For the second straight year, Bethlehem’s Christmas celebrations will be somber and muted, in deference to ongoing war in Gaza.

Bell ringing has a rich history, integrated into daily and liturgical life year-round, a tradition being rediscovered and appreciated by anthropologists, academics, musicians and an increasing number of ordinary people.

That idea of “keeping Christmas” is an invitation and a challenge to consider what Christmas really means to us.

President Joe Biden announced on Monday that he is commuting the sentences of 37 of the 40 people on federal death row, converting their punishments to life imprisonment.

No one can manufacture Christmas, make Christmas magic. Christmas is not compelled by effort or technique. No, there is only Christmas grace.

Looking at the Van Goghs we see a few parallels with the Holy Family, who knew humiliation and repudiation.

Why did we fail, so often, to help?

According to Sister Norma Pimentel, she and Bishop Daniel Flores share an emphasis on a pastoral approach.

What better way to celebrate Christmas than to have faith in things unseen, to find hope in a child.