While Advent marks a time for Catholics of all ages to enter into preparation for the coming of our Lord and Saviour, Christmas time has long had a unique and alluring calling to children specifically. 

Those not of the Catholic faith can just as easily be drawn into the commercial aspect of the season through clever marketing campaigns, with promises of toys, clothing and other material goods often teased to age groups susceptible to corporate advertising.

Even with Christmas having been reduced to a mere shopping season for many, it is the children who are tuned into what Advent and its subsequent celebrations are truly about that often reap the greatest rewards, ones surpassing those found under the tree on Christmas morning. 

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Perhaps this is because children who belong to the Catholic faith are able to understand that the eternal hope, unconditional love and ultimate freedom granted by Christ’s life and Passion ultimately begin upon His arrival in Bethlehem on Christmas. Children who are young themselves are granted a unique perspective and understanding of the holy day. It’s argued that they are the best equipped to understand the meaning of the season, perhaps why we, as Catholics, are called to become like them in many ways (Matt 18:3).

The realities that Jesus brings into the world through His birth are blessings, not presents. They cannot be confined to boxes adorned with bows and ribbons, nor can they be bought and sold through commercial trade before being placed in stockings in front of a fireplace. They are the real, truthful and core tenets of our faith — without Jesus Himself entering the world as a child first, none of them are possible. 

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For the 14th year, children from far and wide have cemented their understanding of these truths through The Catholic Register’s Christmas drawing contest, where they are called to represent the true nature of the season through artistic expression. 

Once again this year, three winners have been selected across numerous submissions that displayed beautiful renditions of the birth of Jesus at the first Christmas in Bethlehem. With the winners listed below, The Catholic Register would like to thank all participants in this year’s contest for their thoughtful submissions that demonstrate the true meaning of Christmas. 

Dia Gomes of St. Rose Of Lima Catholic School in Scarborough has been selected as the winner for the Grade 7-8 category, followed by sixth-grader Gianna Valenti in the Grade 4-6 category. The youngest of this year’s winners is Anastasiia Smaga of Holy Angels Catholic School. 

Each winner receives a $100 Indigo gift certificate along with their drawings being displayed online at catholicregister.org/christmas-contest. 

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The Catholic Register would like to thank each child as well as their respective parents, guardians and teachers for working to guarantee submissions were submitted and ensuring another successful Christmas drawing contest.