In Jesus, God lived Godself into this condition of being born, of growing and living into mature, gracious and holy personhood. Against a weary cynicism we can feel about the world and about our personal situations, our relationships, Christmas offers us the chance of a new start.   [...]

After the fall of Bashar al-Assad’s regime, Syrian Archbishop Jacques Mourad of Homs shared his joy at seeing the Syrian people “liberated.” Despite the uncertainties surrounding these communities, this former ISIS captive remained resolutely optimistic about the future of Christians in Syria. [...]

John the Baptist comes in the midst of his own social, political and religious context, proclaiming a baptism of repentance, invoking the image used by the prophets Isaiah and Baruch: the image of every valley being filled in, every hill being laid low, every road being made straight and smooth.  [...]

This Christmas, as we contemplate the Christ child in the manger, let us commit ourselves to pray and work for justice in all its manifestations so that God’s reign will come in our world. [...]