In his spiritual testament dated more than 16 years before his death, Pope Benedict reflected on his life, and on those whom he had encountered, with gratitude

The Joseph Ratzinger I knew for 35 years — first as prefect of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, later as Pope Benedict XVI and then Pope Emeritus — was a brilliant, holy man who bore no resemblance to the caricature that was first created by his theological enemies and then set in media concrete.

As angels revealed the birth of the Messiah to the shepherds, representing the nation of Israel; the star revealed Christ to the Gentiles, represented by these magi from another land.

While we know for sure that sins are forgiven through the sacrament, God is of course free to extend his grace beyond even what he has promised.

We’ve reached the point in our Christmas break where I am not entirely sure what day of the week it is. What I do know is that we are still in the midst of our Christmas celebrations.

In the darkest days of winter, we are filled with new hope, just as when we hold that new child.

On Christmas Eve morning, we woke up to find that our furnace had stopped working.

We can see the passing years and decades as simply growing older. Or we can see the passing years and decades as growing toward eternity.

Enjoying snow and hot chocolate is a cozy way to spend Christmas, but watching the sky light up in celebration of the birth of Christ is just as magical.

Using a cherished family recipe handed down from ancestors from Poland, Catholic Review Managing Editor George Matysek Jr. and his wife, Treasa, spend the wee hours before Christmas making, kneading and rolling out dough and then dropping homemade potato-and-cheese filling into each carefully crafted circle.