Happy Christmas Eve! Things might be a little quiet around here today, as the InsideCatholic staff goes about its last-minute preparations for tomorrow (please tell me I’m not the only one who still has presents left to buy?…). In the meantime, below are a few quick holiday links to tide you over.
And from all of us at IC to all of you: Best wishes for a very merry Christmas!
- In a nod to his visit to the UK earlier this year, Pope Benedict recorded a Christmas message for the BBC’s “Thought for the Day” spot today. It’s unusual for the pope to address one nation in particular at Christmastime; you can read the full transcript here.
- How did December 25 become Christmas? In the Biblical Archaeology Review, Andrew McGowan argues that, contrary to popular belief, it may not have much to do with the pagan solstice celebrations at all.
- In the Wall Street Journal (subscription required) the Rev. Scott Black Johnston says that, rather than complain about once-a-year parishioners who only show up at Christmastime, he will welcome them — because, like the rest of us, “they will come to see if angels are going to show up and proclaim (once again) that there is a God who loves us and that heaven’s great desire for us is peace.”
- Finally, a great recording of Louis Armstrong reading “‘Twas the Night Before Christmas” (h/t Terry Teachout):
Orthodox. Faithful. Free.
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