Faith

After not having household gatherings for some time, we are very excited to host family and friends for Christmas celebrations once again. The anticipation of having a full table of chatter and laughter brings joy to the heart. But there's also worry, as preparations can dish out a lot of stress.

The Christmas song that always slays me, jolts me out of my secular complacency and reminds me that this is an absolutely sacred moment in the history of mankind we are celebrating here, is the carol, "O Holy Night."

When you have good news to share, who is the first person you want to tell? Your closest friend or most respected mentor probably has the honor of receiving your first phone call before you share your joy with a wider audience on social media.

I took the time to reread my annual letter to the parish from Advent 2020. In anticipation of Christmas last year, I reminded everyone that we would find a way to celebrate the birth of the Lord that would help people remain safe as well as participative in this wonderful mystery. Then I listed ways for families and individuals to be present, even if they couldn't come to church.

When I reflect on Mary, mother of God, often my admiration and gratitude for her life of fidelity, faith and wisdom cannot be expressed in ordinary words.

Something about Advent, and the Christmas season that succeeds it (or, in the secular sphere, envelops it), draws the eye to beauty.

The following are 10 “Cuppa Joe” reflections honoring the Year of St. Joseph and inspired by “10 wonders” of St. Joseph described by Father Donald Calloway, a priest of the Marian Fathers of the Immaculate Conception, in his 2019 book, “Consecration to St. Joseph: The Wonders of Our Spiritual Father.”

As we end this year dedicated to St. Joseph, there is one title that is as strange as it is provocative: “St. Joseph, Terror of Demons.” Normally we think of demons causing terror instead of them experiencing terror.