The Rev. Martha Morales said the church's intention was not to be controversial or political. Instead, she said, the church is trying to be faithful to its calling to do God's work.
Pope Francis blessed hundreds of figurines of the baby Jesus – ranging from tiny plastic figures to life-sized statues – and encouraged children to make sure they have Nativity scenes at home.
Distinctly Catholic: It requires spiritual discipline to avoid the consumerism that has truly taken the Christ out of Christmas and replaced him with Mammon. In wrapping paper.
A Nativity scene is a simple reminder of something astonishing: God became human to reveal the greatness of his love "by smiling and opening his arms to all," Pope Francis said in a letter on the meaning and importance of setting up Christmas cribs.
Scripture for Life: Everybody is getting ready for Christmas. Did you ever wonder what the preparations for the first Christmas looked like from the vantage point of eternity?
Soul Seeing: Players in the Christmas story stood on the mountain of a table or made their way to Bethlehem by following the light from the star atop the tree.
