Theology can seem as distant from reality as a greeting card is from the terror of that first Christmas: a homeless couple with newborn, the sound of hoof-beats, the slaughter of innocents, desert flight to alien status in a strange land.

But theology is all we have to articulate a different outcome for our reality, so shadowed by trouble and rumors of more trouble to come, one world collapsing under its own weight with no sign yet of another world emerging more attentive to the needs of basic human community.

At the Angelus the Pope “Too often God knocks at our door but we are so caught up in our thoughts and concerns we do not even notice.”

“If you feel this wish to be better, it is He who is knocking. Don’t let him pass you by! Let us open our doors to Christ,” Francis urged faithful speaking off the cuff at the Sunday Angelus in St. Peter’s Square which is now graced by a huge Christmas tree and Nativity Scene.

The Christmas atmosphere of ornaments and carols that permeates the streets and shops of the low-income area of Ras el-Dekwaneh in north Beirut stops at the threshold of a small room in a narrow alley, which the joyous atmosphere does not seem to reach.

The door opens to a family whose members' faces are tinged with great sadness and whose children's eyes have lost the sparkle and enthusiasm of being engrossed with decorating for Christmas.

Thanks to its mediation role in the process of reconciliation between Cuba and the US, Vatican diplomacy finds itself back at the centre of the international stage. The good news of the thaw in relations was met with the Pope’s joy and came as a pleasant surprise to the ambassadors accredited to the Holy See.

The “noble” actions of those who believe in dialogue and negotiation.

In an age when many, at different levels, consider the terms “dialogue” and “diplomacy” as equivalent to do-goodery and feeble compliance, when they are not believed to be as effective as swear words, the message the Americas have sent out with the thaw in US-Cuna relations is a significant one.

The holiday season is in full swing, with many Canadians enjoying the carefree pleasures of Christmas office parties and concerts. Others are looking forward to attending Christmas Eve church services, or getting together with family and friends over a turkey dinner.

But halfway around the world, Christmas will be anything but carefree for Iraq's persecuted Christian communities.

David Thamir was having a great time as he played go-karts with other boys. He shrieked, ran and jumped with his companions as they charged around in the vehicles they had made for themselves. It was the sort of joyful and innocent fun which comes naturally to children.

But in this instance, it was also a fleeting moment of respite from the agony of existence. Maybe those watching the children at play gave thanks to God that these little ones had not fully grasped the enormity of the tragedy that had encompassed their lives.

US President Barack Obama and the President of Cuba Raúl Castro have mentioned the crucial role played by the Latin American Pope in achieving a landmark deal between the two countries. Maduro called it a “wonderful gift” on the occasion of Francis’ birthday. The meetings between Kerry and Parolin which preceded the diplomatic breakthrough.

In January 1971, editor-in chief of the "Voice of the Holy Land" magazine (1967-2002) Fr. Raouf Najjar, conducted an interview with then-Prime Minister Wasfi Tal which unveiled his patriotism and his sincerity. At the time, he conveyed good wishes to the Christians marking Christmas celebrations, and talked about the Constitution which enshrines equality and non-discrimination among citizens. Following are some of the answers of the martyred leader which we post on his martyrdom anniversary.

In an hour-long meeting with Cardinal Parolin, the US Secretary of State John Kerry expressed a desire for “the Holy See’s assistance in seeking adequate humanitarian solutions for current inmates”.

At a meeting with the Vatican Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the US Secretary of State, John Kerry, expressed a desire for the Holy See’s assistance in “seeking adequate humanitarian solutions” for the closure of the Guantanamo Bay prison. The meeting took place today in the Vatican and lasted an hour.