A Savior is Born

Yesterday the Savior of the World was born - the Prince of Peace, the Conqueror of Death. It was “the birthday of life,” Pope Saint Leo the Great wrote:

“The fear of death has been swallowed up; life brings us joy with the promise of eternal happiness. No one is shut out from this joy; all share the same reason for rejoicing. Our Lord, victor over sin and death, finding no man free from sin, came to free us all. Let the saint rejoice as he sees the palm of victory at hand. Let the sinner be glad as he receives the offer of forgiveness. Let the pagan take courage as he is summoned to life.”

The angels rejoice; Christians around the world sing “Gloria.” And each one of us is invited into the peace and comfort this season promises. “When the angels on high are so exultant at this marvelous work of God’s goodness,” the Pope wrote, “what joy should it not bring to the lowly hearts of men?”

With warmest wishes that such joy finds a place in your lives this Christmas, and from all of us here at Prime Matters: may you have a merry and blessed Christmas season.

The temptation to give into constant anxiety concerning current events is often strong. The Christmas season serves as an opportunity to reflect on Christ as the true center of history. This hymn, commissioned by Pope Benedict XVI, can help with such reflection.

The Jubilee of 2025 has officially begun. In the city of Rome, Holy Doors at the four major basilicas have been opened, along with an additional door at Rome’s Rebibbia Prison. Dedicated to hope, this jubilee invites us to gaze into the eyes of Jesus. Consult your local diocese’s website to learn about pilgrimages and events closer to home.

On Blessed Carlo Acutis, Eucharistic Miracles, and sanctity.