Letter to America Readers

Dear America Reader,

In his new book, Mysteries of the Middle Ages: The Rise of Feminism, Science and Art from the Cults of Catholic Europe, Thomas Cahill contends that Eastern and Western Christianity are distinguished by the mysteries they contemplate. Eastern Orthodoxy, he argues, focused on the Trinity, is characteristically devoted to the contemplation of divinity. Western Christianity, he proposes, has emphasized the Incarnation and stresses the goodness of our redeemed humanity.

The characteristic feast of Eastern Christianity, following Cahill's reasoning, is Easter, and of the West, Christmas. Ever since St. Francis set up the first crèche in Greccio in 1223, the celebration of Christmas has taken on an especially human face, with the Holy Family, shepherds, wise men and, in many places, villagers of every type peopling the scene. This year America will be marking the Christmas season with a special series of articles on the Advent-Christmas-Epiphany cycle.

Kathleen Hughes will open the series with an overview of the movement of the church's prayer through the Advent season. Former Word columnist John R. Donahue, S.J. will reflect on Advent hope; and our own Jim McDermott, S.J. will examine apocalyptic expectation in Jesus' time and our own. Sally Cunneen will meditate on the Christmas event itself, and the Pacifist scripture scholar Ched Myers will explore the implications of Epiphany for peace. In addition, Paul Mariani will share his annual poetic meditation on a new Christmas icon of St. Joseph by Bill McNichols.

This Christmas series is an example of how America endeavors to nourish the spirit as we also enrich the mind. Whether it is the future of religious life, the growth of lay ministry, nuclear proliferation, Catholic environmentalism or Middle East policy, you can rely on America for thoughtful coverage you will not find elsewhere. In these and other areas, the editors strive to offer intelligent discussion of ideas, issues and events for thinking Catholics.

To continue our mission, we need help from friends like you. Our circulation is increasing, but we need your help to grow, especially as our expenses continue to rise. In the coming year, the upgrade of our Web site and the Web edition of America will add to our expenses. Your donation will therefore be deeply appreciated--$150, $200, $250 or whatever you can afford. You can donate simply by using your Visa or MasterCard. Thank you for your generosity.

With warm wishes for a blessed Christmas,

Drew Christiansen, S.J.
Editor in Chief, America