The Christmas liturgical season is like the Church opening a family album of the Lord’s early years. This Sunday, the Church invites us to look closer at this family album, focusing on the Holy Family of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph.

As believers, we walk through life in search of the Divine, with the ultimate hope of seeing God face-to-face.

On this fourth and final Sunday of Advent, the Gospel reflects on the moments leading directly to the Lord's birth.

Announcing the arrival of one greater than himself, St. John the Baptist declared, “Even now the ax lies at the root of the trees. Therefore every tree that does not bear good fruit will be cut down and thrown into the fire.”

The feast of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin was approved as a local feast in the 15th century. It only became a feast of the universal Church in the 18th century.

John the Baptist was a compelling and solitary figure, defined by his unusual desert dwelling, camel hair attire, and diet of locusts and wild honey. Yet, these idiosyncrasies were secondary to his divine mission as a man of God: to announce the long-awaited Messiah.

The liturgical season of Advent begins today. The close of today's Gospel offers a wonderful promise that formally introduces this season: the Lord's simple declaration, "The Son of Man will come." This glorious coming of the Lord is the very foundation of Christian hope.

The story of David, the second and greatest king of Israel, perfectly foreshadows the reign of our Lord, Jesus Christ.

The Temple in Jerusalem was a structure of immense splendor, a marvel that drew admiration for its solidity and decoration.

Revered as the "Mother and Head" of the Catholic world, the Basilica of St. John Lateran is unique: it is the city church of Rome and holds the Pope’s official chair, or cathedra. Its history stretches back to November 9, 324, the date of its dedication.

The Commemoration of All the Faithful Departed (All Souls' Day) is a celebration of God's grace and mercy at work in the blessed souls in Purgatory. While the doctrine of Purgatory can be controversial, understanding it reveals a beautiful hope: A soul in Purgatory is saved and is guaranteed to enter Heaven. That is the good news.