Christ Comes in History, Mystery and Majesty — 12:30 p.m. Dec. 11 on EWTN and online. Cardinal Timothy Dolan of New York offers an Advent reflection on the mystery of Christ and how he comes to be reborn in us everyday despite the world’s failure to recognize Him.
The Legend of the Christmas Flower — 2:30 p.m. Dec. 11 on EWTN and online. A splendid animated tale highlighted by traditional Mexican music.
Also 2 p.m. Dec. 19 and Dec. 25.
Guadalupe: A Living Image — noon Dec. 12 on EWTN and online. Monsignor Eduardo Chavez, postulator of the cause for canonization of Juan Diego, discusses the authentic historical accounts of Juan Diego and the apparitions of Our Lady and the Miracle of Guadalupe.
Also 3 a.m. Dec. 14.
Advent at Ephesus — 4:30 a.m. Dec. 12 on EWTN and online. Explore the Benedictines of Mary, Queen of Apostles Priory of Our Lady of Ephesus, which became a modern, high-tech recording studio for three days in Fall of 2012 to produce an album of sacred music for the Advent season. Related video.
“Silent Night” — 7-9 p.m. Dec. 13 on PBS. This special presents an operatic retelling of the Christmas Eve truce during World War I (TV-PG, parental guidance suggested). Production website.
San Juan Children’s Choir Presents: Siempre Navidad — 3-4 p.m. Dec. 18 on EWTN and online. The San Juan Children’s Choir celebrates Christmas with music from around the world, expressing the joyful spirit of the holidays in Puerto Rico (TV-G, general audience).
Also 7:30 a.m. Dec. 21 and 2 p.m. Dec. 26.
A Home for the Holidays With Celine Dion — 6-7 p.m. Dec. 18 on CBS. Ne-Yo, Chris Young and others join Celine Dion for this annual holiday special featuring inspirational stories about children adopted from foster care.
“A Christmas Carol” — 8-9:30 p.m. Dec. 19 on TCM. This 1951 British version of the Dickens’ classic has worn well over the years principally because of Alastair Sim’s zestful performance as Scrooge, the old humbug whose transformation into a loving human being is a pleasure to behold. Director Brian Desmond Hurst’s period piece does well with its 19th-century London setting and the ghostly visitations are done simply but with considerable flair. The result is dandy family viewing. The Catholic News Service classification of the theatrical version was A-I — general patronage. Not rated by the Motion Picture Association of America.
Note all times reflect Mountain Standard Time as a courtesy for Arizona readers.
