , grumpy side would have had a field day ; Christmas cheer would probably have been hard to find .
Yet , this is Christmas - perhaps the most beautiful time of year , and I do not wish @ @ @ @ @ @ @ triumph of referring back to the events of this past year , ( which I firmly believe are an all out attack upon the family , the Church , and God ) at the when all creation stands still before the new-born Son of God .
Thus in honour of this Christmas-tide , I want to dwell on the most beautiful parts of Christmas , those precious moments which emblazon themselves in my memory every year as being so special and wondrous .
Christmas , for me , is summed up in midnight @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Mass , or more recently singing in the choir loft , there is nothing more profound and beautiful than the ever old , yet ever new beauty of midnight Mass .
Allow me to paint the scene a little .
The church is placed in darkness , lit only by candles dotted around the nave , along the altar rails , and amassed upon the altar .
Shadows are cast over the altar .
Resplendent floral displays await the casting off of the sombre tones of Advent .
Looking over the low rails @ @ @ @ @ @ @ just discern the pews to be full and almost overflowing .
Even at this late hour , for midnight Mass is properly at midnight , children far outnumber their elders in the congregational ratio , and when the sacristy bells tolls , their eager eyes follow the procession in which the figure of the Christ child is brought to the manger .
Peering down , one can discern the gleam of golden vestments catching the candle light , as the flames dart around , and the choir and organ burst into sound to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ brought in solemn splendour and laid in the manger .
The glorious organ fanfare and the thick cloud of incense , swiftly transport to heaven the happy soul who sees such things , as the clock strikes midnight on Christmas morning .
The Mass continues , still illumined only by candlelight , and as the happy chorus of familiar Christmas motets and favourite carols ring out , my heart glows with happiness .
Outside in the secular world , people are frantically preparing for ‘ the big day ’ , methodically working through @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a secular festivity .
Yet these people will always remain somewhat empty and unfulfilled in their Christmas , because their meticulous plans leave out the Child in the manger Himself .
No matter the heavily laden table with all manner of comestibles , or the laughs which are had in the course of the day , there is no joy which compares with that found at the awe inspiring splendour of midnight Mass .
It is somewhat in knowledge of this , that the children flock to the manger after Mass , crowding @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and the shepherds , in order to offer a prayer before the Child who is to give His life on the cross on Good Friday .
To see the simple , yet simultaneously profound , devotion which these little ones have before the Child , is moving and inspiring .
Often it is the case that the children before the manger have a sibling , who is not much older or bigger than the Infant before them , and this I am sure , lends a something special to their prayer .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
To be able to welcome in that happy morn with chorus , incense , organ and chant , is a joy which one can not find elsewhere .
This , for me then , is Christmas , and it is why , despite my great love of all the other familial aspects of the day itself , there is nothing more beautiful , more perfect , or more sublime , than midnight Mass .
When I am inside the church at such a liturgical celebration , the evil and chaos of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to be so very far away .
In the great pomp of the first Mass of Christmas , followed by the calm silence of private prayer before the manger , the Christ child seems to truly impart the graces of the feast in a manner quite unique .
Certainly , I enjoy many other aspects of Christmas Day and Christmas itself , yet if I had to put thoughts on a postcard and describe Christmas to someone , I would turn instantly to a description of midnight Mass .
Kneeling on straw before @ @ @ @ @ @ @ smelling both fir trees and incense , is a very Catholic joy .
Particularly now after the year that has been , and in anticipation of the trials of the year ahead , I long for those precious moments of calm once more .
As the year progresses and the weather becomes ever more bleak , ( which is a slight boon for one who loves the cold , like me ) , it is easy to lose resolve in all manner of important areas in life , particularly in spiritual matters .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ after having truly given Him the most perfect of all gifts , the holy Mass , one can almost feel a spiritual renewing occurring .
The pains and sufferings of the previous year seem to disappear , and contemplating that humble image , of God born amidst cattle in a manger , one finds a reinvigorated zeal with which to enter the next year in the service of God .
Now , I am no poet nor a great story-teller , but I hope that these few rambling lines so affect any readers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with the Christ child this Christmas somewhat more peaceful and prayerful .
One of the most beautiful carols which I turn to on Christmas day , is the Coventry carol , recalling the massacre of the Holy Innocents .
The serenity and harmony found in its verses , combined with the solemn subject , somehow capture the beauty of Christmas time .
I heartily recommend this arrangement to you all , as a choral gift on Christmas Day .
We hail the conquering King this Christmas time , whose arrival is found not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , calm , and prayerful vigil , surrounded by hosts of angels , St. Joseph most chaste and Our Lady , the terror of demons .
A very Blessed and Happy Christmas to you all !

'There is nothing more profound and beautiful than the ever old, yet ever new beauty of midnight Mass'
CHESHIRE, England, December 24, 2020 (LifeSiteNews) – When musing on what to write for a LifeSiteNews Christmas reflection, it was all too easy for me to fall onto the ‘big’ topics of the year, because in them, there is near endless material upon which to build a reflection. My pessimistic, grumpy side would have had a field day; Christmas cheer would probably have been hard to find.
Yet, this is Christmas – perhaps the most beautiful time of year, and I do not wish to give the devil even the momentary triumph of referring back to the events of this past year, (which I firmly believe are an all out attack upon the family, the Church, and God) at the when all creation stands still before the new-born Son of God.
Thus in honour of this Christmas-tide, I want to dwell on the most beautiful parts of Christmas, those precious moments which emblazon themselves in my memory every year as being so special and wondrous.
Christmas, for me, is summed up in midnight Mass. Whether it is in serving Mass, or more recently singing in the choir loft, there is nothing more profound and beautiful than the ever old, yet ever new beauty of midnight Mass.
Allow me to paint the scene a little. The church is placed in darkness, lit only by candles dotted around the nave, along the altar rails, and amassed upon the altar. Shadows are cast over the altar. Resplendent floral displays await the casting off of the sombre tones of Advent.
Looking over the low rails on the choir loft, one can just discern the pews to be full and almost overflowing. Even at this late hour, for midnight Mass is properly at midnight, children far outnumber their elders in the congregational ratio, and when the sacristy bells tolls, their eager eyes follow the procession in which the figure of the Christ child is brought to the manger.
Peering down, one can discern the gleam of golden vestments catching the candle light, as the flames dart around, and the choir and organ burst into sound to welcome the Infant King as He is brought in solemn splendour and laid in the manger. The glorious organ fanfare and the thick cloud of incense, swiftly transport to heaven the happy soul who sees such things, as the clock strikes midnight on Christmas morning.
The Mass continues, still illumined only by candlelight, and as the happy chorus of familiar Christmas motets and favourite carols ring out, my heart glows with happiness. Outside in the secular world, people are frantically preparing for ‘the big day’, methodically working through the plans for a perfect celebration of a secular festivity. Yet these people will always remain somewhat empty and unfulfilled in their Christmas, because their meticulous plans leave out the Child in the manger Himself. No matter the heavily laden table with all manner of comestibles, or the laughs which are had in the course of the day, there is no joy which compares with that found at the awe inspiring splendour of midnight Mass.
It is somewhat in knowledge of this, that the children flock to the manger after Mass, crowding round amongst the straw, the animals, and the shepherds, in order to offer a prayer before the Child who is to give His life on the cross on Good Friday. To see the simple, yet simultaneously profound, devotion which these little ones have before the Child, is moving and inspiring. Often it is the case that the children before the manger have a sibling, who is not much older or bigger than the Infant before them, and this I am sure, lends a something special to their prayer.
For me, Christmas IS midnight Mass. To be able to welcome in that happy morn with chorus, incense, organ and chant, is a joy which one cannot find elsewhere.
This, for me then, is Christmas, and it is why, despite my great love of all the other familial aspects of the day itself, there is nothing more beautiful, more perfect, or more sublime, than midnight Mass. When I am inside the church at such a liturgical celebration, the evil and chaos of the world, seems for a short time to be so very far away. In the great pomp of the first Mass of Christmas, followed by the calm silence of private prayer before the manger, the Christ child seems to truly impart the graces of the feast in a manner quite unique.
Certainly, I enjoy many other aspects of Christmas Day and Christmas itself, yet if I had to put thoughts on a postcard and describe Christmas to someone, I would turn instantly to a description of midnight Mass.
Kneeling on straw before the crib between oxen and shepherd, smelling both fir trees and incense, is a very Catholic joy. Particularly now after the year that has been, and in anticipation of the trials of the year ahead, I long for those precious moments of calm once more. As the year progresses and the weather becomes ever more bleak, (which is a slight boon for one who loves the cold, like me), it is easy to lose resolve in all manner of important areas in life, particularly in spiritual matters. But when kneeling before the Infant King after having truly given Him the most perfect of all gifts, the holy Mass, one can almost feel a spiritual renewing occurring. The pains and sufferings of the previous year seem to disappear, and contemplating that humble image, of God born amidst cattle in a manger, one finds a reinvigorated zeal with which to enter the next year in the service of God.
Now, I am no poet nor a great story-teller, but I hope that these few rambling lines so affect any readers, so as to make that encounter with the Christ child this Christmas somewhat more peaceful and prayerful.
One of the most beautiful carols which I turn to on Christmas day, is the Coventry carol, recalling the massacre of the Holy Innocents. The serenity and harmony found in its verses, combined with the solemn subject, somehow capture the beauty of Christmas time. I heartily recommend this arrangement to you all, as a choral gift on Christmas Day.
We hail the conquering King this Christmas time, whose arrival is found not in temporal splendour, but in quiet, calm, and prayerful vigil, surrounded by hosts of angels, St. Joseph most chaste and Our Lady, the terror of demons.
A very Blessed and Happy Christmas to you all!
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lifesitenews--2020-12-24--Lockdowns be darned! Spend Christmas with your families

ALBERTA , Canada , December 24 , 2020 ( LifeSiteNews ) – This will not be a typical Christmas reflection , as I am afraid that for 2020 , this will not be a typical Christmas .
I have to admit that news of governments calling to “ cancel ” Christmas - like they actually can wipe from the face of the earth one of the most important religious celebrations for Catholics and Christians around the world – has made me angry like never before .
I have had my fair share of angry moments in my life and have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have tested my resolve to trust God with 100 percent faithfulness .
Just so we are clear , God always pulls through , the power of prayer is real , very real .
But as a Canadian , when I first heard of the news that Ontario Premier Doug Ford said families should avoid “ holiday parties or large family dinners ” for 2020 in a politically correct announcement about “ Holiday Season Safety ” ( that did not mention Christmas at all by the way ) , I was livid and knew @ @ @ @ @ @ @ wrong .
I ended up writing the report about Ford ’ s comments for LifeSiteNews .
In my report , I also mentioned the fact that our Prime Minister , Justin Trudeau had earlier hinted that Canadians might not be able to celebrate Christmas with family and friends , despite the fact he allegedly broke coronavirus restrictions himself to visit his family this Easter !
Not long after Ford ’ s grinch like comment about canceling Christmas , Manitoba ’ s Premier Brian Pallister said he was “ the guy who ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his province “ safe ” from COVID-19 .
I covered this story as well , and I remember the feeling of anger growing to the point I had to calm down , which happened after a quick prayer .
In the province that I live in , Alberta , we have until recently been lucky that our government imposed COVID-19 restrictions were mild compared to most provinces .
However , make no mistake , even one government-imposed restriction of freedoms is too much in my opinion , so when Alberta ’ s Premier @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of any kind would be “ illegal , ” I lost it !
I can not for the life of me accept the notion that Kenney , or Ford , or Pallister or any other politician in any way is doing the right , or legal thing , by banning families from seeing each other during what I consider to be the time of year when God ’ s graces flow for everyone the most .
Let people decide their own risk .
Let them live their own life , and yes of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s not a good idea to visit anyone , especially an elderly person .
This is just common sense that most people know already for crying out loud .
We now know that most people , especially those under 70 and assuming they are healthy , will do just fine should they get sick with COVID-19 .
In fact , the odds of dying from COVID-19 for a person of my age are very , very slim .
I am not saying that the lives of the elderly do not matter , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I in any way claiming that COVID-19 is not a real illness that has killed people , it obviously has .
But the fact is , most who are dying in the province in which I live had three or more pre-existing health conditions and were already ill before they died .
A total of 76 percent of all deaths reported as being from COVID-19 in Alberta were in persons with three or more comorbidities .
You can see for yourself right here if you don ’ t believe me , on the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , just 20 , yes 20 people in Alberta have died due to COVID-19 with no known comorbidities .
Let that sink in for a moment .
Many families have been isolated for months on end , with no end in sight to the COVID madness , which I would argue is a self-inflicted folly that has attacked the faithful ’ s ability to worship their God without the heavy hand of the government saying they can not .
I must also say I am very disappointed in how the Catholic hierarchy has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they would have a little more faith in God , right ?
You would think they would fight to keep their churches open , right ?
You would think they would not become official mouthpieces of the government , right ?
You would think they would fight for the freedom of religion from unncecessary interference from the state , but alas it appears a big no to this one .
I ’ m not trying to bash our bishops .
They have a very hard job to do and I understand that they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for an outbreak attributed to a Catholic church .
But the reality is , we live in a sin-filled dangerous world with risks at every turn .
Life is a risk , and people especially need to be able to attend Holy Mass .
We are mortal beings who can die at a moment ’ s notice .
My brother-in-law died of a sudden heart attack at 38 years old .
He left behind a wife , three young kids , and a yet to be born child , as my sister was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ passed .
The last time I saw him was at Christmas .
The obscene invasion of churches by the state through restrictions and closures is an offence against God and an injustice towards the faithful .
This is not normal and is not something we can accept .
I urge all Canadian readers , especially those in Alberta , to take the time to watch a video interview between Jay Cameron , a lawyer for the Justice Center for Constitutional Freedoms , and a man who calls himself “ The Angry Albertan.
” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ English as you ’ ll ever hear why it is important that the public , in a peaceful manner , resist the illegal lockdown measures in as many ways as possible .
So , as one Canadian to another , or to all our readers in the United States and elsewhere , I say this .
Go visit your parents , brothers , sisters , in-laws , and all other families of importance this Christmas , lockdowns be darned .
The only way we fight back this tyranny of government overreach is when @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in charge that , “ we have had enough.
” Some of you may have seen on social media a meme that says George Orwell ’ s famous dystopian novel “ 1984 ” is just that , a fictional story , and not a manual on how to strip people ’ s freedoms or create a society of Christmas snitch lines , or one where pastors such as the Manitoba Church of God ’ s Tobias Tissen , are handed massive fines for having the guts to praise the Lord .
As Jay @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Angry Albertan , our constitutional rights as Canadians only matter when we fight to use them .
This Christmas be not afraid and trust in Jesus .
Don ’ t live in fear , no matter what the unconstitutional laws might say .

ALBERTA, Canada, December 24, 2020 (LifeSiteNews) – This will not be a typical Christmas reflection, as I am afraid that for 2020, this will not be a typical Christmas. I have to admit that news of governments calling to “cancel” Christmas – like they actually can wipe from the face of the earth one of the most important religious celebrations for Catholics and Christians around the world – has made me angry like never before. I have had my fair share of angry moments in my life and have been in some very tough situations which have tested my resolve […]
ALBERTA, Canada, December 24, 2020 (LifeSiteNews) – This will not be a typical Christmas reflection, as I am afraid that for 2020, this will not be a typical Christmas.
I have to admit that news of governments calling to “cancel” Christmas – like they actually can wipe from the face of the earth one of the most important religious celebrations for Catholics and Christians around the world – has made me angry like never before.
I have had my fair share of angry moments in my life and have been in some very tough situations which have tested my resolve to trust God with 100 percent faithfulness. Just so we are clear, God always pulls through, the power of prayer is real, very real.
But as a Canadian, when I first heard of the news that Ontario Premier Doug Ford said families should avoid “holiday parties or large family dinners” for 2020 in a politically correct announcement about “Holiday Season Safety” (that did not mention Christmas at all by the way), I was livid and knew deep inside his statement was just plain wrong.
I ended up writing the report about Ford’s comments for LifeSiteNews. In my report, I also mentioned the fact that our Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau had earlier hinted that Canadians might not be able to celebrate Christmas with family and friends, despite the fact he allegedly broke coronavirus restrictions himself to visit his family this Easter!
Not long after Ford’s grinch like comment about canceling Christmas, Manitoba’s Premier Brian Pallister said he was “the guy who’s stealing Christmas” to keep people in his province “safe” from COVID-19. I covered this story as well, and I remember the feeling of anger growing to the point I had to calm down, which happened after a quick prayer.
In the province that I live in, Alberta, we have until recently been lucky that our government imposed COVID-19 restrictions were mild compared to most provinces. However, make no mistake, even one government-imposed restriction of freedoms is too much in my opinion, so when Alberta’s Premier Jason Kenney announced that all private gatherings of any kind would be “illegal,” I lost it!
I cannot for the life of me accept the notion that Kenney, or Ford, or Pallister or any other politician in any way is doing the right, or legal thing, by banning families from seeing each other during what I consider to be the time of year when God’s graces flow for everyone the most. Let people decide their own risk. Let them live their own life, and yes of course if you are sick, it’s not a good idea to visit anyone, especially an elderly person. This is just common sense that most people know already for crying out loud.
We now know that most people, especially those under 70 and assuming they are healthy, will do just fine should they get sick with COVID-19. In fact, the odds of dying from COVID-19 for a person of my age are very, very slim.
I am not saying that the lives of the elderly do not matter, not in the slightest. Nor am I in any way claiming that COVID-19 is not a real illness that has killed people, it obviously has. But the fact is, most who are dying in the province in which I live had three or more pre-existing health conditions and were already ill before they died. A total of 76 percent of all deaths reported as being from COVID-19 in Alberta were in persons with three or more comorbidities. You can see for yourself right here if you don’t believe me, on the government’s website! Even more, just 20, yes 20 people in Alberta have died due to COVID-19 with no known comorbidities. Let that sink in for a moment.
Many families have been isolated for months on end, with no end in sight to the COVID madness, which I would argue is a self-inflicted folly that has attacked the faithful’s ability to worship their God without the heavy hand of the government saying they cannot.
I must also say I am very disappointed in how the Catholic hierarchy has handled the situation. You would think they would have a little more faith in God, right? You would think they would fight to keep their churches open, right? You would think they would not become official mouthpieces of the government, right? You would think they would fight for the freedom of religion from unncecessary interference from the state, but alas it appears a big no to this one.
I’m not trying to bash our bishops. They have a very hard job to do and I understand that they don’t want to be responsible for an outbreak attributed to a Catholic church. But the reality is, we live in a sin-filled dangerous world with risks at every turn. Life is a risk, and people especially need to be able to attend Holy Mass.
We are mortal beings who can die at a moment’s notice. My brother-in-law died of a sudden heart attack at 38 years old. He left behind a wife, three young kids, and a yet to be born child, as my sister was only a few weeks pregnant when he passed. The last time I saw him was at Christmas.
The obscene invasion of churches by the state through restrictions and closures is an offence against God and an injustice towards the faithful. This is not normal and is not something we can accept.
I urge all Canadian readers, especially those in Alberta, to take the time to watch a video interview between Jay Cameron, a lawyer for the Justice Center for Constitutional Freedoms, and a man who calls himself “The Angry Albertan.”
Cameron spells out in as plain as English as you’ll ever hear why it is important that the public, in a peaceful manner, resist the illegal lockdown measures in as many ways as possible.
So, as one Canadian to another, or to all our readers in the United States and elsewhere, I say this. Go visit your parents, brothers, sisters, in-laws, and all other families of importance this Christmas, lockdowns be darned.
The only way we fight back this tyranny of government overreach is when we as a people say to those in charge that, “we have had enough.”
Some of you may have seen on social media a meme that says George Orwell’s famous dystopian novel “1984” is just that, a fictional story, and not a manual on how to strip people’s freedoms or create a society of Christmas snitch lines, or one where pastors such as the Manitoba Church of God’s Tobias Tissen, are handed massive fines for having the guts to praise the Lord.
As Jay Cameron says in his interview with the Angry Albertan, our constitutional rights as Canadians only matter when we fight to use them.
This Christmas be not afraid and trust in Jesus. Don’t live in fear, no matter what the unconstitutional laws might say.
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lifesitenews--2020-12-24--Lockdowns cannot stop God visiting each of us this Christmas

LifeSiteNews is facing increasing censorship .
Click HERE to sign up to receive emails when we add to our video library .
December 24 , 2020 ( LifeSiteNews ) – It was New Year ’ s Eve and like every year , my family hosted a party with our relatives and friends from all over town .
We sat around the dinner table sharing our hopes and dreams for 2020 .
For most of us , we liked how things are going and wouldn ’ t want to change a thing .
Each of us had our health , our @ @ @ @ @ @ @ all around and our churches open for us to go to whenever we wanted .
Personally , I was comfortable , content , and in control of my life , or so I thought .
Little did I know that the Lord had something different in mind for me in this year of 2020 .
As St. Therese of Lisieux once stated , “ The world is thy ship , and not thy home ” .
The Lord knew that there was much pruning needed to be done in my life and how @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the desert for me to detach myself from the things of this world .
After a job loss , constant rejection from positions that I applied for , a hastened death in my family , churches on lockdown due to a global pandemic , I felt my senseof security and certainty crumble .
I was frustrated with government decisions and the lack of integrity , justice , and honesty in the world .
I felt down-trodden and disappointed with myself as I couldn ’ t come up with a solution for me to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ completely lost as I couldn ’ t see past this long season of Good Friday .
This was what Satan wanted .
The father of lies will do anything to convince us that we are alone , that hope is useless and that God ’ s love is non-existent .
I was impatient and attached to the tangible and absolute certainties of life , and much like Eve in the garden I doubted God ’ s love and His plan for my life and His plan for the world .
I kept grasping @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in assuming that I knew what was best for me , rather than what the Lord had in store for me .
What can I say ; I ’ m a flawed human being !
But through God ’ s redeeming love in the Sacrament of Reconciliation I have witnessed God ’ s overflowing peace in His reassurance that He is in control .
As St. Paul states to the Philippians 1:6 , “ He who began a good work in you will bring it to completion on the day of Jesus Christ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Jesus Christ desires to make us whole and complete , but it is only possible if we humble ourselves and let Him in .
I am constantly reminded that I can not rely on my own strength and sheer will to make things better and sometimes it takes a difficult season of loss for me to open my eyes .
Praise God for this humbling realization through the Sacrament of Reconciliation .
To think , this sacrament would not be in existence without Our Mother Mary ’ s fiat .
Our Lady in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ her hopes and dreams for an even greater purpose , the salvation of humanity !
Our Mother Mary did not cower in fear or succumb to despair when all seemed lost on Calvary , but rather she accepted God ’ s plan and the excruciating suffering that came with it without losing hope .
In all things she trusted and did not lose sight of God ’ s everlasting love and plan for her familyeven when there was no room for them in the inn at Bethlehem but rather trusted in God ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and I .
Although it may seem like there is no room for us to receive Our Lord in the Eucharist when these lockdowns seem to prevent us from celebrating Christmas in our churches and with our loved ones , Our Lady and St. Joseph are persistent as they journey towards each and every one of us this Christmas season to find a home for their beloved Son in the living tabernacle of our hearts .
Our Lady and St. Joseph are challenging us to surrender our plans , our pride and desire @ @ @ @ @ @ @ imitate their virtues of having a holy indifference , uncompromising faith , and profound humility and urge us to keep our head ’ s up and eyes fixed on that bright star in Bethlehem this blessed Christmas season and into the New Year .

LifeSiteNews is facing increasing censorship. Click HERE to sign up to receive emails when we add to our video library. December 24, 2020 (LifeSiteNews) – It was New Year’s Eve and like every year, my family hosted a party with our relatives and friends from all over town. We sat around the dinner table sharing our hopes and dreams for 2020. For most of us, we liked how things are going and wouldn’t want to change a thing. Each of us had our health, our home, our jobs, loved ones all around and our churches open for us to go to […]
LifeSiteNews is facing increasing censorship. Click HERE to sign up to receive emails when we add to our video library.
December 24, 2020 (LifeSiteNews) – It was New Year’s Eve and like every year, my family hosted a party with our relatives and friends from all over town. We sat around the dinner table sharing our hopes and dreams for 2020. For most of us, we liked how things are going and wouldn’t want to change a thing. Each of us had our health, our home, our jobs, loved ones all around and our churches open for us to go to whenever we wanted. Personally, I was comfortable, content, and in control of my life, or so I thought.
The Peace in Surrender
Little did I know that the Lord had something different in mind for me in this year of 2020. As St. Therese of Lisieux once stated, “The world is thy ship, and not thy home”. The Lord knew that there was much pruning needed to be done in my life and how much I needed to be led into the desert for me to detach myself from the things of this world.
After a job loss, constant rejection from positions that I applied for, a hastened death in my family, churches on lockdown due to a global pandemic, I felt my senseof security and certainty crumble. I was frustrated with government decisions and the lack of integrity, justice, and honesty in the world. I felt down-trodden and disappointed with myself as I couldn’t come up with a solution for me to get out of this mess and felt completely lost as I couldn’t see past this long season of Good Friday. This was what Satan wanted. The father of lies will do anything to convince us that we are alone, that hope is useless and that God’s love is non-existent. I was impatient and attached to the tangible and absolute certainties of life, and much like Eve in the garden I doubted God’s love and His plan for my life and His plan for the world. I kept grasping for the fruit of my own pride in assuming that I knew what was best for me, rather than what the Lord had in store for me.
What can I say; I’m a flawed human being! But through God’s redeeming love in the Sacrament of Reconciliation I have witnessed God’s overflowing peace in His reassurance that He is in control. As St. Paul states to the Philippians 1:6, “He who began a good work in you will bring it to completion on the day of Jesus Christ”. Our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ desires to make us whole and complete, but it is only possible if we humble ourselves and let Him in. I am constantly reminded that I cannot rely on my own strength and sheer will to make things better and sometimes it takes a difficult season of loss for me to open my eyes. Praise God for this humbling realization through the Sacrament of Reconciliation. To think, this sacrament would not be in existence without Our Mother Mary’s fiat. Our Lady in her humility and love for God surrendered her hopes and dreams for an even greater purpose, the salvation of humanity! Our Mother Mary did not cower in fear or succumb to despair when all seemed lost on Calvary, but rather she accepted God’s plan and the excruciating suffering that came with it without losing hope. In all things she trusted and did not lose sight of God’s everlasting love and plan for her familyeven when there was no room for them in the inn at Bethlehem but rather trusted in God’s providence.
Her family includes you and I.
Although it may seem like there is no room for us to receive Our Lord in the Eucharist when these lockdowns seem to prevent us from celebrating Christmas in our churches and with our loved ones, Our Lady and St. Joseph are persistent as they journey towards each and every one of us this Christmas season to find a home for their beloved Son in the living tabernacle of our hearts. Our Lady and St. Joseph are challenging us to surrender our plans, our pride and desire for control in our messy world and imitate their virtues of having a holy indifference, uncompromising faith, and profound humility and urge us to keep our head’s up and eyes fixed on that bright star in Bethlehem this blessed Christmas season and into the New Year.
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