The perspective of Phoebe Coyne Phoebe is the eldest child of the editor, Brian Coyne. She is 30 years old, and is currently completing an arts degree at Murdoch University. If Alex Caughey was concerned in his reponse in our forum about new age ideas and spirituality in his response to Ben's essay he has even more to contend with in what Phoebe writes. The reality is that many young people today are disenchanted with the Catholic way of exploring and explaining spirituality and they are exploring alternative pathways. Phoebe's essay might help explain at least some of the disenchantment one young person feels. [Editor's introduction][Ben's perspective][Phoebe's perspective]

Perspectives on Spirituality and Religion written by young people We begin today a special series on the perspectives of young people on religion and spirituality. Today we bring you the introduction to the series and the first perspective written by Ben Coyne, the 28 year old, eldest son of the Editor. The Editor's introduction includes a copy of the briefing note that was sent to the young people. Ben is an arts graduate from Murdoch University, has this year successfully completed a post-graduate course in counselling in Perth, and has been accepted to study law at Southern Cross University in NSW. He has been a leader in many activist endeavours in the realm of human rights, social justice, sustainability and ecology in all the States of Australia. He has also travelled extensively overseas and all his travels and studies have largely been self-financed through part-time work and by himself living in a very sustainable and economical way that gives very practical voice to his beliefs. His extensive commentary gives an excellent overview of his spiritual outlook and his attitudes towards institutionalised religion and religiosity. [Editor's introduction][Ben's perspective]

"The Breath of Heaven" In a reflection that might take your breath away, Dawn Bowie provides us with an audio-visual experience for Christmas Day that perhaps only a woman could write. May it bring a deep experience of peace and lack of resistance into your day … the year ahead … and into your life. [more]

On behalf of all our writers and supporters I take this opportunity to extend our wishes to you for a very happy Christmas. Brian Coyne [Editor]

A spiritual reflection for Christmas Eve... Today and tomorrow we have two gentle spiritual reflections. Today's comes from Andrew Kania wherein he argues "The message of Christmas is in itself a call to humility … [it] can be seen as the message of Divine love carried to us by the voice of the child." His reflection is accompanied by a gentle Christmas lullaby performed by Amanda McKenna. [more]

"Our political leaders must listen to the voice of the oppressed in this Holy Land" Patriarch Michel Sabbah's Christmas message underlines the enormous contradiction that Bethlehem presents to our world today. [more]

Bring a gift to the value of $5 Cindy in her final reflection for the year has a few thoughts on the value of gift giving. She also suggests we take time out this Christmas to value ourselves. [more]