The Blessing of Christmas: Meditations for the Season [Hardcover]

Joseph Ratzinger (Benedict XVI) (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: October 8, 2007

This lovely little book, profusely illustrated, is ideal for the Christmas and Advent season with its inspiring, profound, yet popular meditations on the blessings of the season by the current Pope. Taken from his sermons as well as his writings, these beautiful meditations by the acclaimed spiritual teacher, writer and now Pontiff, give his usual fresh insights into the deeper meaning of this most wondrous event, and show the Pope to be a man who knows how to address both the mind and the heart. Lavishly illustrated throughout with classic color art.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 110 pages
• Publisher: Ignatius Pr (October 8, 2007)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1586171720
• ISBN-13: 978-1586171728
• Product Dimensions: 6.4 x 5.8 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 14.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (7 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #770,027 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Born in 1927 in Germany as Joseph Ratzinger, Pope Benedict XVI has been head of the Roman Catholic Church since April 2005. A prolific author, theologian and university professor, Ratzinger served as an "expert" at the Second Vatican Council, and was tapped in 1977 by Pope Paul VI to lead the German Archdiocese of Munich and Freising. In 1981, Pope John Paul II called him to Rome to head the Vatican's Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, where he served until his papal election.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Very deep but very easy, December 26, 2007

By 

Rosanna Tarsiero (Pisa, Italy) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: The Blessing of Christmas: Meditations for the Season (Hardcover)

The book is a red hardcover, printed in quality paper, which also has beautiful illustrations coming from churches all over Europe.

These meditations were written by Joseph Cardinal Ratzinger 25 years ago, and yet still popular and actual. It's a wonderful reading to do during Advent.

It's important to say that the font this book is printed in is pretty big, so it's easier on an old person's eyes. Furthermore, despite its being deep, logic and insightful, the language is very simple. Even a kid preparing for receiving his/her First Communion can understand these words.

Finally, there are some meditations about the meaning of illness and sufferance that deserve being read.

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars More than the Title, December 11, 2007

By 

Bernard E. Sheffield "Fr. Bernie Sheffield, OSJB" (South Florida) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: The Blessing of Christmas: Meditations for the Season (Hardcover)

This reading written by Pope Benedict was written before he was elected Pope. It is so much more than just Christmas Meditations. These writings cause us to reflect on our spiritual lives and discusses more in the life oc Christ and well beyond the birth.

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Brilliant Addition to Christmas Celebrations, January 11, 2008

By 

Dana Bailey Wheeler "prunellabooks" (Midwest) - See all my reviews
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Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: The Blessing of Christmas: Meditations for the Season (Hardcover)

I highly recommend this book to anyone looking for a way to bring spirituality and love into their advent celebration. In an easy to understand message, many of the tradtions are explained, such as why we have a Christmas tree, why we use lights, etc. Whether you're a Catholic or a protestant, it is meant to be used by all Christians to give depth and meaning to Christmas!