Christmas
I produced an interfaith play. Then all hell broke loose
By Malik Gillani — December 14, 2018
(RNS) — The anti-Islamic reaction to a play about the birth of Jesus shows how badly we in America today need to hear each other's stories.
Technology, tradition and the invention of Christmas in 19th-century New York
By S. Brent Rodriguez-Plate — December 7, 2018
(RNS) — Christmas became a legally recognized holiday in many states only in the mid-19th century. But by then New York City had already given birth to the traditions we know today.
Why can’t the New York Times get Hanukkah right?
By Jeffrey Salkin — December 6, 2018
Hanukkah Harry? Bah, humbug!
How Hanukkah came to America
By Dianne Ashton — December 2, 2018
(The Conversation) — Hanukkah is ranked one of Judaism’s minor festivals, but in the United States it has gained popularity as an expression of American prosperity and religious freedom.
RNS holiday gift guide 2018: Books, Barbies, subscription boxes and more
By Emily McFarlan Miller — November 29, 2018
(RNS) — Not everybody celebrates a religious holiday in December. But almost everybody likes presents, and there's something for just about everybody in our annual holiday gift guide.
Why isn’t there a ‘War on Easter’ like Christmas?
By Jonathan Merritt — March 28, 2018
Despite their many similarities, Easter has avoided the controversy that stalks Christmas. Here's why.
India tightens Christmas security after Christians attacked
By Cathy Lynn Grossman — December 25, 2017
(AP) Christmas celebrations were shadowed by the fear that Hindu nationalist extremists who attack Muslims will turn against Christians as well.
Pope on Christmas: Bethlehem trek’s like today’s migrations
By Cathy Lynn Grossman — December 24, 2017
(AP) — Migrants are 'surviving the Herods of today' who shed innocent blood to impose their power, Pope Francis said.
‘Merry Christmas’ for Trump is more than a wish
By Yonat Shimron — December 23, 2017
WASHINGTON (AP) — For weeks, he's been liberally sprinkling his public remarks with Christmas tidings. And then pointing it out in case anyone fails to notice.
Christian DACA recipients dream of another Christmas in the U.S.
By Emily McFarlan Miller — December 22, 2017
(RNS) — Christians, both conservative and progressive, are pushing Congress to pass new legislation to protect Dreamers, and reminding lawmakers of the centrality of their faith.
Winter inside the Church and the hope of Christmas
By Boz Tchividjian — December 19, 2017
(RNS) — My 20 years of confronting and addressing sexual abuse within churches and other faith organizations has convinced me that abuse within the church will only end when professing Christians stop distorting Jesus for the purposes of excusing abusive behavior and silencing the abused.
The roots of the Christmas tree: Pagans celebrate Yule
By Mikala Compton — December 19, 2017
BOONVILLE, Mo. (RNS) — This winter celebration featuring trees, candles and wreaths predates Christianity.
In Christ’s birthplace, olive wood artisans carry on a Holy Land tradition
By Lauren Markoe — December 19, 2017
BETHLEHEM, West Bank (RNS) — Artisans in and around Bethlehem specialize in carving wood from a tree that makes several appearances in the Bible. They consider the work — a millennium-old tradition — holy. But clashes between Israelis and Palestinians threaten this year's Christmastime sales.
Blue Christmas: Churches acknowledge that the season of joy isn’t always joyous
By Adelle M. Banks — December 18, 2017
WASHINGTON (RNS) — More churches are recognizing that Christmastime can be the darkest time of year for those who are grieving.
Everything you didn’t know about Christmas
By Emily McFarlan Miller — December 14, 2017
(RNS) — 'Anything you think you know about Christmas is wrong,' according to Judith Flanders. The historian is aiming to dispel some of those myths and misunderstandings in her new book, 'Christmas: A Biography.'
