lifesitenews--2020-12-24--COVID rules ruining your Christmas? Government interfered in celebration of first Christmas too

December 24 , 2020 ( LifeSiteNews ) – Government interference in the life of a young couple a number of years ago forced them to break away from their normal way of life , their treasured habits , their relatives and friends , and made them experience their first Christmas unlike anything they wanted or ever could have imagined .
The government orders were clear .
No one dared argue against or oppose them .
To do so could mean large fines , imprisonment , and maybe even something worse .
And , the timing couldn ’ t have been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pregnant and was due any day .
And now they were being ordered by the government to leave their home , their friends , their support network , and travel dangerous roads to the man ’ s hometown — about a week-long journey if the weather was good — for a ridiculous population survey .
Of all the troublesome measures the government had imposed upon the people lately , this certainly was the most difficult .
The couple didn ’ t have much of a plan worked out in advance .
They would @ @ @ @ @ @ @ plan looked something like this : • Travel 80 miles from current dwelling to hometown as quickly as possible ( no sightseeing ) .
• Avoid running into troubles like robbers , hope the weather stays good ( pray for God ’ s protection ) .
• Find lodgings at destination ASAP ( before baby comes , pray for God ’ s help to find a place ) .
• Deliver baby in a nice location with lots of amenities and lots of help .
• Make plans to return home with new @ @ @ @ @ @ @ life as quickly as possible .
Not much went as planned .
When the couple got to their destination , all the lodgings were already booked .
There was no place for them to stay .
Where were they going to have the baby ?
Out in the street ?
In some alley ?
This was the couple ’ s first Christmas , and it seemed like nothing was working out the way it should have – and all because the government had decided to do something as ridiculous as counting the population @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the young couple as they wandered aimlessly through the streets , offering them a place to sleep in a barn if they wanted it .
It was not the kind of place the husband wanted , or even could have imagined , to host the couple ’ s first Christmas .
But , it was what was available , and so he accepted it .
“ And she gave birth to her first-born son and wrapped him in swaddling clothes , and laid him in a manger.
” As government lockdowns , restrictions @ @ @ @ @ @ @ due to the coronavirus are imposed upon many of us this Christmas , it is helpful to keep in mind that the first Christmas happened the way it did because of government interference .
And , even more importantly , it turns out that behind the government ’ s interference in the lives of Mary and Joseph was the hand of God directing history and working all things for good for those who love and trust in him ( Rom 8:28 ) .
Caesar Augustus ’ census uprooted Mary and Joseph from their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Joseph ’ s hometown of Bethlehem .
But through this , God was bringing the couple to the place where the prophecy would be fulfilled that the Messiah would be born in the city of David since he would be one of David ’ s descendants .
No lodgings were available for Mary and Joseph .
What was needed was a palace or a royal residence to deliver the most important baby in the history of the world .
What was available was a dirty stable filled with animals .
Through this , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was willing to empty himself ( Phil 2:7 ) in order to draw all men to himself ( Jn 12:32 ) .
Being surrounded by animals in a stable , the God-man was also revealing that he was the new Adam who was coming to make all things new ( Rev 21:5 ) .
There was no princely crib to lay the baby in , but only a manger from which the animals ate hay and grain .
But through this , God was revealing that his Son was the bread of life @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to have eternal life and be raised up on the last day ( Jn 6 ) .
From a human perspective , the first Christmas was an unmitigated disaster brought on by government meddling in the lives of good , honest people .
But from a divine perspective , the first Christmas revealed the hand of God working powerfully behind the mandate of secular authorities to bring to pass his plan and to let the world know what kind of God he truly is .
While many of us in various places around @ @ @ @ @ @ @ honor Christmas as we have done in previous years , either through lack of access to the sacraments or gathering restrictions , such restrictions imposed by the authorities are a good opportunity to try to discern how God is working and what he ’ s doing behind the scene .
They may help us to recall what the true meaning of Christmas really is .
I reached out to some LifeSite staff living in various parts of the world to see what their restrictions are and how they are going to celebrate Christmas @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with proof that no matter what our governments may be doing , no one can take away our faith and the reason for our hope .
The government is enforcing that churches can only have 50 % of capacity , as well as saying that masks be worn , and tickets be obtained to attend Mass .
Other parts of the country have set strict limits of people allowed in the church , no matter the size .
Marshalls have to ensure that members of the congregation follow one-way systems , leave their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Despite this , I and many of my friends , will continue regardless to attend Holy Mass , making it as normal as possible .
The church will be full of the sound of happy carols over Christmas , and people will gather in the same fervor and devotion as at every Christmas - just eager to pray at the crib .
Christmas is a time of great spiritual renewal .
There is a sense that just as Christ is born amongst us , so are our spiritual lives given new life and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ next year .
Family time is of course a huge part as well , and simple moments spent together are so up-lifting .
In France , we can consider ourselves to be lucky that the current nationwide curfew from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. will exceptionally be lifted on Christmas Eve .
For many people in secularized France , the feast of the birth of Our Lord has little meaning beyond the so-called “ Réveillon : ” a festive family dinner with refined delicacies and carefully chosen wines , but cancelling this would @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a time when anger against COVID-19 restrictions is growing .
The “ recommended ” number of diners is no more than six adults .
For practicing Catholics , thank heaven , Midnight Mass will be an option , but severe restrictions apply : one person per 6 square meters , masks , and also– in some dioceses , not because of government rules but by episcopal decision – a ban on communion on the tongue .
Many parishes have chosen to ask the faithful to register for Mass and there will be controls @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an internet-generated reservation number .
Our Christmas lunch on the 25th will be festive and traditional , and we intend not to leave anyone out .
In France , the police can ’ t come inside people ’ s homes to check what they ’ re doing .
Not yet… We consider it a huge blessing that we will be leaving the city and visiting relatives who live on a semi-rural mountain where restrictions are not so heavy .
Here we can enjoy some peace and quiet , quality time with family who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ year , and unplug from the chaos currently happening in the world for a while .
Had we remained in the city , we would not be allowed at many beaches , numbers at Christmas Masses would be severely limited , and we would not be allowed to spend Christmas Day with my wife ’ s family as our numbers would exceed ten people .
For us , we try to make Christmas especially about the joy and peace brought to the world at the birth of the Savior King .
We try @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ourselves from the world , and to focus on quality time , prayer , good food and lots of time outdoors .
At the beginning of December , our County Council tightened rules for gatherings , essentially making fellowship and communal worship impossible , if not criminal .
Gatherings in homes are discouraged .
It was sad at Thanksgiving to watch neighbors hold Holiday dinners in their driveways .
Visiting family members and friends wore masks at all times and were only allowed into the hosts ’ house one at a time to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ both a Christmas Eve and a Christmas Day dinner with all our immediate family members and as many friends as possible .
We are conspiring with friends from our parish to go out caroling this week , despite the County ’ s regulation that anyone singing must stand at least 12 ’ away from others .
If someone calls the police on us , I ’ m sure we ’ ll be singing Silent Night as they haul us away in a paddy wagon .
Christmas means one thing only to me : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sentimentality or nostalgia in me .
It ’ s a recognition of that pivotal moment when God entered time and space to shed his blood for our redemption .
My local government is putting caps on the size of gatherings , including private Christmas celebrations , with an essentially arbitrary number limit .
I am celebrating Christmas this year by going to Mass and spending time with family in different households .
The celebration of Christmas to me is something everyone can do , no matter what their circumstances : Drawing close to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Him , and experiencing His peace and joy .
The authorities have banned people visiting each other except on Christmas Day , and even then it 's solely a 24-hour pass .
Mass is still reduced to 40 people .
We are going to have a lovely traditional Christmas Eve supper anyway , go to Midnight Mass , and then go to friends out of town for Christmas Day .
Christmas is about God coming among us in the most unexpected way !
And thus it is also about celebrating with other Christians @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , requiring a 14-day isolation if crossed .
Hence a Christmas visit from any family members from out of province becomes impossible .
Seeing and hugging family members is part of family life , especially on great feasts of the Church .
Going to Mass requires masks , making breathing difficult and fogging up glasses making sight difficult too .
Forcing reception of Holy Communion in the hand violates our conscience as well as Catholic Church teachings .
We are going to get together with some like-minded friends who are in the same @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are being made stronger .
As to the faith , we have the blessing to get a private Mass and are therefore able to receive Jesus kneeling and on the tongue as we should to adore the Baby Jesus , Savior and King .
Christmas reminds me strongly of the generosity of God who sent His Only Begotten Son over 2,000 years ago .
It is also a time to remember that Christ will come again at His Second Coming .
This Christmas , however , we also share His Cross by being @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Herods and faithless prelates who go merrily along with the errors of Russia , Marxism , in the way they cave into secular demands and practically cancel the sacraments .
So , we suffer with Baby Jesus in the spiritual cold with only a few adorers .
We , the few , are the animals in the cave trying to keep Baby Jesus warm with our love .
We offer up our sufferings , in union with Jesus , as gold , frankincense , and myrrh .
We show our love by living @ @ @ @ @ @ @ dying to selfishness , knowing that in the not too distant future the Immaculate Heart of Mary will triumph , and the Church , and therefore also the world , will be renewed .
We never lose hope in spite of the suffering .
Living in Hungary during the `` Covid crisis '' has been relatively easy .
Yes , there is a mask mandate and a curfew , but nothing particularly overbearing .
And , since the mask mandate only applies to cities of more than 10,000 people , we have been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of approximately 120 year-round inhabitants .
From the beginning of the crisis , the Hungarian government has been very accommodating to churches and religious people .
In fact , since March of this year , the government here has not mandated any church closures whatsoever because they have respected the Church 's autonomy in this regard .
And , the Church re-instituted the obligation to attend Holy Mass back in August and has not rescinded that obligation since .
We will be attending Holy Mass on Christmas Eve - perhaps at midnight , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ suspended the curfew for December 24th .
Over and above the question of restrictions , Hungary has much to offer in terms of Christmas traditions .
From special Christmas meals , to actually still hanging sparklers and chocolates in the Christmas tree , to the visitation of family and friends over Christmastide , the holiday still seems like the observance of a holy day .
And , in that regard , Hungary still offers to believers some `` sacred space '' where a little interior quiet can be carved out expressly for the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ coming into our world truly is .
Midnight Mass for Christmas 2020 is out of the question for the authorities recently reinstated the 11pm to 4am curfew .
There is also a limit of 100 people for indoor gatherings and the church authorities allow even less into the churches .
When one does go to Mass , one has to book beforehand , practice social distancing and wear a mask throughout the whole Mass .
We must also receive Communion on the hand .
Our family always goes all out for Christmas and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ beautiful , big Christmas tree is adorning our lounge and the Nativity Scene graces our home with its story .
Our Christmas cakes ( made from my great-grandmother 's recipe ) are maturing with a good soaking of brandy .
In a few days , we will add the marzipan and icing .
Christmas Carols are in the air with all our favorite CDs including the Irish Tenors , Helmut Lotti and the Drakensberg Boys Choir .
Last night , our family hosted a Christmas Carol Evening for our neighbors which was great @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the spirit of Christmas in a secular and Godless society .
Christmas is definitely my favorite time of year .
It is a time for being together and celebrating the first and most wonderful Christmas gift mankind has ever received .
It is a time of generosity , of thoughtfulness , of love .
Christmas has certain scents such as pine , brandy , fruit cake , gammon .
It has special sounds such as carols , rustles around corners , and the indignant reply to all questions : “ Christmas is not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ My siblings and I are all still at home , and I treasure all the moments that we have together .
And Christmas is no exception !
Who knows how many more Christmasses we will be able to celebrate freely and as a family .
We must count our blessings for there are many !
Merry Christmas !
Where I live , the government has banned all in-person gatherings .
No one other than those who live in the same household can congregate inside .
This means many parents and grandparents will be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ severe mental health crisis .
They have also severely restricted the size of church attendance , meaning that if you were not quick enough to register your spot , literally a minute or two after your local church opened registrations for Mass , you are out of luck .
I am going to visit my parents and my in-laws .
They are all advancing in age .
For them , the chance to see their children and grandchildren is stronger than any medicine or vaccine would ever be for their health .
Mental @ @ @ @ @ @ @ officials .
Depression is a dangerous disease that can literally kill you , and I would argue is far , far , worse than COVID-19 for a person of advancing age , or any age for that matter .
To me Christmas first and foremost is giving glory to God for giving me the gift of life and blessing me with parents who raised me well .
It is also thanking him for giving me a lovely wife and kids , and a good job .
It is thanking him for sending his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ mankind could be saved through Christ ’ s sacrifice .
It is a time of hope , joy , renewal and forgiveness .
It also means spending time with extended family .
This is very important for me , and literally everyone I know .
For a government to tell someone that they can not visit their parents , brothers , or sisters is wrong .
What governments have done is try and pervert Christmas by saying it is useless , has no meaning , and that it does not matter .
This @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I live in a Mexican state where the governor has imposed very strict limitations in the past .
In early November , as the number of COVID cases rose , he imposed an even tighter lockdown than earlier lockdowns , and prohibited people from using all public transportation on the weekends .
The people responded with massive protests and as a result , the governor eliminated the restrictions , and now the restrictions are very light ; one must wear a mask when entering a store or other business , receive a temperature @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hands with antibacterial soap , but that is all .
For Christmas this year , the state ’ s secretariat of health is only recommending that family gatherings be restricted to ten people , but this is not being imposed .
This is more in line with the country ’ s president , who has said that lockdowns are “ fashionable among authorities ... who want to show they are heavy handed , [ it ’ s ] dictatorship .
A lot of them are letting their authoritarian instincts show .
.
.
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” I and my wife will be passing the 24th and 25th of December with members of her family , and going to Mass of course on the 25th .
Christmas is the principal celebration of the Incarnation of Christ , which initiates the re-creation , the renewal of the world following the fall from grace of our first parents , Adam and Eve .
Jesus is the new Adam , and Mary the new Eve .
We celebrate on this day the beginning of our redemption and the restoration of all things @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
It is also a wonderful day for children , who can see that Christ passed through every stage of life , even infancy and childhood .
In all circumstances , give thanks Dear reader , as you celebrate Christmas this year , no matter what your situation , be filled with the certainty that government can ’ t stop God ’ s plan for salvation and government certainly can ’ t stop Christ ’ s faithful followers from giving thanks that God sent his only Son into the world to die for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to open up the possibility of heaven to us .
The birth of Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ changed the world forever .
No government mandate , no restrictions , no COVID protocols can blot out what He did .
Christ ’ s life and teachings will continue to inspire our hearts with faith , hope , and charity .
As Scrooge ’ s nephew related to his uncle , the covetous old sinner , who steadfastly refused his nephew ’ s persistent invitation to celebrate Christmas with family and friends : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of inviting you ] in homage to Christmas , and I ’ ll keep my Christmas humor to the last .
So , a merry Christmas , uncle !
”

December 24, 2020 (LifeSiteNews) – Government interference in the life of a young couple a number of years ago forced them to break away from their normal way of life, their treasured habits, their relatives and friends, and made them experience their first Christmas unlike anything they wanted or ever could have imagined.
The government orders were clear. No one dared argue against or oppose them. To do so could mean large fines, imprisonment, and maybe even something worse. And, the timing couldn’t have been more terrible. The young woman was pregnant and was due any day. And now they were being ordered by the government to leave their home, their friends, their support network, and travel dangerous roads to the man’s hometown — about a week-long journey if the weather was good — for a ridiculous population survey. Of all the troublesome measures the government had imposed upon the people lately, this certainly was the most difficult.
The couple didn’t have much of a plan worked out in advance. They would adapt as they went along. Their plan looked something like this:
Travel 80 miles from current dwelling to hometown as quickly as possible (no sightseeing). Avoid running into troubles like robbers, hope the weather stays good (pray for God’s protection). Find lodgings at destination ASAP (before baby comes, pray for God’s help to find a place). Register for survey (sigh). Deliver baby in a nice location with lots of amenities and lots of help. Make plans to return home with new baby. Get back to normal life as quickly as possible.
Not much went as planned. When the couple got to their destination, all the lodgings were already booked. There was no place for them to stay.
Where were they going to have the baby? Out in the street? In some alley? This was the couple’s first Christmas, and it seemed like nothing was working out the way it should have – and all because the government had decided to do something as ridiculous as counting the population.
Some kind person took pity on the young couple as they wandered aimlessly through the streets, offering them a place to sleep in a barn if they wanted it.
It was not the kind of place the husband wanted, or even could have imagined, to host the couple’s first Christmas. But, it was what was available, and so he accepted it.
“And she gave birth to her first-born son and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger.”
As government lockdowns, restrictions on gatherings, and numerous other protocols due to the coronavirus are imposed upon many of us this Christmas, it is helpful to keep in mind that the first Christmas happened the way it did because of government interference. And, even more importantly, it turns out that behind the government’s interference in the lives of Mary and Joseph was the hand of God directing history and working all things for good for those who love and trust in him (Rom 8:28).
Caesar Augustus’ census uprooted Mary and Joseph from their hometown and forced them to travel to Joseph’s hometown of Bethlehem. But through this, God was bringing the couple to the place where the prophecy would be fulfilled that the Messiah would be born in the city of David since he would be one of David’s descendants.
No lodgings were available for Mary and Joseph. What was needed was a palace or a royal residence to deliver the most important baby in the history of the world. What was available was a dirty stable filled with animals. Through this, God was revealing to what level he was willing to empty himself (Phil 2:7) in order to draw all men to himself (Jn 12:32). Being surrounded by animals in a stable, the God-man was also revealing that he was the new Adam who was coming to make all things new (Rev 21:5).
There was no princely crib to lay the baby in, but only a manger from which the animals ate hay and grain. But through this, God was revealing that his Son was the bread of life whom people must eat if they are to have eternal life and be raised up on the last day (Jn 6).
From a human perspective, the first Christmas was an unmitigated disaster brought on by government meddling in the lives of good, honest people. But from a divine perspective, the first Christmas revealed the hand of God working powerfully behind the mandate of secular authorities to bring to pass his plan and to let the world know what kind of God he truly is.
While many of us in various places around the world will not be able to honor Christmas as we have done in previous years, either through lack of access to the sacraments or gathering restrictions, such restrictions imposed by the authorities are a good opportunity to try to discern how God is working and what he’s doing behind the scene. They may help us to recall what the true meaning of Christmas really is.
I reached out to some LifeSite staff living in various parts of the world to see what their restrictions are and how they are going to celebrate Christmas despite them. Their answers provided me with proof that no matter what our governments may be doing, no one can take away our faith and the reason for our hope.
England
The government is enforcing that churches can only have 50% of capacity, as well as saying that masks be worn, and tickets be obtained to attend Mass. Other parts of the country have set strict limits of people allowed in the church, no matter the size. Marshalls have to ensure that members of the congregation follow one-way systems, leave their contact details and avoid human contact.
Despite this, I and many of my friends, will continue regardless to attend Holy Mass, making it as normal as possible. The church will be full of the sound of happy carols over Christmas, and people will gather in the same fervor and devotion as at every Christmas – just eager to pray at the crib.
Christmas is a time of great spiritual renewal. There is a sense that just as Christ is born amongst us, so are our spiritual lives given new life and energy, to carry on into the next year. Family time is of course a huge part as well, and simple moments spent together are so up-lifting.
France
In France, we can consider ourselves to be lucky that the current nationwide curfew from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. will exceptionally be lifted on Christmas Eve. For many people in secularized France, the feast of the birth of Our Lord has little meaning beyond the so-called “Réveillon:” a festive family dinner with refined delicacies and carefully chosen wines, but cancelling this would probably have been the last straw at a time when anger against COVID-19 restrictions is growing. The “recommended” number of diners is no more than six adults.
For practicing Catholics, thank heaven, Midnight Mass will be an option, but severe restrictions apply: one person per 6 square meters, masks, and also– in some dioceses, not because of government rules but by episcopal decision – a ban on communion on the tongue. Many parishes have chosen to ask the faithful to register for Mass and there will be controls at the entry, often by checking an internet-generated reservation number.
Our Christmas lunch on the 25th will be festive and traditional, and we intend not to leave anyone out. In France, the police can’t come inside people’s homes to check what they’re doing. Not yet…
Australia
We consider it a huge blessing that we will be leaving the city and visiting relatives who live on a semi-rural mountain where restrictions are not so heavy. Here we can enjoy some peace and quiet, quality time with family who we hadn’t seen in a year, and unplug from the chaos currently happening in the world for a while.
Had we remained in the city, we would not be allowed at many beaches, numbers at Christmas Masses would be severely limited, and we would not be allowed to spend Christmas Day with my wife’s family as our numbers would exceed ten people.
For us, we try to make Christmas especially about the joy and peace brought to the world at the birth of the Savior King. We try to slow down, to further detach ourselves from the world, and to focus on quality time, prayer, good food and lots of time outdoors.
USA, East Coast
At the beginning of December, our County Council tightened rules for gatherings, essentially making fellowship and communal worship impossible, if not criminal. Gatherings in homes are discouraged. It was sad at Thanksgiving to watch neighbors hold Holiday dinners in their driveways. Visiting family members and friends wore masks at all times and were only allowed into the hosts’ house one at a time to use the bathroom.
We will have both a Christmas Eve and a Christmas Day dinner with all our immediate family members and as many friends as possible. We are conspiring with friends from our parish to go out caroling this week, despite the County’s regulation that anyone singing must stand at least 12’ away from others. If someone calls the police on us, I’m sure we’ll be singing Silent Night as they haul us away in a paddy wagon.
Christmas means one thing only to me: The Incarnation. It no longer stirs sentimentality or nostalgia in me. It’s a recognition of that pivotal moment when God entered time and space to shed his blood for our redemption.
USA, South
My local government is putting caps on the size of gatherings, including private Christmas celebrations, with an essentially arbitrary number limit.
I am celebrating Christmas this year by going to Mass and spending time with family in different households. The celebration of Christmas to me is something everyone can do, no matter what their circumstances: Drawing close to Christ through interior quiet and contemplation of Him, and experiencing His peace and joy.
Scotland
The authorities have banned people visiting each other except on Christmas Day, and even then it's solely a 24-hour pass. Mass is still reduced to 40 people.
We are going to have a lovely traditional Christmas Eve supper anyway, go to Midnight Mass, and then go to friends out of town for Christmas Day.
Christmas is about God coming among us in the most unexpected way! And thus it is also about celebrating with other Christians.
Eastern Canada
The province borders are effectively closed, requiring a 14-day isolation if crossed. Hence a Christmas visit from any family members from out of province becomes impossible. Seeing and hugging family members is part of family life, especially on great feasts of the Church. Going to Mass requires masks, making breathing difficult and fogging up glasses making sight difficult too. Forcing reception of Holy Communion in the hand violates our conscience as well as Catholic Church teachings.
We are going to get together with some like-minded friends who are in the same situation as us. Good friendship bonds are being made stronger. As to the faith, we have the blessing to get a private Mass and are therefore able to receive Jesus kneeling and on the tongue as we should to adore the Baby Jesus, Savior and King.
Christmas reminds me strongly of the generosity of God who sent His Only Begotten Son over 2,000 years ago. It is also a time to remember that Christ will come again at His Second Coming. This Christmas, however, we also share His Cross by being forced into isolation because of the modern-day Herods and faithless prelates who go merrily along with the errors of Russia, Marxism, in the way they cave into secular demands and practically cancel the sacraments. So, we suffer with Baby Jesus in the spiritual cold with only a few adorers. We, the few, are the animals in the cave trying to keep Baby Jesus warm with our love. We offer up our sufferings, in union with Jesus, as gold, frankincense, and myrrh. We show our love by living in virtue, offering adoration, and dying to selfishness, knowing that in the not too distant future the Immaculate Heart of Mary will triumph, and the Church, and therefore also the world, will be renewed. We never lose hope in spite of the suffering.
Hungary
Living in Hungary during the “Covid crisis” has been relatively easy. Yes, there is a mask mandate and a curfew, but nothing particularly overbearing. And, since the mask mandate only applies to cities of more than 10,000 people, we have been spared as we live in a village of approximately 120 year-round inhabitants.
From the beginning of the crisis, the Hungarian government has been very accommodating to churches and religious people. In fact, since March of this year, the government here has not mandated any church closures whatsoever because they have respected the Church's autonomy in this regard. And, the Church re-instituted the obligation to attend Holy Mass back in August and has not rescinded that obligation since.
We will be attending Holy Mass on Christmas Eve – perhaps at midnight, since the government just (today) suspended the curfew for December 24th.
Over and above the question of restrictions, Hungary has much to offer in terms of Christmas traditions. From special Christmas meals, to actually still hanging sparklers and chocolates in the Christmas tree, to the visitation of family and friends over Christmastide, the holiday still seems like the observance of a holy day.
And, in that regard, Hungary still offers to believers some “sacred space” where a little interior quiet can be carved out expressly for the appreciation of the gift that Christ's coming into our world truly is.
South Africa
Midnight Mass for Christmas 2020 is out of the question for the authorities recently reinstated the 11pm to 4am curfew. There is also a limit of 100 people for indoor gatherings and the church authorities allow even less into the churches. When one does go to Mass, one has to book beforehand, practice social distancing and wear a mask throughout the whole Mass. We must also receive Communion on the hand.
Our family always goes all out for Christmas and this year is no different. Our beautiful, big Christmas tree is adorning our lounge and the Nativity Scene graces our home with its story. Our Christmas cakes (made from my great-grandmother's recipe) are maturing with a good soaking of brandy. In a few days, we will add the marzipan and icing. Christmas Carols are in the air with all our favorite CDs including the Irish Tenors, Helmut Lotti and the Drakensberg Boys Choir. Last night, our family hosted a Christmas Carol Evening for our neighbors which was great fun and a special opportunity to share the spirit of Christmas in a secular and Godless society.
Christmas is definitely my favorite time of year. It is a time for being together and celebrating the first and most wonderful Christmas gift mankind has ever received. It is a time of generosity, of thoughtfulness, of love. Christmas has certain scents such as pine, brandy, fruit cake, gammon. It has special sounds such as carols, rustles around corners, and the indignant reply to all questions: “Christmas is not a time to ask questions!” My siblings and I are all still at home, and I treasure all the moments that we have together. And Christmas is no exception! Who knows how many more Christmasses we will be able to celebrate freely and as a family. We must count our blessings for there are many! Merry Christmas!
Western Canada
Where I live, the government has banned all in-person gatherings. No one other than those who live in the same household can congregate inside. This means many parents and grandparents will be abandoned for Christmas, which is a severe mental health crisis.
They have also severely restricted the size of church attendance, meaning that if you were not quick enough to register your spot, literally a minute or two after your local church opened registrations for Mass, you are out of luck.
I am going to visit my parents and my in-laws. They are all advancing in age. For them, the chance to see their children and grandchildren is stronger than any medicine or vaccine would ever be for their health. Mental Health has been forgotten by our government officials. Depression is a dangerous disease that can literally kill you, and I would argue is far, far, worse than COVID-19 for a person of advancing age, or any age for that matter.
To me Christmas first and foremost is giving glory to God for giving me the gift of life and blessing me with parents who raised me well. It is also thanking him for giving me a lovely wife and kids, and a good job. It is thanking him for sending his only Son into this world so that mankind could be saved through Christ’s sacrifice. It is a time of hope, joy, renewal and forgiveness.
It also means spending time with extended family. This is very important for me, and literally everyone I know. For a government to tell someone that they cannot visit their parents, brothers, or sisters is wrong. What governments have done is try and pervert Christmas by saying it is useless, has no meaning, and that it does not matter. This should be resisted at all costs.
Mexico
I live in a Mexican state where the governor has imposed very strict limitations in the past. In early November, as the number of COVID cases rose, he imposed an even tighter lockdown than earlier lockdowns, and prohibited people from using all public transportation on the weekends. The people responded with massive protests and as a result, the governor eliminated the restrictions, and now the restrictions are very light; one must wear a mask when entering a store or other business, receive a temperature test, and wipe one’s hands with antibacterial soap, but that is all.
For Christmas this year, the state’s secretariat of health is only recommending that family gatherings be restricted to ten people, but this is not being imposed. This is more in line with the country’s president, who has said that lockdowns are “fashionable among authorities … who want to show they are heavy handed, [it’s] dictatorship. A lot of them are letting their authoritarian instincts show. . . the fundamental thing is to guarantee liberty.”
I and my wife will be passing the 24th and 25th of December with members of her family, and going to Mass of course on the 25th.
Christmas is the principal celebration of the Incarnation of Christ, which initiates the re-creation, the renewal of the world following the fall from grace of our first parents, Adam and Eve. Jesus is the new Adam, and Mary the new Eve. We celebrate on this day the beginning of our redemption and the restoration of all things according to the providential will of God. It is also a wonderful day for children, who can see that Christ passed through every stage of life, even infancy and childhood.
In all circumstances, give thanks
Dear reader, as you celebrate Christmas this year, no matter what your situation, be filled with the certainty that government can’t stop God’s plan for salvation and government certainly can’t stop Christ’s faithful followers from giving thanks that God sent his only Son into the world to die for us, to redeem us, and to open up the possibility of heaven to us.
The birth of Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ changed the world forever. No government mandate, no restrictions, no COVID protocols can blot out what He did. Christ’s life and teachings will continue to inspire our hearts with faith, hope, and charity.
As Scrooge’s nephew related to his uncle, the covetous old sinner, who steadfastly refused his nephew’s persistent invitation to celebrate Christmas with family and friends: “I have made the trial [of inviting you] in homage to Christmas, and I’ll keep my Christmas humor to the last. So, a merry Christmas, uncle!”
Christ is born. Glorify him!
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lifesitenews--2020-12-24--In the desolate places

In the desolate places

December 24 , 2020 ( LifeSiteNews ) — This Christmas season feels very different from previous holidays , at least for our family .
In years past , our children were thrilled with the anticipation of spending Christmas Day with their grandparents in Maryland — a tradition we have maintained for the better part of 18 years .
We ’ ve missed a few due to moving , but we ’ ve come home for Christmas every year that we physically could .
This year , the children ’ s presents and treats have been trickling in via UPS , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as they are to receive these gifts , there is a palpable disappointment in the air as each package arrives .
This Christmas , our children won ’ t get to hug their grandparents , and their grandparents won ’ t get the same joy of seeing the children ’ s excitement face to face .
My in-laws have always gone all out in decorating for the holidays ; their home is a wonderland at Christmas .
Our children are not lacking in stuff ; there is no treat deprivation happing around here @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , cookies , and more .
But she can not send herself , and that is a loss we are all feeling keenly .
Our house is decorated , but our hearts feel desolate .
So much of the joy of the season has been stripped away by this pandemic .
And I know that we are not alone in our wilderness experience .
Perhaps you too have lost some of your joy this year ?
This past Sunday , our pastor reminded me that God works in the desolate places .
He @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the deserted , abandoned , desolate places .
Genesis 1:1 : “ In the beginning , God created the heavens and the earth.
” And what was it before it was “ the earth ” ?
Genesis 1:2 : “ The earth was without form and void , and darkness was over the face of the deep ... ” It was desolate .
There was no joy , no happiness , no anything , really .
And from that nothingness God created everything .
He started with desolate and ended with daffodils , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the laughter of children — literally everything .
But , as if in deliberate contrast , sin started in the most beautiful place in the world , the Garden of Eden .
In an environment surrounded by lushness , bathed in beauty , sin entered , and desolation returned .
It doesn ’ t take man very long to ruin anything .
We ’ ve no idea how long Adam and Eve lived in the garden , but we do know that they left it .
Genesis 4:23 : “ ... therefore @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the garden of Eden to work the ground from which he was taken.
” In four short chapters of our history , God created everything , from nothing , and Satan made it desolate through deception and sin .
In an instant , life was different .
Sometimes our decisions have dire consequences , and sometimes we ’ re at the mercy of the decisions of others .
The end result is the same , though : utter desolation .
Yet Christmas reminds us that in a desert , a dry and dusty @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The Gospel of Luke records the beginning of our beginning again .
Luke 4:1 : “ And Jesus , full of the Holy Spirit , returned from the Jordan and was led by the Spirit in the wilderness ... ” Here in this desolate place , Jesus begins to put Satan in his place .
The temptation of the First Adam was in a lush garden , surrounded by a wealth of plenty , and man fell .
The temptation of the Second Adam is in the desert , a wasteland of nothingness @ @ @ @ @ @ @ very same temptations as the First Adam : hedonism , egoism , and materialism .
Satan specializes in deception ; he is the Father of Lies .
In the lush garden , Satan twisted God ’ s words , and Adam and Eve succumbed to their temptation .
But in this deserted place , you find that Jesus repeatedly refutes Satan ’ s temptations using the most powerful weapon : the Word of God .
Jesus accomplished what we could not .
And thus , Satan ’ s defeat — bang : salvation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ false king is over , and now a weary world rejoices with hope !
If you find yourself in a desolate place this holiday season , remember that you are not alone in your wilderness and that some of the most beautiful things start in the deserted places .
Luke 2:7 : “ And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in swaddling clothes and laid him in a manger , because there was no place for them in the inn.
” This Christmas , my family and I will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of our Savior , Jesus Christ , the King .
For our God reigns !

December 24, 2020 (LifeSiteNews) — This Christmas season feels very different from previous holidays, at least for our family. In years past, our children were thrilled with the anticipation of spending Christmas Day with their grandparents in Maryland — a tradition we have maintained for the better part of 18 years. We’ve missed a few due to moving, but we’ve come home for Christmas every year that we physically could. This year, the children’s presents and treats have been trickling in via UPS, USPS, and FedEx. As excited as they are to receive these gifts, there is a palpable disappointment […]
December 24, 2020 (LifeSiteNews) — This Christmas season feels very different from previous holidays, at least for our family. In years past, our children were thrilled with the anticipation of spending Christmas Day with their grandparents in Maryland — a tradition we have maintained for the better part of 18 years. We’ve missed a few due to moving, but we’ve come home for Christmas every year that we physically could.
This year, the children’s presents and treats have been trickling in via UPS, USPS, and FedEx. As excited as they are to receive these gifts, there is a palpable disappointment in the air as each package arrives. This Christmas, our children won’t get to hug their grandparents, and their grandparents won’t get the same joy of seeing the children’s excitement face to face. My in-laws have always gone all out in decorating for the holidays; their home is a wonderland at Christmas. Our children are not lacking in stuff; there is no treat deprivation happing around here. Grandma has sent popcorn, candy, cookies, and more. But she cannot send herself, and that is a loss we are all feeling keenly. Our house is decorated, but our hearts feel desolate. So much of the joy of the season has been stripped away by this pandemic. And I know that we are not alone in our wilderness experience. Perhaps you too have lost some of your joy this year?
This past Sunday, our pastor reminded me that God works in the desolate places. He began many of His greatest works in the deserted, abandoned, desolate places. Genesis 1:1: “In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth.” And what was it before it was “the earth”? Genesis 1:2: “The earth was without form and void, and darkness was over the face of the deep…” It was desolate. There was no joy, no happiness, no anything, really. And from that nothingness God created everything. He started with desolate and ended with daffodils, sunshine, the hug of a grandmother, the laughter of children — literally everything.
But, as if in deliberate contrast, sin started in the most beautiful place in the world, the Garden of Eden. In an environment surrounded by lushness, bathed in beauty, sin entered, and desolation returned. It doesn’t take man very long to ruin anything. We’ve no idea how long Adam and Eve lived in the garden, but we do know that they left it. Genesis 4:23: “… therefore the Lord God sent him out from the garden of Eden to work the ground from which he was taken.” In four short chapters of our history, God created everything, from nothing, and Satan made it desolate through deception and sin. In an instant, life was different. Sometimes our decisions have dire consequences, and sometimes we’re at the mercy of the decisions of others. The end result is the same, though: utter desolation.
Yet Christmas reminds us that in a desert, a dry and dusty wasteland, hope made a comeback. The Gospel of Luke records the beginning of our beginning again. Luke 4:1: “And Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, returned from the Jordan and was led by the Spirit in the wilderness …” Here in this desolate place, Jesus begins to put Satan in his place. The temptation of the First Adam was in a lush garden, surrounded by a wealth of plenty, and man fell. The temptation of the Second Adam is in the desert, a wasteland of nothingness, where He was tempted with the very same temptations as the First Adam: hedonism, egoism, and materialism. Satan specializes in deception; he is the Father of Lies. In the lush garden, Satan twisted God’s words, and Adam and Eve succumbed to their temptation. But in this deserted place, you find that Jesus repeatedly refutes Satan’s temptations using the most powerful weapon: the Word of God. Jesus accomplished what we could not. And thus, Satan’s defeat — bang: salvation had come. The reign of the false king is over, and now a weary world rejoices with hope!
If you find yourself in a desolate place this holiday season, remember that you are not alone in your wilderness and that some of the most beautiful things start in the deserted places. Luke 2:7: “And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in swaddling clothes and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn.” This Christmas, my family and I will rejoice in the remembrance of the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ, the King. For our God reigns!
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lifesitenews--2020-12-24--Contemplating the Incarnation of the Son of God with sacred art

December 24 , 2020 ( LifeSiteNews ) — Prior to his being elected successor of St. Peter , Pope Benedict XVI , as Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger , wrote , “ The only really effective apologia for Christianity comes down to two arguments , namely the saints the Church has produced and the art which has grown in her womb . ''
In outlining the role of sacred art , St. Thomas Aquinas explains : There were three reasons for the introduction of the use of visual arts in the Church : first , for the instruction of the uneducated , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ books ; second , that the mystery of the Incarnation and the examples of the saints be more firmly impressed on our memory by being daily represented before our eyes ; and third , to enkindle devotion , which is more efficaciously evoked by what is seen than by what is heard .
As a teacher of the Catholic faith , I have found that in unpacking the rich symbolism of sacred art , students , even several years later , could recall and explain the meaning of the symbols and doctrines conveyed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reflections upon one of Bl .
Fra Angelico ’ s 14th-century renderings of the Annunciation .
Prior to studying such paintings , it is always most helpful to prayerfully recall passages in Sacred Scripture that bear witness to the event portrayed .
Should you wish to do this , which is highly recommended , you will conveniently find the passage in Luke 1:26–38 here .
First , in observing this painting , we can see that Fra Angelico is obviously seeking not to recreate a historical photograph , but to convey the theological @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Consider the following aspects .
• Who is the central figure of the painting ?
We notice this to be the Archangel Gabriel ; thus , it is his message that is most important .
The word “ angel ” means messenger and is a description of an office rather than of the nature of a particular unembodied spirit .
• The first word St. Gabriel speaks is “ Hail.
” This word is a royal salutation , as we see in the Passion accounts , when Our Eternal King , Jesus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , King of the Jews !
” Thus , we see that this celestial being , whose nature is far superior to our own , is identifying this teenage girl as his queen .
Logically , therefore , Our Lady is honored as Queen of Angels in Christian litanies throughout the centuries , and in this painting , she sits upon a throne to indicate as much .
• The next words of the archangel are , in our translation , “ full of grace.
” However , the original expression in Greek @ @ @ @ @ @ @ briefly translate .
Scholars offer that it means something along the lines of “ completely , perfectly , enduringly endowed with grace , ” indicating one example of scriptural evidence for the Catholic dogma of Our Lady ’ s Immaculate Conception .
Mary , Tabernacle of the New Covenant • What is the Blessed Virgin wearing ?
Mary is dressed in blue and scarlet , the same colors as those that draped the tabernacle as described in the book of Exodus ( Ex .
25:4 , 26:1 , 31 , 36 ; 36 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 18 ) .
The tabernacle in the Old Testament contained the presence of God .
Our Lady is the tabernacle of the New Covenant , for she bears the Eternal Son of God in her womb .
Mary is the glorious fulfillment of the tabernacle of the Old Covenant , which served as the Virgin Mother ’ s prefigurement .
• To reaffirm this image , we have a burst of light with a dove over Our Lady representing the Holy Spirit .
We recall in this event how Gabriel promised , “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and the power of the Most High will overshadow you ” ( Lk .
1:35 ) .
This expression is the same as that used in Exodus , when the Spirit of God “ overshadowed ” the tabernacle , which was then “ filled with the glory of the Lord ” ( Ex .
40 : 35 ) .
Thus , Mary is “ overshadowed ” and “ filled with the glory of the Lord ” with His physical incarnation in her womb .
• It ’ s always a good idea @ @ @ @ @ @ @ doctrines in sacred art such as the Holy Trinity .
Notice that the Son of God is becoming incarnate in the womb of the Blessed Virgin Mary , the Holy Spirit is overshadowing her , and consider the figure at the top of the central pillar gazing down at her .
This is actually the Prophet Isaiah .
Prophet means “ mouthpiece of God , ” and he is representing Yahweh , the Father , in the Old Covenant .
The three persons of the Holy Trinity surround Mary .
• What was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ She seems to have been reading .
What text ?
Well , likely , due to the hint above , the Book of the Prophet Isaiah , which foretells , “ Behold , a virgin shall conceive , and bear a son , and shall call his name Immanuel ” ( Is .
7:14 ) .
• Other indicators of importance in such paintings include brightness .
Observing closely , one notices the brightest parts of the painting are the white pillars , which emphasize the structure .
What is this structure ?
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ there was the concept of the “ household of God ” represented in various ways .
Thus , in the Old Covenant , this structure would signify the Temple , and in the New , the Temple ’ s fulfillment , the Church .
• What do we notice about the glimpses of the ceiling in the Temple/Church ?
They appear to be stars .
Here one recalls God ’ s promise to Abraham that his descendants would be like “ the stars of heaven ” ( Gen. 22 : 17 ) , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ heirs of Abraham are in Christ , and as one sees here , in in His Church ( Gal .
3 : 16,29 ) .
The left-hand panel of the painting also conveys a significant amount of information .
• In the upper left corner , one can discern a reminder of the fall of Adam and Eve .
Behind the friar , who represents God , we see a small structure that symbolizes , again , this idea of “ the household of God , ” which Adam and Eve must regretfully @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Beneath them we see 1 ) a barren terrain , and then down farther , 2 ) some foliage with budding indicating anticipation and hope , and finally , 3 ) on the near side of the picket fence we see flowers and other plants in bloom symbolizing life and fulfillment .
Thus , we have representations of 1 ) prehistory after the Fall when there was no hope , 2 ) the Old Covenant where hope is present due to God ’ s promises of a coming Redeemer , and 3 ) @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of those promises .
And looking very closely , one notices the very tips of the angel ’ s wings straddle the picket fence , indicating that this event , the Incarnation of the Son of God , is what divides the Old and New Covenants .
The Interior of the Temple / Mary ’ s Heart • Returning attention to the central portion of the painting , one notices an open doorway in the background .
An often-used artistic technique during this period was placing such an opening in the background to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ experiencing some great enlightenment , or awareness of something new , as is happening with the Blessed Virgin Mary here .
• One also notices that the interior curtain is red , reminding us of the blood of the Lord ’ s Passion and the tearing of the curtain in the temple at Our Lord ’ s death ( Mt .
27 : 51 ) .
• Thirdly , if the doorway represents Our Lady ’ s heart ( being opened to a new awareness of her role in salvation history , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ prophecy to Mary , “ a sword will pierce through your own soul also ” ( Lk .
2 : 35 ) .
And with careful observation , one will notice that the angel ’ s finger is not only pointing directly at the Blessed Virgin ’ s heart , but it ends right at the edge of the tear in the background .
• Finally , in the face of such difficulty , one notices the gesture of Mary crossing her hands over her chest , a common artistic symbol at the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ( “ let it be done ” ) .
“ Behold , I am the handmaid of the Lord ; let it be to me according to your word ” ( Lk .
1 : 38 ) .

December 24, 2020 (LifeSiteNews) — Prior to his being elected successor of St. Peter, Pope Benedict XVI, as Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger, wrote, “The only really effective apologia for Christianity comes down to two arguments, namely the saints the Church has produced and the art which has grown in her womb.” In outlining the role of sacred art, St. Thomas Aquinas explains: There were three reasons for the introduction of the use of visual arts in the Church: first, for the instruction of the uneducated, who are taught by them as by books; second, that the mystery of the Incarnation and […]
December 24, 2020 (LifeSiteNews) — Prior to his being elected successor of St. Peter, Pope Benedict XVI, as Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger, wrote, “The only really effective apologia for Christianity comes down to two arguments, namely the saints the Church has produced and the art which has grown in her womb.”
In outlining the role of sacred art, St. Thomas Aquinas explains:
There were three reasons for the introduction of the use of visual arts in the Church: first, for the instruction of the uneducated, who are taught by them as by books; second, that the mystery of the Incarnation and the examples of the saints be more firmly impressed on our memory by being daily represented before our eyes; and third, to enkindle devotion, which is more efficaciously evoked by what is seen than by what is heard.
As a teacher of the Catholic faith, I have found that in unpacking the rich symbolism of sacred art, students, even several years later, could recall and explain the meaning of the symbols and doctrines conveyed. Thus, I offer here some reflections upon one of Bl. Fra Angelico’s 14th-century renderings of the Annunciation.
Prior to studying such paintings, it is always most helpful to prayerfully recall passages in Sacred Scripture that bear witness to the event portrayed. Should you wish to do this, which is highly recommended, you will conveniently find the passage in Luke 1:26–38 here.
First, in observing this painting, we can see that Fra Angelico is obviously seeking not to recreate a historical photograph, but to convey the theological significance and splendor of this historical event. Consider the following aspects.
Mary, Queen of Angels, Immaculately Conceived
Who is the central figure of the painting? We notice this to be the Archangel Gabriel; thus, it is his message that is most important. The word “angel” means messenger and is a description of an office rather than of the nature of a particular unembodied spirit.
The first word St. Gabriel speaks is “Hail.” This word is a royal salutation, as we see in the Passion accounts, when Our Eternal King, Jesus Christ, is mocked, “Hail, King of the Jews!” Thus, we see that this celestial being, whose nature is far superior to our own, is identifying this teenage girl as his queen. Logically, therefore, Our Lady is honored as Queen of Angels in Christian litanies throughout the centuries, and in this painting, she sits upon a throne to indicate as much.
The next words of the archangel are, in our translation, “full of grace.” However, the original expression in Greek, kecharitōmenē, is somewhat difficult to briefly translate. Scholars offer that it means something along the lines of “completely, perfectly, enduringly endowed with grace,” indicating one example of scriptural evidence for the Catholic dogma of Our Lady’s Immaculate Conception.
Mary, Tabernacle of the New Covenant
What is the Blessed Virgin wearing? Mary is dressed in blue and scarlet, the same colors as those that draped the tabernacle as described in the book of Exodus (Ex. 25:4, 26:1, 31, 36; 36: 8, 35; 38: 18). The tabernacle in the Old Testament contained the presence of God. Our Lady is the tabernacle of the New Covenant, for she bears the Eternal Son of God in her womb. Mary is the glorious fulfillment of the tabernacle of the Old Covenant, which served as the Virgin Mother’s prefigurement.
To reaffirm this image, we have a burst of light with a dove over Our Lady representing the Holy Spirit. We recall in this event how Gabriel promised, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you” (Lk. 1:35). This expression is the same as that used in Exodus, when the Spirit of God “overshadowed” the tabernacle, which was then “filled with the glory of the Lord” (Ex. 40: 35). Thus, Mary is “overshadowed” and “filled with the glory of the Lord” with His physical incarnation in her womb.
It’s always a good idea to look for the presence of fundamental doctrines in sacred art such as the Holy Trinity. Notice that the Son of God is becoming incarnate in the womb of the Blessed Virgin Mary, the Holy Spirit is overshadowing her, and consider the figure at the top of the central pillar gazing down at her. This is actually the Prophet Isaiah. Prophet means “mouthpiece of God,” and he is representing Yahweh, the Father, in the Old Covenant. The three persons of the Holy Trinity surround Mary.
What was Mary doing when the angel appeared? She seems to have been reading. What text? Well, likely, due to the hint above, the Book of the Prophet Isaiah, which foretells, “Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel” (Is. 7:14).
Children of Abraham in Christ
Other indicators of importance in such paintings include brightness. Observing closely, one notices the brightest parts of the painting are the white pillars, which emphasize the structure. What is this structure? In the art of this period, there was the concept of the “household of God” represented in various ways. Thus, in the Old Covenant, this structure would signify the Temple, and in the New, the Temple’s fulfillment, the Church.
What do we notice about the glimpses of the ceiling in the Temple/Church? They appear to be stars. Here one recalls God’s promise to Abraham that his descendants would be like “the stars of heaven” (Gen. 22: 17), and we remember that the children and heirs of Abraham are in Christ, and as one sees here, in in His Church (Gal. 3: 16,29).
A Visual Summation of Salvation History
The left-hand panel of the painting also conveys a significant amount of information.
In the upper left corner, one can discern a reminder of the fall of Adam and Eve. Behind the friar, who represents God, we see a small structure that symbolizes, again, this idea of “the household of God,” which Adam and Eve must regretfully leave due to their sin.
Beneath them we see 1) a barren terrain, and then down farther, 2) some foliage with budding indicating anticipation and hope, and finally, 3) on the near side of the picket fence we see flowers and other plants in bloom symbolizing life and fulfillment.
Thus, we have representations of 1) prehistory after the Fall when there was no hope, 2) the Old Covenant where hope is present due to God’s promises of a coming Redeemer, and 3) the New Covenant where there is fulfillment of those promises.
And looking very closely, one notices the very tips of the angel’s wings straddle the picket fence, indicating that this event, the Incarnation of the Son of God, is what divides the Old and New Covenants.
The Interior of the Temple / Mary’s Heart
Returning attention to the central portion of the painting, one notices an open doorway in the background. An often-used artistic technique during this period was placing such an opening in the background to indicate when one of the figures was experiencing some great enlightenment, or awareness of something new, as is happening with the Blessed Virgin Mary here.
One also notices that the interior curtain is red, reminding us of the blood of the Lord’s Passion and the tearing of the curtain in the temple at Our Lord’s death (Mt. 27: 51).
Thirdly, if the doorway represents Our Lady’s heart (being opened to a new awareness of her role in salvation history, the tear can also recall Simeon‘s prophecy to Mary, “a sword will pierce through your own soul also” (Lk. 2: 35). And with careful observation, one will notice that the angel’s finger is not only pointing directly at the Blessed Virgin’s heart, but it ends right at the edge of the tear in the background.
Finally, in the face of such difficulty, one notices the gesture of Mary crossing her hands over her chest, a common artistic symbol at the time for her “fiat,” (“let it be done”). “Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word” (Lk. 1: 38).
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lifesitenews--2020-12-24--Born out of humility

Born out of humility

December 24 , 2020 ( LifeSiteNews ) — Pride is perhaps the greatest vice that is plaguing our society at this point in time .
Joseph Delany noted in his article on New Advent that when one “ unreasonably looks to be put ahead of others , ” it is a common sign of pride .
I am noticing more and more that people are starting to act like they are better than others .
The other day , while I was watching a livestream of one of the election fraud hearings , I saw someone commenting in the live @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the election and proceeded to insult the other users , telling them to get over it .
Perturbed , I messaged him , asking why he was watching the livestream if Trump had lost .
His response : he was there to “ make fun of you all !
” Is that not remarkable ?
Someone would willingly log in to a livestream with “ false information ” just to mock others for their beliefs .
Being a university student , I have encountered many people who are inclined to spew liberal rhetoric @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with them .
Some of my professors are among the culprits , though some are capable of governing their tongues .
I will not name anyone , but one of my professors argued with a conservative student on her political viewpoints .
The professor made it a point to tell her that he had a doctorate in political philosophy , so he knew a lot more about the subject than she did .
Despite the fact that his job is to teach his students to form their own opinions and think critically , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a student who disagreed with him .
I could pose many other examples of pride that are common in our society , and I am sure that many of you reading this have experienced similar encounters with the prideful .
I myself have been prideful , and I used to talk down to others who did not have the same knowledge that I did .
Pride is an epidemic that plagues our souls .
So how does one combat this pride ?
Let us look to Our Lord for the answer .
He @ @ @ @ @ @ @ deplorable conditions .
The Blessed Mother Mary and her husband , Joseph , were turned away from the inn and made to stay in a stable .
The cold pierced their skin , and our poor Mother must have been shivering .
The inside of the stable was filthy and filled with animal feces .
The smell must have been repugnant .
Our Lord had to be born in these conditions , and to make matters worse , He was placed in a feeding trough for the animals !
How uncomfortable He must @ @ @ @ @ @ @ able to withstand such humiliation ?
Yet He willingly accepted it .
He even willed it to happen .
Our Lord deserved a much more beautiful reception for His birth .
He might have been born in a castle with all the warmth in the world .
Our Lady could have given birth to Him in a cushy , comfortable bed .
Incense would have perfumed the air instead of feces .
Our Lord might have been wrapped in royal robes instead of the cheap fabric He was wrapped in .
However , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
He could have chosen a royal birthplace if He wanted to , yet He did not .
You see , Our Lord was teaching us a valuable lesson on the night of His birth .
He allowed Himself to be in such deplorable conditions to demonstrate the virtue of humility .
He lowered Himself to our lowly condition to raise His Father ’ s creation — that is , humanity — up to His level .
As St. Thomas Aquinas wrote in one of his sermons on the Holy Eucharist , “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ our Lord Jesus Christ , in His eagerness to have us share in His divine life , took on our human nature and became a man like us , so that through Him we might become godlike.
” In doing so , He took on the form of a lowly peasant child .
Why ?
Because He would express His great love for us through His great humility .
We humans are lowly compared to the divine status of Our Lord .
Out of love for us , He willingly lowered Himself to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be redeemed .
Our Lady is a great example of this loving humility as well .
St. Louis de Montfort notes this several times in his treatise “ True Devotion to Mary.
” The Blessed Mother willingly lowered her status so as not to seek equality with her divine Son .
This great act of humility displays such great love and admiration for precious Child and her Creator .
Her humility is so virtuous and powerful that even the Devil himself hates her for it .
If the Devil himself is repulsed by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ only way to combat the world ’ s pride .
As this Advent season comes to a close , remember to pray for those who suffer from great pride and offer them up to Our Lord and His Blessed Mother , whose humility is great .
Ask for the intercession of Our Lady to teach us all the spirit of humility so that the Devil ’ s plan will be foiled .
Finally , should you ever come close to being prideful — that is , if you feel the urge to bicker @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you — remember Our Lord .
Remember how cold He was on that blessed night of His birth .
Remember how much He loved you to give of Himself completely for your salvation .
He will then motivate you to either defend the Faith or turn the other cheek .
Then you will be able to receive His graces during this blessed Christmas .

December 24, 2020 (LifeSiteNews) — Pride is perhaps the greatest vice that is plaguing our society at this point in time. Joseph Delany noted in his article on New Advent that when one “unreasonably looks to be put ahead of others,” it is a common sign of pride. I am noticing more and more that people are starting to act like they are better than others. The other day, while I was watching a livestream of one of the election fraud hearings, I saw someone commenting in the live chat on how Trump “lost” the election and proceeded to insult […]
December 24, 2020 (LifeSiteNews) — Pride is perhaps the greatest vice that is plaguing our society at this point in time. Joseph Delany noted in his article on New Advent that when one “unreasonably looks to be put ahead of others,” it is a common sign of pride.
I am noticing more and more that people are starting to act like they are better than others. The other day, while I was watching a livestream of one of the election fraud hearings, I saw someone commenting in the live chat on how Trump “lost” the election and proceeded to insult the other users, telling them to get over it. Perturbed, I messaged him, asking why he was watching the livestream if Trump had lost. His response: he was there to “make fun of you all!” Is that not remarkable? Someone would willingly log in to a livestream with “false information” just to mock others for their beliefs.
Being a university student, I have encountered many people who are inclined to spew liberal rhetoric and mock others who do not agree with them. Some of my professors are among the culprits, though some are capable of governing their tongues. I will not name anyone, but one of my professors argued with a conservative student on her political viewpoints. The professor made it a point to tell her that he had a doctorate in political philosophy, so he knew a lot more about the subject than she did. Despite the fact that his job is to teach his students to form their own opinions and think critically, my professor had the audacity to shame a student who disagreed with him.
I could pose many other examples of pride that are common in our society, and I am sure that many of you reading this have experienced similar encounters with the prideful. I myself have been prideful, and I used to talk down to others who did not have the same knowledge that I did. Pride is an epidemic that plagues our souls.
So how does one combat this pride? Let us look to Our Lord for the answer. He was born in some of the most deplorable conditions. The Blessed Mother Mary and her husband, Joseph, were turned away from the inn and made to stay in a stable. The cold pierced their skin, and our poor Mother must have been shivering. The inside of the stable was filthy and filled with animal feces. The smell must have been repugnant. Our Lord had to be born in these conditions, and to make matters worse, He was placed in a feeding trough for the animals! How uncomfortable He must have been! How could anyone be able to withstand such humiliation? Yet He willingly accepted it. He even willed it to happen.
Our Lord deserved a much more beautiful reception for His birth. He might have been born in a castle with all the warmth in the world. Our Lady could have given birth to Him in a cushy, comfortable bed. Incense would have perfumed the air instead of feces. Our Lord might have been wrapped in royal robes instead of the cheap fabric He was wrapped in. However, that is not what Our Lord wanted. He could have chosen a royal birthplace if He wanted to, yet He did not.
You see, Our Lord was teaching us a valuable lesson on the night of His birth. He allowed Himself to be in such deplorable conditions to demonstrate the virtue of humility. He lowered Himself to our lowly condition to raise His Father’s creation — that is, humanity — up to His level. As St. Thomas Aquinas wrote in one of his sermons on the Holy Eucharist, “God’s only begotten Son, our Lord Jesus Christ, in His eagerness to have us share in His divine life, took on our human nature and became a man like us, so that through Him we might become godlike.” In doing so, He took on the form of a lowly peasant child. Why? Because He would express His great love for us through His great humility. We humans are lowly compared to the divine status of Our Lord. Out of love for us, He willingly lowered Himself to our level so that we all may be redeemed.
Our Lady is a great example of this loving humility as well. St. Louis de Montfort notes this several times in his treatise “True Devotion to Mary.”
So great was her humility that she desired nothing more upon earth than to remain unknown to herself and to others, and to be known only to God[.] … Even though Mary was his faithful spouse, God the Holy Spirit willed that his apostles and evangelists should say very little about her and then only as much as was necessary to make Jesus known. (TD 2,4)
The Blessed Mother willingly lowered her status so as not to seek equality with her divine Son. This great act of humility displays such great love and admiration for precious Child and her Creator. Her humility is so virtuous and powerful that even the Devil himself hates her for it.
Satan, being so proud, suffers infinitely more in being vanquished and punished by a lowly and humble servant of God, for her humility humiliates him more than the power of God[.] … What Lucifer lost by pride Mary won by humility. What Eve ruined and lost by disobedience, Mary saved by obedience. By obeying the serpent, Eve ruined her children as well as herself and delivered them up to him. Mary by her perfect fidelity to God saved her children with herself and consecrated them to his divine majesty (TD 52,53).
If the Devil himself is repulsed by this humility, then that is the only way to combat the world’s pride.
As this Advent season comes to a close, remember to pray for those who suffer from great pride and offer them up to Our Lord and His Blessed Mother, whose humility is great. Ask for the intercession of Our Lady to teach us all the spirit of humility so that the Devil’s plan will be foiled. Finally, should you ever come close to being prideful — that is, if you feel the urge to bicker with others who do not agree with you — remember Our Lord. Remember how cold He was on that blessed night of His birth. Remember how much He loved you to give of Himself completely for your salvation. He will then motivate you to either defend the Faith or turn the other cheek. Then you will be able to receive His graces during this blessed Christmas.
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lifesitenews--2020-12-24--Proof God’s in charge: How I got a new life in 2020

December 23 , 2020 ( LifeSiteNews ) — Before I was hired by the honest and God-fearing people of LifeSiteNews , I spent most of my time drifting through each day , waiting for my life to radically change .
Effective unemployment and living in a new city were both major encouragements in that aspect .
I had about three months left of rent squared away when I received a message from a family friend working at LifeSite .
My friend , knowing I had a knack for creating video content , encouraged me to apply for the video editor @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
After refreshing myself on how to write a cover letter and updating my résumé with the help of my father , I had an interview scheduled within a week .
Later , after my second video interview with every department head and founder at LifeSite listening in , I learned I didn ’ t get the job .
It turns out my current-day coworker had secured the position instead of me , which we both now find amusing .
Around two months after my first attempt , the same family friend followed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ same job had opened up due to someone else leaving .
And by the grace of God , they decided to hire me to come on board as another video editor .
I was elated to learn this and did a little dance in my desk chair when the hiring manager gave me the news .
Most people would agree that to reflect upon something would first require sufficient experience in said “ thing.
” Fortunately for the reader , the one month I ’ ve spent working at LifeSiteNews so far has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ encountered crossroads in my faith development , received a deeper understanding of the state of journalism , and discovered a wonderful work environment where not only can my fellow video editor and I rely on each other , but we can rely on our boss , Michael Hogan , as well .
Our little department has hired an all-star cast of talented and creative artists who share the common goal of gaining entrance to Heaven .
Not much more you could ask for in the way of co-workers .
I ’ ll be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with a new home , a new job , new friends , and a new life .
Pretty funky how things turn out when you leave it all up to The Big Man .

December 23, 2020 (LifeSiteNews) — Before I was hired by the honest and God-fearing people of LifeSiteNews, I spent most of my time drifting through each day, waiting for my life to radically change. Effective unemployment and living in a new city were both major encouragements in that aspect. I had about three months left of rent squared away when I received a message from a family friend working at LifeSite. My friend, knowing I had a knack for creating video content, encouraged me to apply for the video editor position, believing I could get it. After refreshing myself on […]
December 23, 2020 (LifeSiteNews) — Before I was hired by the honest and God-fearing people of LifeSiteNews, I spent most of my time drifting through each day, waiting for my life to radically change. Effective unemployment and living in a new city were both major encouragements in that aspect. I had about three months left of rent squared away when I received a message from a family friend working at LifeSite. My friend, knowing I had a knack for creating video content, encouraged me to apply for the video editor position, believing I could get it. After refreshing myself on how to write a cover letter and updating my résumé with the help of my father, I had an interview scheduled within a week. Later, after my second video interview with every department head and founder at LifeSite listening in, I learned I didn’t get the job. It turns out my current-day coworker had secured the position instead of me, which we both now find amusing.
Around two months after my first attempt, the same family friend followed up, letting me know that the same job had opened up due to someone else leaving. And by the grace of God, they decided to hire me to come on board as another video editor. I was elated to learn this and did a little dance in my desk chair when the hiring manager gave me the news.
Most people would agree that to reflect upon something would first require sufficient experience in said “thing.” Fortunately for the reader, the one month I’ve spent working at LifeSiteNews so far has provided just that. I’ve encountered crossroads in my faith development, received a deeper understanding of the state of journalism, and discovered a wonderful work environment where not only can my fellow video editor and I rely on each other, but we can rely on our boss, Michael Hogan, as well. Our little department has hired an all-star cast of talented and creative artists who share the common goal of gaining entrance to Heaven. Not much more you could ask for in the way of co-workers. I’ll be going into 2021 with enthusiasm: equipped with a new home, a new job, new friends, and a new life. Pretty funky how things turn out when you leave it all up to The Big Man.
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lifesitenews--2020-12-24--A Christmas like no other in the USA: We are all activists now

December 24 , 2020 ( LifeSiteNews ) — As a child growing up just outside the Washington , D.C. Beltway during the 1960s–1970s , my greatest fear was that one day I would see a brilliant flash of white light followed by a thunderous explosion , and then look up to see a hideous mushroom cloud rising over the nation ’ s capital .
Back then , it never would have occurred to me that the biggest threat to our nation would come not from a foreign enemy reaching our shores , but from within — from fellow Americans who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ mainstream media , in academia , and on Wall Street .
I never would have dreamed that a great battle to save our nation would be waged in my own backyard and require my participation .
Yet this is my reality , and yours .
This is a Christmas like no other in the United States because religious freedom is under heavy , sustained attack ; the consciences of Christians are being trampled underfoot ; and the public square where we once enjoyed the free exchange of ideas and freedom of association has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to erase not only our connections , but our existence .
An eldely man who presents himself as “ Catholic ” can ’ t wait to take over the White House so he can squash the Little Sisters of the Poor ; make the killing of babies in their mothers ’ wombs up until the moment of brith as commonplace as possible ; enable the Frankensteinian medical and surgical sexual transitioning of children ’ s bodies ; amplify the grand pretension of “ gay marriage , ” where sodomy is elevated to equality @ @ @ @ @ @ @ away from Main Street America ; and establish an America where those who dare not wear a face mask or submit to an untested vaccine are social outcasts if not criminals , as are those who want to worship and fellowship at church .
If Joe Biden becomes president , we will have traded the most pro-life president in the history of the United States for the most pro-death president ever to be seated in the Oval Office .
Policy changes will be dramatic .
This great fraud stands in the wings , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Better , ” but in reality , he wants to “ Weaken and Control , ” delivering unimagined power to his cronies and by extension to the Chinese Communist Party ( CCP ) , which seeks to obliterate the American way of life in general and religion in particular .
George Will , in a 2011 commentary , explained the struggle to define and control America ’ s vision and spirit , identifying the source of the battle among the increasingly Marxist Democratic Party , statist Republicans , and the rest of America @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are liberal , as that term was understood until liberalism succumbed to 20th-century statism .
The values , expressing the 18th century ’ s preoccupation with defending liberty against government , are ... “ individualistic , democratic , egalitarian , and hence basically anti-government and anti-authority.
” The various values “ unite in imposing limits on power and on the institutions of government .
The essence of constitutionalism is the restraint of governmental power through fundamental law.
” What made the American Revolution a novel event was that Americans did not declare independence @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or culture made them incompatible with the British .
Rather , it was a political act based on explicit principles .
So in America more than in Europe , nationalism is … “ intellectualized ” : “ We hold these truths to be self-evident.
” Who holds them ?
Americans .
Who are Americans ?
Those who hold those truths to be self-evident .
“ The distinctive aspect of the American Creed is its anti-government character .
Opposition to power and suspicion of government as the most dangerous embodiment of power are the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ The distinctive aspect of the American Creed is its anti-government character , ” and so it is precisely this that the statists and Marxist have purposed to extract from our American DNA .
This is what hangs in the balance : whether we have faith in our capacity for self-government or whether we abandon the great success of the American experiment and instead submit to ill-liberal intellectual elites who believe they can engineer our lives better than we can plan and live them ourselves .
Catholics had better wake up to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Rome or from our bishops .
Most are pawns of the global elites in this existential battle , and the handful who aren ’ t will likely become martyrs .
We are all activists now The ill-liberal intellectual elites adhere to an ideology , a way of life , and a vision for a future that is already upon us , which is anathema to America and American Exceptionalism .
Our ill-liberal intellectual elites are the enemy , the clear and present danger staring us in the face , expecting us to accept @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
What will save us from the “ Great Reset ” they have initiated ?
A multitude of engaged , commonsense , grassroot Americans actively participating in our communities , in elections , in government ; who rise to the occasion as citizen-activists , citizen-journalists , citizen-politicians , citizen-leaders who will not sleep until sanity is restored to Washington , every State House , and every City Hall in this nation .
Thomas Jefferson said , “ No government can continue good , but under the control of the people ” and “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for the preservation of liberty.
” Our country needs you and me to stand for moral sanity amid a nation whose identity and morals are rapidly deteriorating .
If left unchecked , soon our nation will be foreign to us , resembling nothing that our founders envisioned , nothing that once made this nation a shining city on a hill .
If the exceptional nature of America is allowed to crumble and be swept aside , all of humanity will suffer the rise of harsher and harsher forms of tyranny — and freedom @ @ @ @ @ @ @ memories .
Actor Jim Caviezel recently delivered a powerful recitation of the climax of Ronald Reagan ’ s 1964 “ Rendezvous with Destiny ” speech .
The actor paraphrased a few lines to more accurately describe the battle we are now in .
He concluded : My fellow Americans , you and I have a rendezvous with destiny .
We 'll preserve for our children this , the last best hope of man on earth , or we 'll sentence them to take the last step into a thousand years of darkness .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ the most dangerous enemy that has ever faced mankind from its long climb from the swamp to the stars .
And it ’ s been said that if we lose this war , and in so doing lose this great way of freedom of ours , history will record with the greatest astonishment that those who had the most to lose did the least to prevent it from happening .
Well I think it ’ s high time now we ask ourselves if we still even know the freedoms that were intended for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ generation of Americans needs to know that freedom exists not to do what you like , but having the right to do what you ought .
My brothers and sisters , set yourselves apart from this corrupt generation .
Be saints .
You were not made to fit in .
You were born to stand out .
And in the words of Ronald Reagan , ‘ Evil is powerless if the good are unafraid.
’ We have received our marching orders .
We are all activists now .

December 24, 2020 (LifeSiteNews) — As a child growing up just outside the Washington, D.C. Beltway during the 1960s–1970s, my greatest fear was that one day I would see a brilliant flash of white light followed by a thunderous explosion, and then look up to see a hideous mushroom cloud rising over the nation’s capital. Back then, it never would have occurred to me that the biggest threat to our nation would come not from a foreign enemy reaching our shores, but from within — from fellow Americans who hold great power in politics, in mainstream media, in academia, and […]
December 24, 2020 (LifeSiteNews) — As a child growing up just outside the Washington, D.C. Beltway during the 1960s–1970s, my greatest fear was that one day I would see a brilliant flash of white light followed by a thunderous explosion, and then look up to see a hideous mushroom cloud rising over the nation’s capital.
Back then, it never would have occurred to me that the biggest threat to our nation would come not from a foreign enemy reaching our shores, but from within — from fellow Americans who hold great power in politics, in mainstream media, in academia, and on Wall Street.
I never would have dreamed that a great battle to save our nation would be waged in my own backyard and require my participation. Yet this is my reality, and yours.
This is a Christmas like no other in the United States because religious freedom is under heavy, sustained attack; the consciences of Christians are being trampled underfoot; and the public square where we once enjoyed the free exchange of ideas and freedom of association has been shut down. Social media seek to erase not only our connections, but our existence.
An eldely man who presents himself as “Catholic” can’t wait to take over the White House so he can squash the Little Sisters of the Poor; make the killing of babies in their mothers’ wombs up until the moment of brith as commonplace as possible; enable the Frankensteinian medical and surgical sexual transitioning of children’s bodies; amplify the grand pretension of “gay marriage,” where sodomy is elevated to equality with conjugal love; wrench the economy away from Main Street America; and establish an America where those who dare not wear a face mask or submit to an untested vaccine are social outcasts if not criminals, as are those who want to worship and fellowship at church.
If Joe Biden becomes president, we will have traded the most pro-life president in the history of the United States for the most pro-death president ever to be seated in the Oval Office. Policy changes will be dramatic.
This great fraud stands in the wings, claiming to want to “Build Back Better,” but in reality, he wants to “Weaken and Control,” delivering unimagined power to his cronies and by extension to the Chinese Communist Party (CCP), which seeks to obliterate the American way of life in general and religion in particular.
George Will, in a 2011 commentary, explained the struggle to define and control America’s vision and spirit, identifying the source of the battle among the increasingly Marxist Democratic Party, statist Republicans, and the rest of America:
The American Creed’s values are liberal, as that term was understood until liberalism succumbed to 20th-century statism. The values, expressing the 18th century’s preoccupation with defending liberty against government, are … “individualistic, democratic, egalitarian, and hence basically anti-government and anti-authority.” The various values “unite in imposing limits on power and on the institutions of government. The essence of constitutionalism is the restraint of governmental power through fundamental law.” What made the American Revolution a novel event was that Americans did not declare independence because their religion, ethnicity, language or culture made them incompatible with the British. Rather, it was a political act based on explicit principles. So in America more than in Europe, nationalism is … “intellectualized”: “We hold these truths to be self-evident.” Who holds them? Americans. Who are Americans? Those who hold those truths to be self-evident. “The distinctive aspect of the American Creed is its anti-government character. Opposition to power and suspicion of government as the most dangerous embodiment of power are the central themes of American political thought.”
“The distinctive aspect of the American Creed is its anti-government character,” and so it is precisely this that the statists and Marxist have purposed to extract from our American DNA.
This is what hangs in the balance: whether we have faith in our capacity for self-government or whether we abandon the great success of the American experiment and instead submit to ill-liberal intellectual elites who believe they can engineer our lives better than we can plan and live them ourselves.
Catholics had better wake up to the truth: no help will come from Rome or from our bishops. Most are pawns of the global elites in this existential battle, and the handful who aren’t will likely become martyrs.
We are all activists now
The ill-liberal intellectual elites adhere to an ideology, a way of life, and a vision for a future that is already upon us, which is anathema to America and American Exceptionalism. Our ill-liberal intellectual elites are the enemy, the clear and present danger staring us in the face, expecting us to accept the fate they have planned for us.
What will save us from the “Great Reset” they have initiated? A multitude of engaged, commonsense, grassroot Americans actively participating in our communities, in elections, in government; who rise to the occasion as citizen-activists, citizen-journalists, citizen-politicians, citizen-leaders who will not sleep until sanity is restored to Washington, every State House, and every City Hall in this nation.
Thomas Jefferson said, “No government can continue good, but under the control of the people” and “The people are the only sure reliance for the preservation of liberty.”
Our country needs you and me to stand for moral sanity amid a nation whose identity and morals are rapidly deteriorating. If left unchecked, soon our nation will be foreign to us, resembling nothing that our founders envisioned, nothing that once made this nation a shining city on a hill.
If the exceptional nature of America is allowed to crumble and be swept aside, all of humanity will suffer the rise of harsher and harsher forms of tyranny — and freedom, liberty and prosperity will be distant memories.
Actor Jim Caviezel recently delivered a powerful recitation of the climax of Ronald Reagan’s 1964 “Rendezvous with Destiny” speech. The actor paraphrased a few lines to more accurately describe the battle we are now in. He concluded:
My fellow Americans, you and I have a rendezvous with destiny. We'll preserve for our children this, the last best hope of man on earth, or we'll sentence them to take the last step into a thousand years of darkness. We’re at war now with the most dangerous enemy that has ever faced mankind from its long climb from the swamp to the stars. And it’s been said that if we lose this war, and in so doing lose this great way of freedom of ours, history will record with the greatest astonishment that those who had the most to lose did the least to prevent it from happening. Well I think it’s high time now we ask ourselves if we still even know the freedoms that were intended for us by our founding fathers. Every generation of Americans needs to know that freedom exists not to do what you like, but having the right to do what you ought. My brothers and sisters, set yourselves apart from this corrupt generation. Be saints. You were not made to fit in. You were born to stand out. And in the words of Ronald Reagan, ‘Evil is powerless if the good are unafraid.’ God bless you, and God bless America.
We have received our marching orders. We are all activists now.
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