Christians observe Christmas Day annually on Dec. 25. The sacred religious holiday is a celebration of the birth of Jesus of Nazareth. The English term Christmas (“mass on Christ’s day”) is of relatively recent origin. The earlier term Yule referred to the feast of the winter solstice — a celebration of increased sunlight as the harshest part of winter had passed. 
Christmas Services Online

CIR has compiled a list of Louisville houses of faith that will be streaming services online on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.

We will continue to update this list and invite you to send us an email if you would like us to add a service to the list.
"Already the hounds of consumerism are nipping at our heels. How will we answer when asked how we plan to celebrate Christmas this year? With an unusually empty December calendar, stripped of pageantry, concerts, parades, or even retreats, we could learn to be makers with the One who is asking again, this year, this moment, to be born in us today."
Click here to read all of "In Labor and In Rest" by Josina Guess, the latest in our Reflect Series. This essay first appeared in Sojourners and is reprinted here with permission.
Thomas Merton
'The Child that lies in the manger'
Every Monday, we share a bit of Thomas Merton's wisdom to get the week started. Follow us on Instagram, Facebook or Twitter to be among the first to see #MertonMonday. You can find past installments on the CIR blog.
Wisdom Wednesday
Richard Rohr delves into the spiritual world
Our latest #WisdomWednesday features Festival of Faiths alum Richard Rohr, a globally recognized ecumenical teacher involved with Christian mysticism and the Perennial Tradition. In this clip from our 2015 video series called “Stories from the Road,” Rohr talks about his spiritual roots, starting with his earliest moments of communion and connection. “I knew the spiritual world was real,” he says, “and in many ways, more real than the material world.”

Click here to watch the Wisdom Wednesday clip, or check out the full segment on our YouTube channel.
Common Action
Help families in need this Christmas
With Christmas on the horizon, this week's #CommonAction is seeking donors to help supplement Christmas gifts for hundreds of families and individuals served through Catholic Charities of Louisville. The nonprofit is also in need of volunteers to help sort, organize and prepare the gifts for their clients. Visit their website to see the full list of essential items, along with FAQs and contact lists for volunteer opportunities.
Donate Blood. Spread the Word. Save Lives.
Did you know a single blood donation can help save three lives?

That’s why we’re asking YOU to consider giving blood through our nationwide #SleevesUp campaign, now through Jan. 31, 2021.

Simply click here, then make (and keep) an appointment to give blood at an American Red Cross drive or site near you, no matter where in the U.S. you live. During this season of giving, give the gift of life — and spread the word!
Young Authors Sacred Essay Contest
Submissions accepted beginning Jan. 4!
Inspiration
(In 280 Characters or Less)
Sometimes wise words appear in the most unexpected places — like Twitter. Check out this week's enlightening tweet...
As you consider year-end donations during this season of giving, please consider supporting our mission of "Many Faiths, One Heart, Common Action."

We are grateful to all who have joined us on this meaningful journey over the past 25 years — a journey made possible by generous donors. We thank you!
Special Thanks To Our Institutional Partners
3 Ways to Engage with the Center