Christmas Around the World

Have you ever wondered how Christmas is celebrated in other parts of the world? We took a quick journey around it back in 2013, guided by friends of Fede e Luce who live in distant countries or practice different traditions. What we discovered were small Christian communities that make Christmas great in the few churches they can reach; places where the calendar marks a winter solstice festival rather than a Christian feast; and different Christian traditions whose holidays stretch nearly a month, layered with overlapping civil and religious calendars. "Sisters and brothers across every latitude"—let the "silence of the holy night enfold us and make us feel united." So each of us can arrive with joy—"that jewel in the heart we take out when we need it"—to live the peace "joined together by the reconciliation" given to us by God-with-us. A blessed Christmas to all of you, dear readers! Our newsletter returns January 10th.