Despite receiving over 500 entries in our third annual children’s Christmas drawing contest, selecting a winner didn’t require the wisdom of three wise men. The entry of Jomalaine Mae Cinense was so impressive we put it on the cover.

What would Jesus think of His birthplace today?

BETHLEHEM, WEST BANK - Activity was in full swing at the Ma’an lil-Hayat workshop as 16 adults shaped felted wool into round balls for a large order of sheep to fill people’s Nativity scenes.

TORONTO - Since Bradley Jacobson started flying a Boeing 737 more than a decade ago, he spends about 75 per cent of the Christmas season away from his family in Alberta.

TORONTO - This Christmas, many homeless won’t be visiting their families.

WAINWRIGHT, ALTA. - While some people have an exercise or a theatre room in their homes, Linda Miller has a special room in her Wainwright home dedicated to her vast and growing collection of crèches.

With Christmas around the corner, hasty shopping decisions can lead to purchasing presents void of meaning. If you still have loved ones to buy for, consider these five socially responsible places to buy Christmas gifts that will make a difference.

KLEINBURG, ONT. - Fr. Gregory Ace has crèches from more countries than he doesn’t. His collection of 1,300 (or so) Nativity scenes includes examples from 120 countries. He’s got about 80 more to go.

TORONTO - This winter, more than 2,700 Ontario kids in need will have a new coat to shelter them from the biting cold of winter thanks to the Knights of Columbus.

TORONTO - When students act out the Nativity scene they develop an everlasting visual connection to the true meaning of Christmas, the birth of Christ, Barbara De Silva believes.