Two signs of hope at the end of the year

This morning I spoke with John Morales on the Morning Air Show about two recent headlines that caught my attention and that indicate signs of hope at the end of the year: one, that for the first time in American history, a display of the nativity was okayed to be held at the US Capitol; and two, that Bible sales are soaring. 22% growth of Bible sales in the last year, to be exact! All while regular book sales are not increasing. You can listen to that conversation here, starting about 17:20.

The increase in Bible sales is particularly interesting. The reporting indicated it could be driven by Gen Z, actually, as they search for meaning in a confusing world that seems increasingly meaningless and scary. I can relate to this, as a “revert.” Although I grew up with a very lukewarm faith, I had no idea about anything. My favorite thing to recall is that I didn’t even know churches had Mass during the weekday. I thought they were locked up and dark every day but Sunday. What a strange thought! Anyway, my own sense of “something missing” as a young adult is ultimately what drew me back, in a way, for the first time - at least sincerely. I didn’t get there through the Bible first, though, it was actually the rosary.

As for the nativity: isn’t it a strange thing, the way that an image like that can effect our hearts? Why did St. Francis of Assisi feel compelled to create the first nativity - how did he know it would work, so to speak? As we discuss in the conversation linked above, Catholics understand the power of beautiful imagery to call us out of ourselves and direct us to truth and goodness. Somehow, the nativity does that. By the power of the Holy Spirit, I presume.

Wishing you a beautiful remaining Advent season and a Merry Christmas season! P.S. my favorite thing right now: The Merry Beggars’ A Christmas Carol.