‘Two Very Special Words’
This issue of A Public Witness grabs some tinsel and some lights to unwrap some recent seasonally inappropriate “War on Christmas” rhetoric and rake the problematic attacks over the coals.
Orthodox Mark Christmas, but the Celebration Is Overshadowed for Many by Conflict
Orthodox Christians packed churches Saturday night for Christmas Eve services during ongoing conflicts including the Russia-Ukraine and Israel-Hamas wars.
Ukraine Celebrates Christmas on Dec. 25 for the First Time, Distancing Itself From Russia
The change, enacted in legislation signed by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in July, reflects both Ukrainians' dismay with the 22-month-old Russian invasion and their assertion of a national identity.
Pope Francis Denounces the Weapons Industry As He Makes a Christmas Appeal for Peace in the World
Vatican officials said about 70,000 people filled St. Peter's Square for Francis' noonday speech and blessing. They included many people flying Palestinian flags, as well as some Ukrainian ones.
Unsettling Advent 2023, Day 22
For the final day of Advent, contributing writer Sarah Blackwell ponders what we should focus on as we watch the Christ Candle lit once again this year.
Lessons From Unsettling Advent
This issue of A Public Witness shares some of the meaningful insights we’ve learned from Unsettling Advent this year on the topics of state executions, political anxieties, and bloodshed in Israel.
Under the Shadow of War in Gaza, Jesus’s Traditional Birthplace Is Gearing Up for a Subdued Christmas
Officials in Jesus's traditional birthplace decided to forgo celebrations due to the Israel-Hamas war.
Do They Know It’s Christmas?
This issue of A Public Witness goes to church with Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis to contrast his recent “sermon” with how the stories of the first Christmas deal with politicians.
Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer’s Plot To Ruin Christmas, and America
Jews have long played a role in shaping how Americans celebrate Christmas. For Christian Nationalism leader Andrew Torba, their contributions are a sign of a plot to remove Jesus from the Christmas story.
Bethlehem Pastors Arrive in DC, Urge Lawmakers To Embrace Cease-Fire, Peace Plan
'All we want for Christmas is a constant and comprehensive cease-fire and an end to this war,' said the Rev. Munther Isaac, pastor of Bethlehem’s Evangelical Lutheran Christmas Church.