Christmas
Christmas wins (in the December culture wars)
By Kimberly Winston — December 1, 2015
(RNS) "Battleground December" is wrapping up for 2015. Let’s tally up the wins and losses.
Zombie Nativity: An irreverent addition to holiday pop culture
By Kimberly Winston — December 1, 2015
(RNS) "Zombie Nativity" features a holy family, an angel and a donkey who are undead, partially decomposing and looking for their favorite meal -- the gray matter inside your head.
Palestinian Authority limits Christmas celebrations in West Bank
By Michele Chabin — November 30, 2015
BETHLEHEM (RNS) The Palestinian Authority has asked the municipality of Bethlehem not to set off holiday fireworks this year and to limit the festive lights and decorations to two main streets.
Guardians of ‘Christmas cred’ reap publicity, donations, struggle with Cyber Monday
By Cathy Lynn Grossman — November 25, 2015
(RNS) But on Cyber Monday, the self-appointed guardians of "Christ in Christmas" advertising can't see you on line to assess your devotion to the "Christmas" word.
Holiday 2015: A guide to gifts for everyone on your list, religious or not
By Lauren Markoe — November 24, 2015
(RNS) Presents for people across the spectrum of faiths ... and no faith.
‘A Charlie Brown Christmas’ stamp goes on sale
By Mary Bowerman — October 1, 2015
The booklet of 20 stamps features 10 still frames from the 1965 TV special “A Charlie Brown Christmas” celebrating the classic’s 50th anniversary.
Pope Francis laments the ‘helpless cries of children’ around the world
By Josephine McKenna — December 25, 2014
VATICAN CITY (RNS) "My thoughts go out to all the children today who are killed and mistreated, be it those even before they are born who are deprived of the generous love of their parents and buried in the egoism of a culture that does not love life."
Catholic cardinals try to soften Pope Francis’ harsh message
By Josephine McKenna — December 24, 2014
VATICAN CITY (RNS) Cardinal Walter Kasper said the pope was like “a Jesuit spiritual guide” and wanted senior clerics to reactivate their “evangelical spirit.”
God speaks to us through the songs we sing (COMMENTARY)
By Tom Ehrich — December 24, 2014
(RNS) If we listen closely, we will hear our own hearts reply, "Hallelujah!"
Can you question the Virgin Birth and still be a Christian?
By Kimberly Winston — December 23, 2014
(RNS) Why is the Virgin Birth the lynchpin of Christianity? Was it miracle or metaphor? And can you call yourself a Christian if you can't accept the idea of the Virgin Birth?
Forget Santa Claus, Virginia. Was there a Jesus Christ?
By David Gibson — December 19, 2014
(RNS) Some argue that Jesus was a fictional character, and that believers and everyone else have been duped. Scholars say there’s nothing to the claim. So why does the theory keep hanging around?
Why Christmas is not simply a source of happy news (COMMENTARY)
By Tom Ehrich — December 16, 2014
(RNS) I understand why my reader wants her religious readings to take a break from "I can't breathe" protests. But reality is what it is. And if we can't bear to see reality, what relationship can we possibly have with God?
Sierra Leone bans Christmas, New Year’s celebrations to prevent spread of Ebola
By Fredrick Nzwili — December 15, 2014
NAIROBI, Kenya (RNS) Officials said soldiers will be deployed on the streets and people are advised to stay at home with their families.
10 Anti-Christmas Christmas Cards if you’re not feeling holly and jolly (2014)
By Kimberly Winston — December 13, 2014
(RNS) It's that most special time of the year, when the last thing you want to think about is sending a pile of Christmas cards. Here's a batch, for when you're not feeling merry and bright, to make it a little easier.
12 Advent calendars that are just as commercialized as Christmas
By Sarah Pulliam Bailey — November 28, 2014
(RNS) While many lament the commercialization of Christmas, others aren't letting Advent escape without a price tag.
