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.

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.

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.

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.

It is tragic that this abandonment of theological sanity and pastoral responsibility coincides with the 60th anniversary of the conclusion of the Second Vatican Council, in which German bishops and theologians (including the future Pope Benedict XVI) played significant roles.

While we should not expect to see women literally ordained alongside male diaconate candidates, the question of deaconesses in general is a complex and multifaceted one with many positive implications.

The Catholic reader of Jane Austen’s novels should find them to be dramas of conscience. Her heroines are women of thoughtfulness and integrity.

Whatever your memories are at Christmas, give them to God, who has them already, and treats them all with tenderness and mercy. God will help us do the same.