Christmas Archives - Page 2 of 19

Christmas

In the manger we see the perfect love of God

December 25, 2022

The headteacher of our parish primary school recently attended a conference at which most other headteachers came from secular schools. At one point they broke into groups. Everyone had to come up with a word which summarised what their school was all about. Others chose “respect”, “tolerance” and “diversity” – all very well, of course,

A Christmas message from Cardinal Nichols

December 24, 2022

As I look back on the year that is now drawing to a close, one moment stands out, full of impact and resonance. On 8 September, Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II died. On that day, we mourned the loss of a unique and gracious mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. We cherished her life of unstinting service,

Following St Joseph’s example as Christmas draws near

December 18, 2022

The Virgin will conceive and give birth to a son and they will call Him Emmanuel, a name which means ‘God is with us’. In the final week of Advent the Church naturally focuses on the figure of the Mother. But every third year, the Church bowls us a bit of googly when the Sunday

On to the manger: the Eparch of London on Advent

December 15, 2022

In 2020, and even into 2021, so many travel plans were cancelled or had to be postponed due to the Covid-19 pandemic. I vividly recall the hesitation I felt after a long period of isolation, especially the first time I opened my front door to venture out into the empty streets of London. Leading up

Already, and not yet: waiting for the coming of Christ

December 11, 2022

There’s something about Advent which speaks to the hearts of us all. Because Advent is two things. It is a season which is incredibly special. We await God’s arrival in the world. There can be nothing more unique and extraordinary than this. And His arrival, when it comes, is full of tenderness and love. He

Worth the wait: Piero’s “Nativity” unveiled in all its glory

December 05, 2022

After three years of painstaking work, Piero della Francesca’s famous Nativity, from the early 1480s, has returned to public display in the National Gallery in London just in time for Christmas. After an uncommonly difficult restoration, carried out by the Gallery’s own Conservation Department, the world-renowned piece made its long-awaited return to view on 1

The kingdom of heaven is at hand: spending Advent well

December 04, 2022

“May the Lord be in your heart and help you to confess your sins with true sorrow.” What prevents us from doing that? We won’t confess our sins unless we are convinced of the reality of God and the possibility of a personal relationship with Him. Vaguely identifying as Christian is not enough. It must

GK Chesterton’s ‘enjoyable nightmare’ before Christmas

December 02, 2022

Daniel Frampton seeks festive cheer from the great Catholic apologist and Dickens’ own Ebenezer Scrooge