The best gifts are often the hardest to receive, especially when they are costly and leave us feeling undeserving or vulnerable. This truth is illustrated in O. Henry’s 1905 “The Gift of the Magi,” a short story about a young, poor, married couple, Jim and Della.
King Charles sends 'good wishes' to evangelistic campaign sharing the Good News as only 20% of UK citizens believe Jesus is Son of God
King Charles III has expressed his support for the “Shine Your Light” campaign that aims to galvanize 100,000 Christians in the U.K. to take part in pop-up carol singing, Nativity plays and other creative efforts to help people know Jesus is the King of Kings.
Church of England must 'be changed', says Archbishop of York in Christmas sermon
The Archbishop of York, Stephen Cottrell, has used his Christmas Day sermon to call for change in the Church of England.
Why the Christmas story still matters today
At Christmas we seek solace from the tumult of politics and the darkness of the world. We take comfort in magic and sparkle, mountains of food and festive films. On the Christmas adverts, it is always snowing outside and sparkling inside. Windows glow, children are rosy-cheeked and presents are expertly wrapped. Even though most of us probably never actually experienced a Christmas like this - we may have memories of family awkwardness, arguments or absences – we want to recapture a fabricated nostalgia, a sense of belonging and contentment.
East Harling: Amazing Glazing and a Remarkable Lady
East Harling is a very small south Norfolk market town, whose most remarkable possession is its medieval church. Its tower was built in the 14th century but given a facelift a century later when the rest of the church was reconstructed, notably its battlements and lead spirelet. In the early 18th century, the Rev. Francis Blomefield, the pioneering Norfolk historian, saw records that have since disappeared and noted that the steeple was “finished” in 1449.
My interest in the churches of Norfolk and Suffolk goes back to my childhood when I lived in a village in Suffolk and cycled about the countryside, visiting the churches of Seely Suffolk, Holy Suffolk. My village was not far from the Norfolk border and my family visited Norwich on a number of occasionsHallelujah!
The song stops us in our tracks and fixes our gaze on the stunning glory of Christ, the ‘King of kings, and Lord of lords.
Angel Voices, Richly Blending
Robert Farrell arranges this lovely hymn text from James Quinn, SJ. Utilizing and expanding upon the beautiful 14th-century hymn tune QUEM PASTORES LAUDAVERE, Farrell delivers a superb carol for the Christmas season. The sheet music may be purchased from OCP Music.
What Do You Want?
What do you want for Christmas? It’s the question that rings through the air this time of year. What do you want? What can I give to you to show you my love? What would make you happy?
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