Sveta božićna noć: zbornik

The anthology Sveta božićna noć (Holy Christmas Night), compiled by Stanislav Belaj and published in 1988, is a valuable pastoral, liturgical, and cultural work intended for the celebration of Christmas within family, parish, and religious education settings. Created in the late 1980s, this anthology represents a significant contribution to the preservation and renewal of traditional Christian customs and to deepening the spiritual significance of the Feast of the Nativity. The book encompasses an exceptionally diverse range of material: from traditional and contemporary Christmas carols, hymns, and prayers to recitations, short plays for children and youth, and theological-meditative texts. In this anthology, Belaj skillfully blends liturgical and folk elements of the Christmas season, emphasizing the warmth of family togetherness, the symbolism of Christmas customs (the Yule log, the Nativity scene, the singing of carols), and the central message of peace, hope, and God’s closeness to humanity. For decades, this collection has served as a practical guide and an indispensable resource for priests, catechists, choir directors, and families in preparing Christmas programs and liturgical celebrations. Sveta božićna noć stands as an enduring monument to Croatian Christmas heritage and spirituality.