A Catholic Christmas Booklist

My blog post from October about building a Catholic library at home got positive feedback from readers. Thank you for reading and letting me know which blog posts you enjoy! With this in mind, this month's blog post is a second installment about how we can deck our homes with illuminating books this Christmas.

Published in 1843, A Christmas Carol is a quintessential masterpiece that has become synonymous with the joy and generosity of the Christmas season. Charles Dickens, a master storyteller, crafted a timeless tale that transcends generations, blending the supernatural with the deeply human. A Christmas Carol is really a story of redemption, and subtly relates certain Catholic points – that death gives life its meaning, people need social connection, life must be revered, and one’s course hinges on individual choice.

Scrooge's journey reflects the possibility of personal transformation and the power of embracing kindness, generosity, and compassion. The novella beautifully captures the true spirit of Christmas – a time for love, generosity, and togetherness. It emphasizes the importance of family, community, and goodwill towards all.

Letters from Father Christmas is a delightful collection of letters, written and illustrated by J.R.R. Tolkien, that he sent to his children over a period of more than 20 years. These letters, postmarked from the North Pole and bearing the signature of Father Christmas, were a yearly tradition in the Tolkien household, beginning in 1920.

This unique and heartwarming collection offers a different perspective on Tolkien's storytelling prowess, demonstrating his ability to weave captivating tales for his own children. Letters from Father Christmas remains a cherished and festive read for those seeking a touch of magic during the holiday season.

Meditations for Advent by Bishop Jacques-Bénigne Bossuet (1627-1704), is a book that should be front and center in every Catholic home as soon as Thanksgiving is over. This classic has helped generations of Catholics worldwide prepare their souls for the arrival of the Christ child at Christmas.

Bishop Bossuet’s provides daily reflections for Catholics that are accessible, brief, and designed to help readers put the things of the world on hold, and focus on the glimpse into eternity and true love that was the manger in Bethlehem. Put Meditations for Advent in a common area of the home, like the family room, so everyone can dip into this treasury throughout Advent.

In the third and final installment of his series on the life of Jesus Christ -- Jesus of Nazareth – The Infancy Narratives - Pope Benedict XVI takes us on a spiritual journey through the infancy narratives found in the Gospels of Matthew and Luke.

Pope Benedict XVI carefully navigates the biblical accounts of the Annunciation, the shepherds' visit, the journey of the Magi, and the Holy Family's flight into Egypt. Through his exploration, he unravels the historical and theological dimensions and the spiritual significance these events hold for us today.

What distinguishes this book is the late pope’s distinctive method: effortlessly intertwining scholarly exegesis with a profoundly personal and contemplative tone. Whether you are a theologian or a devout Catholic seeking to go deeper this Advent and Christmas, Pope Benedict XVI’s book is profound and accessible.

As we prepare for Christmas, prepare your reading list to make these weeks a time of renewal, contemplation, and joy. These books can be shared with your family and friends and are classics that will have a place in your library for years to come.