In Italy, a country that exudes centuries-old traditions rooted in Christianity, there exists a holiday that captures the imagination of both young and old alike every Jan. 6. The holiday — known as La Befana — is a unique blend of religion and folklore that marks the end of the Christmas season.
Read More(ANALYSIS) Modern Christmas movies have become less religious than classics like “A Charlie Brown Christmas” and “It’s a Wonderful Life.” There are several possible reasons for this as America becomes more secular and the holiday’s religious roots give way to other values.
Read MoreAs we reach the end of 2023, we’re taking a moment to reflect on the stories that had the biggest impact this year on the world of religion. We are also counting on you to help our journalism grow.
Read MoreAs most people take a break to gather and celebrate Christmas with family and friends, for tens of thousands of Africans that have fled threats, wars, turmoil and persecution at home, this is a moment that their homesickness is heightened. Many of them find solace in the church and connecting with relatives on social media.
Read MoreKing Herod’s storyline is not found in any other biblical texts nor in Roman records. Yet it is pivotal in Matthew’s Gospel, which contrasts Herod’s mission to that of the baby Jesus. So who was the real King Herod and why did Matthew’s Gospel include him?
Read More(ANALYSIS) As an American living in Britain in the 1990s, my first exposure to Christmas pudding was something of a shock. I had expected figs or plums, as in the “We Wish You a Merry Christmas” carol, but there were none. Neither did it resemble the cold custard-style dessert that Americans typically call pudding, a dish with deep Christian roots.
Read More(OPINION) By now, I’m sure most people have heard of Ayaan Hirsi Ali’s conversion. Not only because of her fascinating reflection on it, but also because of the countless responses from many different sides.
Read MoreA church in the West Bank city of Bethlehem has politicized its annual nativity scene, laying a figure of baby Jesus amid the rubble of a destroyed masonry building to represent the Gaza Strip this Christmas season.
Read More(ANALYSIS) Hanukkah is a minor festival in the Jewish liturgical year, whose major holidays come in the fall and spring — the High Holidays and Passover, respectively. Because of its proximity to Christmas, however, Hanukkah has been culturally elevated into a major celebration.
Read MoreThe 7,600-island nation of the Philippines — a country known for its warm hospitality and love for celebrations — hosts a unique and extraordinary tradition each year: The longest Christmas celebration in the world. Known by Filipinos as the “BER-Months,” the holiday celebrations start as early as September.
Read MoreThis week’s Weekend Plug-in looks at Hanukkah amid the Israel-Hamas war. Plus, as always, catch up on all the best reads and top headlines in the world of faith.
Read MoreInside the fellowship room, volunteers heave armfuls of clothing onto folding tables, organizing them as gospel music plays from the Bible class DVD player. Hymnals are stacked in the corner to make room for tables of children’s clothes. Shoes go in a side room, next to belts and ties. At the back are bins of Christmas decorations.
Read More(ANALYSIS) The 1988 film “Scrooged” contains miracles, ghosts, angels, sin, judgment, penance, purgatory, damnation, the Grim Reaper and eternal life. What it lacks is any meaningful role for God or a Holy Babe in a manger.
Read More(OPINION) Advent began Sunday. Most Christians know what Advent signifies: a time of penitence and preparation. And they know how it signifies these two: four Advent wreath candles. But why do we observe Advent? Dallas Willard had a “why” you might find surprising.
Read MoreIn what has become an annual holiday tradition, Salvation Army volunteers have flooded the streets across the United States and in countries around the world seeking donations for the organization’s annual Red Kettle campaign.
Read More(REVIEW) As Christmas approaches, some U.S. Christians despair that millions who used to go to church no longer do so. “The Great Dechurching” by Jim Davis and Michael Graham shows the decline, which — given cultural pressures plus scandals within churches — is not surprising.
Read More(ANALYSIS) In cultures linked to centuries of Christian tradition, the feast of Christmas — the Nativity of Our Lord Jesus Christ or Christ Mass — was on Dec. 25, the start of a festive 12-day season that ended with the Feast of the Epiphany. Many Eastern Orthodox churches continue to use the ancient Julian calendar, celebrating Christmas on Jan. 7.
Read More(ANALYSIS) There are lots of theories as to why the Christmas classic died. Perhaps it simply takes time to become a Christmas classic with culture-wide acceptance. And yet, that wasn’t true of the Christmas movies that came out in the 1990s and early 2000s. Perhaps streaming is to blame, where movies would become classics had they come out in theaters.
Read More(REVIEW) Books about Christianity, morality and community are nothing new. While the world, especially the West like the United States and Europe, become more secular, there seems to be a cottage industry that continues to churn out books aimed at religious people. Three new titles out in time for the holidays aim to satisfy that audience and convince non-believers why faith should also matter to them.
Read More(REVIEW) “Journey To Bethlehem” is a musical heavy on cheesy jokes, but lacks the heart that we expect from a family Christmas movie, including the sacredness we expect from a film about Jesus. Of course, this movie is not without controversy.
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