Christmas
Amazon ad features Muslim cleric
By Jerome Socolovsky — November 21, 2016
SAN FRANCISCO (USA Today) The most surprising thing about Amazon’s latest ad for its Prime service is that it appears to be the first time a Muslim cleric has been featured in a television ad shown in the United States.
Bernie Sanders supported religious liberty in menorah dispute
By Mark A. Kellner — February 10, 2016
(RNS) As mayor of Burlington, Vermont, the Democratic candidate defended the erection of a giant menorah on the steps of city hall in the 1980s.
Holiday movies in theaters tap into spiritual side of season
By Kimberly Winston — December 25, 2015
(RNS) A crop of December movies have strong religious themes, both Christian and Jewish, and there are a few for the skeptical and the atheist as well.
RNS PICKS: The most inspired books of 2015
By RNS staff — December 25, 2015
(RNS) Our staff suggests books to give -- from imaginative fiction to challenging ideas to inspirational work and smart picks for younger readers.
Pope’s Christmas message, condemning Islamic State terror, delivered amid tight security
By Reuters — December 25, 2015
End terrorism, seek peace and restore dignity to the all who, "like the child Jesus, suffer cold, poverty, and rejection," he said in his annual "Urbi et Orbi" (to the city and the world) address.
An unforgettable Christmas act of kindness (COMMENTARY)
By Ruth Ebenstein — December 24, 2015
To the anonymous Righteous Gentile, I thank you.
Obama says he is praying for persecuted Christians at Christmas
By Reuters — December 24, 2015
As the Obamas prepare to celebrate Christmas in Hawaii, the president said he and wife Michelle are "ever-mindful" that "many of our fellow Christians do not enjoy that right" to celebrate openly.
How to welcome atheist kids home for the holidays (COMMENTARY)
By August Brunsman — December 23, 2015
(RNS) It's more important than ever for parents to appreciate that their atheist children are still good people who deserve their support.
Santa and his robotic reindeer (VIDEO)
By RNS staff — December 23, 2015
(RNS) Google-owned company's invention is worthy of the ghost of Christmas future.
Tel Aviv’s bus depot now a hub for Christmas trees and Santa suits
By Michele Chabin — December 22, 2015
TEL AVIV, Israel (RNS) As the population of Christian foreign workers and asylum seekers has grown in Israel, so, too, has the demand for Christmas-related merchandise.
The ‘Splainer: Is the star of Bethlehem for real?
By Kimberly Winston — December 22, 2015
(RNS) Was it "a star, a star dancing in the night," or was it something more dramatic, like a supernova or even a UFO? There is science behind the manger story. Let us ‘Splain ...
Pope Francis opts for honey over vinegar in Curia address. But will it work?
By David Gibson — December 21, 2015
(RNS) If the pope seemed to strike a lighter tone during his benchmark Christian address, Francis made it clear he won’t let up on his drive to overhaul the church.
O come to church all ye faithful, sort of faithful and atheists, too
By Cathy Lynn Grossman — December 14, 2015
(RNS) Church at Christmastime is not just about pageants and parties and family. Jesus makes the difference in drawing crowds -- including many unbelievers, a new survey finds.
Christmas tree, yes; menorah, no, New Jersey town decides
By Shannon Mullen — December 10, 2015
Lakewood, N.J., usually had a menorah displayed near its big Christmas tree. But it was removed when a woman insisted on a Nativity scene for religious balance.
O Little Town of Washington: Activists bring Christmas to Supreme Court (PHOTOS and VIDEO)
By Adelle M. Banks — December 7, 2015
WASHINGTON (RNS) Watch what happens when conservative evangelicals bring the story of Christmas to the steps of the U.S. Supreme Court.
