At a time in our world when there is so much happening that brings sorrow to our hearts, it is important to pause and to contemplate the everyday incarnations that appear in our lives.

The Life - Liturgy. Togetherness. Soccer. Devotions. Food. Customs. Charitable actions. This month, sisters around the world let us peek into their homes and convents to see how they celebrate Advent or Christmas with customs and celebrations characteristic of their different communities and countries.

"The decoration was natural. The starry night told the tale. Joy to the world!"

Notes from the Field - Cremisan was one of the possible destinations for my mission in the Holy Land, so I was curious to see the work of the Salesian Sisters in the valley of Beit Jala, Bethlehem, in the Palestinian Territories.

"Big is not better than small, and a lot is not better than a few. It's just what God needs. We are enough."

"We have a new generation of young people whose primary existence is tethered to digital devices, particularly smartphones. There is mounting evidence that these devices are radically changing their lives."

The question of whether it is a "Christmas tree" or a "holiday tree" and whether the manger scene can appear in a public space makes a big difference to us Christians. And it makes a big difference to others.

"No matter how neat and tidy the Nativity story has become, mothers know the rawness of it all. Mary had morning sickness and swollen ankles and fatigue. She felt emotion so deep it made her weep. Her water broke, and her body heaved in sweat and pain as she labored like so many women have throughout history. She cried out in anguish and, later, in joy."

GSR Today - Most women's congregations in Europe and America have been around a long time, founded by women who lived hundreds of years ago. However, in my travels in Asia and Africa, I have met numerous congregations whose foundresses are still living, and whose congregations are less than 100 years old. 

For Sr. María Molina of the Congregation of the Missionary Sisters of the Assumption, a strong heart and an unwavering faith are fundamental tools in working with children at social risk. When hearing their tragic stories of abuse, "one has to be very firm and very balanced," so as not to become overwhelmed, she says. "They easily tell a story that one never imagines -- and yet it happens."