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Msgr. Charles Pope OSV Newsweekly Star of the Magi Question: I was reading a Catholic commentary on Scripture by a priest who maintains that the star that guided the Magi was not a star at all but some sort of moving ball of gas in the atmosphere. Is this Catholic teaching? I have never heard this.— Brad C. , St. Louis Answer: You were probably reading the commentary by Father Cornelius á Lapide who speculates the star was not really a star but was formed of condensed air and dust, with brightness infused into it and moved by the angels...

The video below is a Coca Cola commercial from about five years ago that takes up the Christmas theme of the star of Christmas.Let us review the impact that Star of Christmas had on the wise men, the Magi. The star moved them to seek meaning outside themselves. It made them look out and up.The star called them beyond what was familiar in their own country and world and expanded their horizons toward Christ and His kingdom.The star summoned them to seek Christ, and when they found him, to worship him.The Star drew them to be generous to a poor...

The three network anchors will travel to Europe and the Middle East next week for Barack Obama's trip, adding their high-wattage spotlight to what is already shaping up as a major media extravaganza. Lured by an offer of interviews with the Democratic presidential candidate, Brian Williams, Charlie Gibson and Katie Couric will make the overseas trek, meaning that the NBC, ABC and CBS evening newscasts will originate from stops along the route and undoubtedly give it big play.