John Updike, long one of the nation's finest novelists and short story writers, also wrote extensively about the Christian imagination (and once on his misgivings about Santa Claus).

Charles R. Morris, who died on Dec. 13, was a prolific author with a broad range of interests and expertise. He also wrote a two-part history of America Media for our 100th anniversary.

Over the years, the bookworms at America Media have compiled list upon list of books that would make good Christmas gifts. Here is a sample.

A Reflection for the Wednesday of the Second Week of Advent: Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary.

Wendell Berry could be described by many labels. More than anything else, he has been a voice of practical reason and concise cultural commentary in his more than 80 books published over six decades.

A Reflection for the Friday of the First Week of Advent: Memorial of St. Francis Xavier

As Dorothy Day's cause for canonization moves forward, her writings continue to offer a prophetic Christian witness to a complacent world.

Mary Gordon is one of America's greatest Catholic writers—just don't ask her why she stayed.

Many topics of great import were discussed at the meeting of the U.S. bishops. But they missed the mark on bingo, confession and whether cats possess prevenient grace.

In almost 20 books published over half a century, Barry Lopez always maintained a tight focus on the interconnectedness—and spiritual value—of all life, from the smallest mushroom to the largest forest.