As the humanity of Jesus is our path to the Father, remembering the family of Jesus is a fitting way to end and begin a year.

The Jubilee of Hope, begun by Pope Francis and continued by Pope Leo XIV, reaches its pinnacle as we make our way through Advent toward the dazzling light of Christmas. It is a sacred moment for us to gather up our fears and anxieties, including those we absorb from the world around us, and entrust them to the Lord of history, the redeemer of the world.

So rejoice this day. For the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ is the beginning of the wedding feast of the Lamb. And we are guests to both.

Still shopping? Not sure what you’re making for Christmas dinner—or who’s hosting? I have good news for you, last-minute friends. This is our time to shine.

The fabric of human history is redeemed by the designs of the eternal Word. In Jesus’ birth at Bethlehem 2,000 years ago, the uncreated Son entered into creation.

Seek out what is wholesome and beautiful in your life and rest in it. But at the same time, we cannot forget that the path to holiness is one of sacrifice and discomfort. Much like Tolkien’s Hobbits, we must hold fast to our courage and step out onto the road ahead of us to meet whatever may lie ahead.

The more deeply we reflect on the wonder of the Incarnation, the more deeply we understand Christ as “the kindness and generous love of God our savior appeared” (Ti 3:4); the mercy of God “richly poured out” upon us.

It is important to name a problem if you wish to solve it. And the problem we are dealing with is a mythical replacement theory — that the new immigration is a plan to replace the white race in America.

While the wisdom of Leo’s message on peace will be considered above all for its ramifications on international affairs, it can pertain to the church, too.

This is exactly what the best stories tell us. Who we are, whose we are, and what we are called to be. What a gift that we all share the best story: The hope that will ultimately bring us home.