‘Las posadas’: Latino communities across the US celebrate with Christmas traditions
EMILY NEIL, of Religion News Service, reports that for the nine nights before Christmas, Mexican and Guatemalan Catholics gather to reenact the journey at the heart of the Christmas story, and their own lives…
Essay: Who is at the manger? Nativity sets around the world show each culture’s take on the Christmas story
In an article first published on The Conversation, KAYLA HARRIS and NEOMI DE ANDA, both of the University of Dayton in the US, look at how nativity scenes are adapted around the world…
In US state of Kansas camel escapes Nativity scene, latest in series of camel mishaps
RNS An escaped camel sent police scrambling in a Kansas City suburb this past weekend. The dromedary in question escaped a Nativity scene in Bonner Springs, Kansas. The incident is the latest chapter in the colorful and often chaotic history of camels in the United States. The animal was part of a drive-through Nativity scene […]
At Vatican’s Peruvian Nativity scene, Pope Francis again warns against “indifference”
Vatican CityRNS Pope Francis used the unveiling of the Vatican’s Peruvian-themed Nativity scene this year to urge Catholics to combat indifference and to keep their eyes on the meaning of Christmas, as he welcomed a delegation of Indigenous Peruvians and their bishop. “Dear friends, this is Christmas; don’t let it be polluted by consumerism and […]
Christmas tree-lighting in Bethlehem a muted, virtual event
BethlehemAP Only a few dozen people attended the lighting of the Christmas tree in the Biblical city of Bethlehem on Saturday night, as coronavirus restrictions scaled back the annual event that is normally attended by thousands. A small group of residents and religious leaders participated in the tree-lighting ceremony at Manger Square near the Church […]
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…
Pope Francis wants you to set up a Nativity scene to fight banal consumer Christmas
Vatican CityRNS On Thursday, the Vatican hosted a Christmas tree lighting ceremony ahead of the holidays, but it was the Nativity scene that stole the show. Almost entirely made from wood, the Nativity scene ticks every box of Pope Francis’ pontificate. The plight of immigrants and refugees is depicted by the statue of a man […]
In the US, a new Christmas pageant shows off the fierce side of Mary
RNS If you ask Rev Katy Fitz Shedlock, there is something wrong with the way Mary is portrayed in most church Christmas pageants. She’s boring. A traditional depiction of Mary, Joseph and baby Jesus in a pageant manger scene. ‘Deleted Scenes Christmas Pageant’ skips most traditional depictions of the holy family. PICTURE: Tech Sgt Jared […]
CHRISTMAS FILM: KRISTIN CHENOWETH DRAWS ON HER FAITH TO GIVE VOICE TO A MOUSE IN ‘THE STAR’
EMILY MCFARLAN MILLER, of Religion News Service, reports from the US…
THE BIG PICTURE: “ANYTHING BUT A SILENT NIGHT”
For its December poster, Outreach Media reflect on the “noise and heat” of the night Christ was born…