Customer Reviews

The Blessing of Christmas: Meditations for the Season

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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.

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.

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!

I bought this book for my best friend for Christmas. It is beautifully illustrated and printed on quality paper. The meditations really focus on the true meaning of Advent and Christmas. I think my friend will be very pleased.

The Blessing of Christmas is Pope Benedict XVI's (written when he was known as Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger) reflections on the meaning of Christmas and the role that meaning has in our lives. As Pope Benedict is recognized as a top theologian, it should come as no surprise that the spiritual reflections offered by the pontiff are insightful and moving. But, best of all, the Pope's enthusiasm concerning Christmas comes out in his writings. Thus, what could be a ponderous collection of musings is instead a joyful, almost playful look, at Christmas' context in our lives.

I don't usually comment on the physical qualities of a book. However, this book's physical appearance is so extraordinary that it deserves a mention. The book is printed on a high quality paper, with a font that is much bigger than the book's physical dimensions would seem to allow. But, the best feature is the exquisite pictures of various paintings that dot the book. The paintings add the perfect complement to the points that the pontiff makes. All in all, the book's physical qualities add to the special nature of the message within its pages.

Is this a book for everyone? Because of the heavy dose of Catholic theology running through the pages, the answer is probably not. But, for those with an open mind, it's not hard to imagine The Blessing of Christmas becoming an integral part of a family's Christmas activities.

Wonderful book and one I will read many times. A lot of wonderful thought for the Christmas season to think on.

I was handed this book right before I enter a beautiful chapel where my intent was to pray before the Blessed Sacarment. The writings of Joseph Ratzinger's mediations where beautiful and represented the Holy Family and the Incarnation of Our Lord. This book gives a deeper meaning to the Christmas season and can only help the reader to look further into ones own faith to develope their understanding of the birth of Our Lord. The illusrtations only added to the beauty and so I purchased three copies of this book; one for myself and two for gifts.