The LOOP

The Thursday Loop - December 25, 2025

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 25 - CHRISTMAS DAY

POPE LEO'S FIRST CHRISTMAS EVE HOMILY

Pope Leo celebrated the first Christmas Eve Mass of his pontificate on Tuesday evening, beginning at 10:00 p.m. Rome time in St. Peter’s Basilica. There, he delivered a theologically rich homily centered on the mystery of Divine light revealed not through power, but through the vulnerability of the Christ Child. Here are the Holy Father's insights..

THE WOOD OF THE ORIGINAL MANGER

Did you know the Papal Basilica of St. Mary Major in Rome houses the treasured relic of the wood of the manger upon which Christ was laid on Christmas night? The basilica has safeguarded the relic for centuries, drawing pilgrims from around the world to venerate it in what is known as the "Bethlehem of the West."

THE FASCINATING HISTORY OF THE NATIVITY SCENE

The manger scene, the mainstay of every Christian family’s Christmas décor, has a long history in Church art and decoration. Although St. Francis of Assisi is popularly credited with creating the first Nativity scene, the Church has been depicting versions of the birth of Christ since the third century. Learn more about the history of this tradition here.

ANSWER THE CALL

Join a cell phone service that supports your pro-life values by switching to Charity Mobile today!

'PUT DOWN THE BROOM': AN ITALIAN LEGEND FOR BUSY FAMILIES

"If Christ knocked on our door today — through our spouse, our child, or a call to slow down — would we tell Him to come back later?" writes Mary Stroka for CatholicVote. Here's what perfectionists and recovering workaholics can learn from the touching Italian folktale of La Befana.

5 SURPRISING CHRISTMAS POEMS

Christmastime's a good time to rediscover something many of us have forgotten: The greatest poets in the English language left a legacy of devotional poetry – much of it perfect material to aid our meditations on the incarnation of Our Lord. Here are five Christmas poems by famous English-language poets. You might know these poets’ names – but you still might be surprised by just how Christian and how reverent their work could sometimes be.

DAILY PSALM

"All the ends of the earth have seen the saving power of God." (Psalm 98)

DAILY READINGS

Today's Mass readings.

TRUTH

Merry Christmas from your team at The LOOP!