Christmas
Latino communities across the US celebrate the tradition of the posadas
By Emily Neil — December 22, 2022
(RNS) — For the nine nights before Christmas, Mexican and Guatemalan Catholics gather to reenact the journey at the heart of the Christmas story, and their own lives.
God’s power or human violence: The meaning of the virgin birth
By Esau McCaulley — December 21, 2022
(RNS) — This Christmas story challenges the idea that we need physical might to overcome enemies.
Witches and wise men and ‘old magic’: A look at the spookier origins of Christmas lore
By Emily McFarlan Miller — December 20, 2022
(RNS) — Pagans and Christians alike can rediscover the ‘reason for the season’ in the old stories and deepen their own beliefs.
Why early Christians wouldn’t have found the Christmas story’s virgin birth so surprising
By Rodolfo Galvan Estrada III — December 20, 2022
(The Conversation) — The idea of virgin birth has been part of Christianity since the start, but its significance has shifted over time.
What do the lonely do at Christmas?
By Candice Marie Benbow — December 19, 2022
(RNS) — Now, more than ever, people are becoming comfortable sharing their grief and longing during the holidays.
Bethlehem welcomes Christmas tourists after pandemic lull
By Sam McNeil — December 16, 2022
BETHLEHEM, West Bank (AP) — On a recent day, dozens of groups from virtually every continent posed for selfies in front of the Church of the Nativity, built on the grotto where Christians believe Jesus was born.
Who were the 3 wise men who visited Jesus?
By Eric Vanden Eykel — December 14, 2022
(The Conversation) — As Christmas approaches, Nativity scenes showing three wise men visiting the newborn Jesus are put up around the world. A scholar of Christian literature offers an explanation on their identity.
Pope unveils Vatican Christmas tree, urging Christians to ‘stay rooted’ in Jesus
By Claire Giangravé — December 5, 2022
(RNS) — With its humility, the nativity scene is a reminder to step away from a 'consumeristic and commercial' Christmas, the pope said.
‘Everyone gets their love story’: How Christmas rom-coms have taken over the season
By Emily McFarlan Miller and Adelle M. Banks — December 2, 2022
(RNS) — Move over, Hallmark. Other channels and streaming services are premiering holiday originals, too, hoping to capture the magic of the Christmas rom-com for their audiences.
The National Christmas Tree turns 100 this year. Here are five faith facts to know.
By Adelle M. Banks — November 30, 2022
(RNS) — Though the tree has not been lit every single year across the century, it is the second-oldest White House tradition after the Easter egg roll.
RNS holiday gift guide 2022: Ideas for the kids, adults and Pastafarians on your list
By Emily McFarlan Miller — November 18, 2022
(RNS) — Because not everybody celebrates a religious holiday in December, but everybody loves presents.
Despite 2022’s cluster of religious holidays, multifaith understanding slow to evolve
By Camille Daniels — May 26, 2022
(RNS) — Unlike race, which has become an urgent topic for Americans to discuss and educate themselves (and others) about, faith remains a relatively siloed practice.
Orthodox observe Christmas amid virus concerns
By Jim Heintz — January 7, 2022
MOSCOW (AP) — The Russian Orthodox Church, the largest Orthodox congregation, said celebrants must wear masks and observe social distancing at services.
The Holy Family at risk
By Thomas Reese — December 27, 2021
(RNS) — Christmas tells us to see the Holy Family in the refugees and immigrants in our midst.
My Christmas prayer
By Jeffrey Salkin — December 25, 2021
Christmas is the American Shabbat. Think about it.
