| Tuesday, December 18, 2012 |  |
A Christmas Message from Fr. Dan
 "Someone to love, someone to care for. It was that thought that gripped his heart at Greccio that Christmas he had decided to celebrate the birth of Jesus in a new way. He brought a real ox and ass to the altar so that they, too, could share in this rebirth of Christ in the bread and wine of the Christmas Eucharist." —Francis: The Journey and the Dream, Fr. Murray Bodo, OFM
In retelling the story of St. Francis as the originator of the créche, Fr. Murray is pointing out that during Francis' time, the image of the infant Jesus was not as common as it is today. Another biographer, Thomas of Celano, pointing out the intensity of Francis' preaching on Christmas Day, says that "...many saw a vision of a child come to life in Francis' arms."
We at Franciscan Media take our mission of spreading the Gospel very seriously through our magazine, newsletters, website, and American Catholic Radio. We also produce books that serve as personal and parish resources for this holy season. Our mission is to spread the Gospel and to help all people live a fuller spiritual and human life through these resources. This year we offer you: A Mary Christmas, A Catholic Christmas and A Franciscan Christmas, all by Kathleen M. Carroll, and Holding Jesus by Fr. Alfred McBride, O. Praem.
Part of our mission is to provide copies of St. Anthony Messenger magazine and other materials to hospitals, prisons, and rehabilitation centers at little or no charge. We work through chaplains and pastoral ministers to provide books, magazines, newsletters, and whatever else might be requested. As this is becoming more costly, could you help us to provide for the needs of others?
We will soon celebrate the coming of the Lord in our midst. Would you consider joining our mission by donating $50, $75, or $100? Your tax-deductible donation in any amount helps us pay the costs of all of our publishing outreaches, including this e-newsletter.
Use our secure online donation form or mail a donation payable to the Franciscans, Franciscan Media, 28 W. Liberty St., Cincinnati, OH 45202. If you prefer, you may phone in a credit-card donation for our evangelization ministries at 513-241-5615 or, in the U.S., 800-488-0488.
Peace and every blessing,
Fr. Dan Kroger, O.F.M.
Publisher, Franciscan Media
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