Recomended Catholic Books: The Blessing of Christmas by Joseph Ratzinger

The Blessing of Christmas by Joseph Ratzinger, now Pope Benedict XVI, is a beautifully written and illustrated book. Although it is a short book, it was very popular when it first came out in two separate volumes (1978 and 1982). At the time the books were originally published, Ratzinger was the Archbishop of Munich and much of it comes from his sermons and articles. Although popular, the content was out of print for many years before it reappeared as The Blessing of Christmas. The book is a deep and unique meditation on the meaning and gifts of Christmas. I am currently reading it for the second time. I read it last year and vowed to read it every Advent season. Yes, it is that good. Part of what makes it good is the the variety and depth of the book's subjects, without it being lengthy or hard to read. Like everyone else today, I am extremely busy in December and I have found it handy to be able to pick-up this book and easily start a mediation.