Christian Officials Accuse Israel of Holiday Discrimination
A spokesman for Christian churches in the Holy Land on Wednesday accused Israel of discriminating against Christian tourists during the normally busy Christmas holiday season.
What You Won’t Find in Your Advent Calendar
In this issue of A Public Witness, we countdown the ways the war on Advent is taking off. And while many are accepting the ways of consumerism whole hog, we open up the doors of how the Gospel has a serious message for us in these
Finding Bethlehem
Contributing writer Sarah Blackwell explores the many ways family traditions and rituals are an important part of faith formation for children. Traditions and rituals allow us to look back and appreciate what has come before as well as contemplate what our own legacy will be.
It’s Advent… Ready or Not!
Anita Peebles notes that we all might never truly be ready for Advent, no matter what year it is. But she argues that we need a reminder every year that time, like life, like matter, like energy, is a cycle—that human systems of domination can
Bah! Humbug! Italy Bishop Tells Children Santa Doesn’t Exist
A Roman Catholic diocese in Sicily publicly apologized to outraged parents after its bishop told a group of children that Santa Claus doesn’t exist. The diocese said the bishop was trying to underline the true meaning of Christmas.
New Podcast ‘Hark!’ Explores the Stories Behind the Most Beloved Christmas Carols
Many people don’t know the stories behind their favorite Christmas carols. That’s where ‘Hark! The Stories Behind Our Favorite Christmas Carols’ comes in, a new podcast that explores the meaning and making of some of the best-known and most-loved Christmas carols.
Angels and Advent
Lauren Graeber explores how a lullaby about stars that were actually shuttered openings to heaven has influenced how she understands what it means to believe in angels. Complicating things, the Advent season comes with helping children make sense of the most famous angel story in
Oh! Christmas Tree? Cardboard Display is the Talk of a Town
A fresh-cut natural Christmas tree usually graces the Grand Arcade at Convention Hall on Asbury Park’s historic boardwalk. But this year, in its place is art made of cardboard in the shape of a tree.
Israel to Give Gaza Christians Permits for Christmas Holiday
Israeli authorities on Wednesday said they would permit 500 members of the Gaza Strip’s tiny Christian community to enter Israel and the occupied West Bank to celebrate Christmas.
Christmas in Bethlehem: Gilded Treasures, but Few Tourists
Ahead of Christmas, a towering wooden screen — once blackened with soot from millions of worshipers’ candles — is being restored to its gilded glory in the Church of the Nativity, built at the site where many believe Jesus was born. But few visitors are expected