Countdown to Christmas started

It is the time of the year when we prepare to celebrate Christmas. The countdown has started. It is such an exciting time for most of us: the lights, the carols, the atmosphere... How lovely!

Sometimes the joy and excitement are accompanied by other less pleasant feelings - we live in an unperfect world after all. If you experience a feeling of anxiety building up when thinking of the duties that are awaiting you as the Christmas day approaches, well you are not alone. Decorations to make, gifts to prepare, visits to pay, cards to send... We are just humans and have our triggers.

This year my resolution for Advent is to look into the Bible to find wisdom, comfort, reassurance and to replace the unpleasant feelings with a renewed trust in God's love for us all.

My personal intention for today: repay everything with a blessing.

Finally, all of you, have unity of spirit, sympathy, love for one another, a tender heart, and a humble mind. Do not repay evil for evil or abuse for abuse; but, on the contrary, repay with a blessing. It is for this that you were called—that you might inherit a blessing. (1 Peter 3:8-9)

Peace is not a balance of opposing forces

"True peace is not a balance of opposing forces. It is not a lovely ‘façade’ which conceals conflicts and divisions. Peace calls for daily commitment, starting from God’s gift, from the grace which he has given us in Jesus Christ” Pope Francis, Urbi et Orbi Message (25/12/2013)

In his Christmas message, delivered as usual from the loggia of St. Peter’s Square in Rome, Pope Francis prayed for peace, peace as an active commitment, peace as a fruit of God's grace and mercy, peace as something to be shared by every human being. 

The complete message is here

Surprisingly, a perfect fit.

Via Tweeter @DecentFilms

Gingerbread Basilica

The Novices at Blackfriars Cambridge have shown their building capabilities by creating a gingerbread Basilica, for the pleasure of us all.

Merry Christmas!

The whole, glorious story

The Word was made flesh, he lived among us, and we saw his glory, the glory that is his as the only Son of the Father, full of grace and truth.

Venite adoremus.

Journeying to tomorrow