VIDEOS

VATICAN CITY (CNS) — God sent His only begotten son into the world, where He continues to dwell in the hearts of men and women, “urging them to believe, to hope, despite everything, and to love by working for the good of all,” Pope Francis said.

VATICAN CITY (CNS) — Reciting the Angelus prayer Dec. 29, the feast of the Holy Family, Pope Francis entrusted to Mary, “Queen of the Family,” all the families of the world, “especially those experiencing suffering or distress, and we invoke upon them her maternal protection.”

Picture an image of Mary, the mother of Jesus. Now picture her pregnant.

Sometimes overlooked in the idyllic images of the Christmas story is the brief, touching tale told in the Gospel of Matthew: the flight of the Holy Family into Egypt.

The “Hallelujah” chorus from George Frideric Handel’s “Messiah” is probably the most well-known classical piece of music written for choir. People love to hear it, and they love to sing it.

The scene is one you might share from your own memory. It is the image of a mother, father and two children delighting in the sweet innocence of an infant.

At one point in the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults program each year I ask participants a seemingly simple question: “Is it possible to know God?” There is usually discussion and then concern that it is an impossible question to answer.

VATICAN CITY (CNS) — Putting up a Nativity scene before Christmas is a reminder to stop and remember what Christmas is really about and to prepare one’s heart like a manger for the coming of Christ, Pope Francis said.

VATICAN CITY (CNS) — There always will be martyrs among Christians in the world, Pope Francis said.

DAYTON, Ohio (CNS) — Each culture, if not every home, has its own unique rendition of the Nativity.