Watch out for the sheep: Live animals bring spectacle and humour to nativity scenes
Though they aren’t mentioned in the Bible Christmas story, live animals have been part of nativity scenes since the 1200s. But, as BOB SMIETANA of Religion News Service, reports, sometimes things go awry, including a recent case of cows on the loose…
Knitted “toppers” bring Christmas cheer to UK post boxes
Norwich, UK Signs of Christmas are appearing in the most unlikely of places across the UK, raising a smile and often helping charity at the same time. Iconic red post boxes are being adorned by extremely decorative knitted or crocheted “toppers” created by individuals and local groups. These “toppers” first began appearing in small numbers […]
Nativity scenes wanted: The creche brings home the Christmas story for these ‘mega’ collectors
EMILY MCFARLAN MILLER, of Religion News Service, reports on those who have made collecting Nativity scenes a hobby…
PROTEST: “YOU’VE GOT TO CALL OUT EVIL”, SAYS PASTOR OF CHURCH WITH NATIVITY SCENE IN CAGES
ALEJANDRA MOLINA, of Religion News Service, reports on how churches – in the US and elsewhere – are using Nativity display to make points about everything from the separation of families at the US border to the impacts of climate change…
As Christmas season starts, Pope defends nativity scenes in public places
Rome, ItalyReuters Pope Francis on Sunday defended the display of nativity scenes in town squares and other public places, which has become an annual contentious issue at Christmas time in countries such as the United States and France. The Pope travelled to the town of Greccio, east of Rome, to visit the spot where St […]
Australians prefer “Merry Christmas” over “Seasons Greetings” while nine in 10 support public nativity scenes, survey finds
More than four in five Australians prefer the traditional greeting of ‘Merry Christmas’ over that of ‘Seasons Greetings’ or ‘Happy Holidays’ while 90 per cent support having nativity scenes in public, according to new research. A poll of 1,002 Australians, carried out by McCrindle, also revealed that older generations are more likely to prefer the greeting […]