holidays 2017
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.
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.
Charities feel Christmas fear
By Martin E. Marty — December 18, 2017
It is easy to see why anything that Congress does to dull or dim the lustre of what goes into collection plates, envelopes, and credit card accountings jolts those who must collect and who get to put to work these donations.
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.'
Kids’ holiday books: Christ, candelabras — and critters
By Cathy Lynn Grossman — December 14, 2017
(RNS) — Some are clearly rooted in religious messages, while others focus on family, kindness and generosity in ways that may appeal to interfaith and secular families – and everyone else.
How Christmas is linked to Hanukkah
By Lauren Markoe — December 8, 2017
(RNS) — Without the Maccabees’ victory and the preservation of Jewish religious life in ancient Israel, Christianity may not have emerged 200 years later with its taproots deeply embedded within Judaism.
The RNS gift guide: The good, the bad and the weird
By Kimberly Winston — December 6, 2017
(RNS) — Our annual guide to gifts for the godly and the godless.
Kristin Chenoweth draws on her faith to give voice to a mouse in ‘The Star’
By Emily McFarlan Miller — December 4, 2017
(RNS) — The actress gives voice to Abby, a creature not mentioned in Scripture but who is charged to convey the excitement of the news of the birth of Christ.
Trump: The grinch who stole ‘Merry Christmas’
By Brandon Ambrosino — December 1, 2017
(RNS) — How I long for the days when the War on Christmas was a fiction.
The guy in the red apron: How a Salvation Army bell ringer brings heart to the job
By Bobby Ross Jr. — November 30, 2017
NORTH RICHLAND HILLS, Texas (RNS) — Some bell ringers wish passers-by 'Merry Christmas' and hope the kettle fills. But many others have honed strategies for making the most of the uncompensated work — for the Salvation Army and all who come within earshot.
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