HOW DEC 25 BECAME CHRISTMAS
On December 25, Christians around the world will gather to celebrate Jesus’ birth. Joyful carols, special liturgies, brightly wrapped gifts, festive foods—these all characterize the feast today, at least in the northern hemisphere. But just how did the Christmas festival originate? How did December 25 come to be associated with Jesus’ birthday? ....
(Taken from Biblical Archaeology Review, if you are interested in reading more go to
http://www.bib-arch.org/e-features/christmas.asp)
________________________________________________
MISSIONARIES ARE FACING TERRIBLE RISKS WORLDWIDE
In January, the Catholic Church reported 20 missionaries were murdered throughout the world during 2008.
The continent with the highest number was Asia, with the death of one archbishop and five missionaries. It appears now that the total number of murdered missionaries for 2009 will far surpass the 20 of 2008.
Recent high profile kidnappings of GOAL worker Sharon Commins and of the Columban missionary Fr Michael Sinnott -- who were later freed -- have highlighted the dangers.
Being on mission and proclaiming the good news of the Gospel to others, through actions and preaching, leaves the missionary or the volunteer in a vulnerable position.
Sometimes the actions and words are a threat to people who do not value justice and the dignity of all human beings, and following the example of Jesus is often perceived as upsetting the status quo.
In situations of absolute poverty, missionaries are often the only providers of genuine assistance to local populations.
As such, they run the risk of becoming targets for people who see nothing wrong in using criminal methods in order to better their own material situation.
The root cause of many of the killings of missionaries is absolute poverty. They operate in many countries where the daily income of people is perhaps €1 to €2 a day.
In such situations, the missionary can be perceived as providing a way out of this poverty.
(Summarised from the Irish Independent; if you are interested in reading more go to http://www.independent.ie/opinion/analysis/missionaries-worldwide-face-enormous-risks-1972381.html)
_____________________________________________
BRITAIN’S CHURCH BELLS RING IN CLIMATE APPEAL
Bells in churches across Britain have chimed 350 times to press for a deal at the Copenhagen climate conference.
York Minster and Westminster Cathedral were among churches which joined a world event coinciding with a service in the Danish capital.
The aim was to highlight the 350 parts per million some developing nations say is the safe upper concentration for carbon dioxide in the atmosphere.
Bells are being rung at 1500 local time in churches across the world.
The ecumenical service at the Lutheran Cathedral in Copenhagen was attended by Queen Margarethe of Denmark, as well as politicians and delegates taking part in the climate conference.
The Archbishop of Canterbury, who last week at an Environment Service in London said human well-being relied on the well-being of the world, also attended the service.
(Summarised from BBC News, if you would like to read the full article go to
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/8410356.stm)