By Rev. Jose Alvarez, Our Lady of the Lakes Catholic Church. Christmas is one of the most cherished times of the year! Throughout the world people anticipate its celebration with colorful festivities that take on varied expressions in different cultures. It is a time in which the beautiful sounds of carols soothe our ears and hearts. It is a time in which our eyes are mesmerized by delightful decorations and the gleam of twinkling...

By Pastor Al Pino, Palm Vista Community Church. There is a longing deep inside every man and woman to recapture the glory that seems to escape us in this sad and fallen world of sickness, corruption, betrayal, addiction, harsh bosses and broken relationships.Perhaps like no other holiday Christmas captures this longing for glory. This is the time of year when we express our longing for that glory in parties and family gatherings...

By Rev. John Stanton; Church of the Epiphany (Episcopal). Christmas tells us that God is with us. It may be hard to remember in Florida as we decorate our palm trees, but the green of the Christmas trees celebrates life in the bitter cold of winter and the Christmas lights celebrate the presence of God  in our lives. It is a deep truth, not only for Christians, but for all people. God is with us in all we are and all that we do. We...

Several Miami Lakes area houses of worship have announced special holiday religious services and events:Our Lady of the Lakes Catholic Church, 15801 N.W. 67 Avenue, will  hold special holiday mass services for Christmas and New Year.Christmas Eve, Saturday Dec. 24 – 7 a.m. in Spanish, 8:30 a.m. in English, 4:30 p.m.; Festival of Carols, 5 p.m. in English, 11:30 p.m Festival of Carols.Christmas Day, Sunday, Dec. 25 – Midnight:...

Superintendent of Schools Alberto M. Carvalho issued the following statement regarding the death of Cuban dictator Fidel Castro:“The Cuban people have carried the pain and anguish of oppression for over five decades. Although their emotional scars will last a lifetime, may their wounded souls begin to heal knowing Fidel Castro’s passing brings us one step closer to achieving justice, freedom and democracy for Cuba and its...