Advent & Christmas News
4th Joyful Mystery: The Presentation in the Temple
By • Catholic Online • 12/23/2011
He was given no special treatment, no exceptions. God was not about to break His own rules. He came to fulfill the Law, not toss the Law out the window. He came to live our human experience is every single way that we do, including obeying the law. We needn't ever worry when obeying God's law. ...
2nd Joyful Mystery: The Visitation of Mary to Elizabeth
By • Catholic Online • 12/22/2011
Gabriel had just left her, and the first thing she does is prepare to leave and visit Elizabeth, her cousin. Gabriel had told her Elizabeth was in her sixth month of pregnancy, a testament to the power of God. It's really a simple lesson this mystery teaches - take care of each other. Even when you ...
The 3rd Joyful Mystery: The Birth of Jesus
By • Catholic Online • 12/22/2011
He came to us small, weak, dependent and poor. He sought to inspire our affection and devotion rather than command our submission. CHESAPEAKE, Va. (Catholic Online) – “She gave birth to her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no room for ...
Advent Reflection: The Manger and the Cross - Calvary Begins in Bethlehem
By • Catholic Online • 12/20/2011
All the events surrounding His birth reveal to us how closely life and death, Christmas and Easter, Bethlehem and Golgotha, the Manger and the Cross are bound together. Indeed, Calvary begins in Bethlehem. AUSTRIA (Catholic Online) - During the Advent season we are called to ...
The 1st Joyful Mystery: The Annunciation
By • Catholic Online • 12/20/2011
Her 'yes' had nothing to do with her and everything to do with Him. CHESAPEAKE, Va. (Catholic Online) – “Hail, full of grace! The Lord is with you!” “You shall conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus.” Let this mystery teach us humility. Mary’s answer to ...
Congregation for the Clergy: Prepare the Cave of our Hearts for His Birth
By • Catholic Online • 12/18/2011
The greatest event in the whole history of the world was the Incarnation of the eternal Word by whom the world was redeemed and peace was restored between God and men. Our Lady was chosen as his instrument for this tremendous event. VATICAN CITY (Catholic Online) - The liturgy of the fourth Sunday ...
Advent and the Eucharist: Prepare to Receive the Risen Lord
By • Catholic Online • 12/18/2011
"In the sacrament of the altar, the Lord meets us, men and women created in God's image and likeness, and becomes our companion along the way. In [the sacrament of Eucharist], the Lord truly becomes food for us, to satisfy our hunger for truth and freedom. Since only the truth can make us free, ...
The Happy Priest: Mary and the Mystery of the Incarnation
By • Catholic Online • 12/18/2011
Not everything was clear for the Blessed Virgin Mary. Just as in any manifestation of the divine, there is always a profound moment of light followed by long and trying times of darkness. Mary was enveloped in the light of God's presence during the Annunciation. However this ...
To Begin Again: Why we Need Advent
By • Catholic Online • 12/18/2011
In a culture where the influences of Christian traditions are waning many are again asking 'Why do Christians celebrate Advent?' DUCK, N.C. (Catholic Online) - For many of our readers in the United States of America, the smell of Thanksgiving still permeates the indoor air but the celebratory ...
Gaudete Sunday – The “Selah” of Advent
By • Catholic Online • 12/15/2011
On the Third Sunday of Advent a rose candle is lit on the Advent wreath. It's Gaudete Sunday, a day to rejoice as we reflect on the wonder of His Coming - both His first and His Second. WASHINGTON (Catholic Online) - Years ago I preached a sermon entitled “Selah – the Pause the Refreshes.” This ...
