Oh, To Be the Magi
Editor Brian Kaylor reflects on the Magi in the biblical story and how they inspired his imagination as a child and still today. They’re mysterious, magical, powerful, wise
Frankincense’s Future: Ancient Gift Endangered, Risks Depletion
Both myrrh and frankincense have exceptional medicinal qualities, which would have made them a very useful and thoughtful gift for the Holy Family. What is not healthy, however, is the future of frankincense. Read full piece
On the 1st Day of Christmas … Teachers Got a Legal Headache Over Blurring the Line Between Church & State
The Supreme Court has yet to set clear parameters about how religious holidays can be celebrated in public schools and whether granting access to all faith traditions is either constitutionally necessary or acceptable.
Why Jesus’s Boring Genealogy is Actually Amazing
What is the most boring chapter in the Bible? To most, I’d think it’s the genealogy of Jesus from Matthew 1. Read full piece
St. Louis Interfaith Group Urges Congregations to Balance Religious Freedom with Good Public Health this Holiday Season
As Christmas celebration goes into full swing, an organization of 34 religions said here Friday that it wanted “all communities of faith and conscience” to exercise great caution to stay safe and protect others from the coronavirus. Read full piece
Church Pageants Go Virtual Amid a COVID-19 Christmas
Coronavirus has canceled many Christmas pageants, but some churches turned to a new virtual format for the old classic. And with kids and the internet involved, virtual pageants, it turns out, are just as delightfully unpredictable as more traditional performances at churches.
Lamentations 1:1 (in photos)
Christmas markets, a cherished tradition in Germany and neighboring countries, have joined the long list of annual traditions that were canceled or diminished this year because of the coronavirus pandemic. Here is a reflection on Lamentations 1:1, as seen in photos of European Christmas markets.
Do You See What I See? Planetary Alignment to Create a ‘Christmas Star’
Astronomers have floated the idea that a conjunction of planets could be a scientific explanation for the star of Bethlehem in the Christmas story. One such conjunction will occur on Dec. 21.
COVID Cancels Singing Christmas Trees, Other Christmas Extravaganzas
A holiday tradition since the 1930s, Singing Christmas Trees draw in thousands of visitors who might never otherwise come to church and bring joy and a sense of community to cast and congregation members alike. But this year, COVID restrictions make such events nearly impossible
Republicans Defy Governor, Put Christmas Tree in Closed Wisconsin Capitol
Two Republican lawmakers put up a Christmas tree in the Wisconsin Capitol rotunda despite being told they weren’t allowed to do so — a show of defiance after Gov. Tony Evers opted not to display a holiday tree there this year because the building is