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| Forum Christmas cards; from members to the members | |
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| Topic Started: Tuesday, 19. December 2006, 18:59 (264 Views) | |
| Phil_sfo | Wednesday, 24. December 2008, 12:56 Post #46 |
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While wishing A Happy and Holy Christmas to all, here is part of the Pope's homily last year on Christmas Eve. Son of Mary and Son of the Most High "The time came for Mary to be delivered. And she gave birth to her first-born son and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn" (Lk 2:6f.). These words touch our hearts every time we hear them. This was the moment that the angel had foretold at Nazareth: "you will bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus. He will be great, and will be called the Son of the Most High" (Lk 1:31). This was the moment that Israel had been awaiting for centuries, through many dark hours-the moment that all mankind was somehow awaiting, in terms as yet ill-defined: when God would take care of us, when he would step outside his concealment, when the world would be saved and God would renew all things. We can imagine the kind of interior preparation, the kind of love with which Mary approached that hour. The brief phrase "she wrapped him in swaddling clothes" allows us to glimpse something of the holy joy and the silent zeal of that preparation. The swaddling clothes were ready, so that the child could be given a fitting welcome. Yet there is no room at the inn. In some way, mankind is awaiting God, waiting for him to draw near. But when the moment comes, there is no room for him. Man is so preoccupied with himself, he has such urgent need of all the space and all the time for his own things, that nothing remains for others-for his neighbor, for the poor, for God. And the richer men become, the more they fill up all the space by themselves. And the less room there is for others. (...) In the stable at Bethlehem, Heaven and Earth meet. Heaven has come down to Earth. For this reason, a light shines from the stable for all times; for this reason joy is enkindled there; for this reason song is born there. (...) Heaven does not belong to the geography of space, but to the geography of the heart. And the heart of God, during the Holy Night, stooped down to the stable: the humility of God is Heaven. And if we approach this humility, then we touch Heaven. Then the Earth too is made new. With the humility of the shepherds, let us set out, during this Holy Night, towards the Child in the stable! Let us touch God's humility, God's heart! Then his joy will touch us and will make the world more radiant. Amen. Homily, Dec. 24, 2007 Pope Benedict XVI |
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| Gerard | Wednesday, 24. December 2008, 17:05 Post #47 |
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HAPPY CHRISTMAS EVERYONE Gerry Edited by Gerard, Wednesday, 24. December 2008, 17:06.
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| "The institutional and charismatic aspects are quasi coessential to the Church's constitution" (Pope John Paul II, 1998). | |
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| MickCook | Wednesday, 24. December 2008, 17:41 Post #48 |
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 A Happy Christmas to Everyone From Mick and Karin PS: We're having a white Christmas this year - lots and lots of snow... Edited by MickCook, Wednesday, 24. December 2008, 17:43.
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:) Mick The Cook Companies | |
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| Alan | Thursday, 25. December 2008, 01:37 Post #49 |
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Another year and again a sincere greeting to all members, their families and friends and also to the guests who visit the forum. The past year has gven us all days of happiness and days of sadness. Through the Love of God we have been able to meet the challenges presented to us. So in this season of Peace and Goodwill always remember the birth of Jesus and all that it means to us. Wishing all the Peace joy and happiness of the Holiest of days. A very special greeting to our Moderators who ensure that our forum runs smoothly. |
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God Bless all who visit this forum, Alan. Add Catholic CyberForum to your favourites | |
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| pat | Thursday, 25. December 2008, 02:26 Post #50 |
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Carlo, my avatar is an illustration of the Old Sardinian Embassy Chapel in Lincolns Inn Fields - the predecessor of my church, SS Anselm and Caecilia, which I believe you're acquainted with! Incidentally, the current building on Kingsway is celebrating its 100th anniversary in 2009, and we will be having special Masses and talks and other events to mark the occasion, to which all are welcome. |
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| denis | Thursday, 25. December 2008, 03:03 Post #51 |
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Christmas Blessings and Peace to all Members and their family and friends. |
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| moderator team | Thursday, 25. December 2008, 11:31 Post #52 |
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Thank you, Alan. |
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5:47 AM Nov 8