Monthly Archives: December 2011

Silly Saturday: A Politically Correct Santa (c) by Harvey Ehrlich

Posted on December 31, 2011 by Paul Wharton

‘Twas the night before Christmas and Santa’s a wreck… How to live in a world that’s politically correct? His workers no longer would answer to “Elves”, “Vertically Challenged” they were calling themselves. And labor conditions at the north pole Were … Continue reading →

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Thoughts for A New Year

Posted on December 30, 2011 by Paul Wharton

Everybody Knows: You can’t be all things to all people. You can’t do all things at once. You can’t do all things equally well. You can’t do all things better than everyone else. Your humanity is showing just like everyone … Continue reading →

Posted in Songs and Poetry, Wisdom | 1 Comment

Five Things You Should Stop Doing in 2012 by Elise Hilton 

Posted on December 29, 2011 by Paul Wharton

I am loathe to jump on the end of the year band wagon, but this IS a good time to take stock of where we’re at in our spiritual lives.  With that, 5 things you should stop doing in 2012. … Continue reading →

Posted in Wisdom | 3 Comments

How I Stole the Pope’s Homily and (almost) Got Away With It

Posted on December 28, 2011 by Paul Wharton

People sometimes ask where do I come up with ideas for my homilies. Some times I steal them. In fact the one preached for Christmas I stole from Pope Benedict XVI. Let me explain. Sometime when I hear or read … Continue reading →

Posted in Wisdom | 3 Comments

The Gospel of John and Christmas: a Spiritual Exercise

Posted on December 28, 2011 by Paul Wharton

[The gospel on Christmas day is taken from the Gospel according to St. John.  I invite you to try the following spiritual exercise: 1. Silently read straight through from beginning to end. Pause in silence. 2. Slowly read it out … Continue reading →

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A Christmas Story and Sermon

Posted on December 27, 2011 by Paul Wharton

[Following is the Christmas Eve sermon from a sweet book of fiction called Home For The Holidays by Rebecca Kelly, pages 279-283.  Reverend Thompson of Grace Chapel is having his sermon broadcast over Acorn Hill, Pennsylvania’s local radio station because … Continue reading →

Posted in Prayer, Stories, Wisdom | 1 Comment

Nativity Prayer of St. Ephraim the Syrian (AD 306-373)

Posted on December 26, 2011 by Paul Wharton

The feast day of your birth resembles You, Lord Because it brings joy to all humanity. Old people and infants alike enjoy your day. Your day is celebrated from generation to generation. Kings and emperors may pass away, And the festivals … Continue reading →

Posted in Liturgy, Prayer, Songs and Poetry | Tagged , | 2 Comments

A Prayer for the Christmas SEASON

Posted on December 25, 2011 by Paul Wharton

Christmas Praise and Thanksgiving Loving God, We thank you for this day and all it speaks of – your promise of old to send a Messiah to your people, The fulfillment of that promise through the sending of your Son, … Continue reading →

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A Scripture and Song for Christmas

Posted on December 25, 2011 by Paul Wharton

The Birth of Jesus In those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus  that the whole world should be enrolled. This was the first enrollment, when Quirinius was governor of Syria. So all went to be enrolled, each to … Continue reading →

Posted in Feasts & Seasons, Scripture, Songs and Poetry | 1 Comment

Within Our Reach: Joy  by Fra Giovanni Giocondo

Posted on December 24, 2011 by Paul Wharton

[Fra Giovanni Giocondo (c.1435–1515) was a Renaissance pioneer, accomplished as an architect, engineer, antiquary, archaeologist, classical scholar, and Franciscan friar.  Today we remember him most for his reassuring letter to Countess Allagia Aldobrandeschi on Christmas Eve, 1513.] I salute you. … Continue reading →

Posted in Wisdom | 1 Comment