In the last few decades, that knowledge has taken a back seat to the hustle and bustle of shopping, parties and Santa Claus. Even the "comfort and joy" heralded is more about general feelings of ...

Christians around the world celebrate Dec. 25 as the birth of Jesus. But as many gather to exchange gifts, sing carols and marvel at Nativity scenes and Christmas trees, the story behind Jesus' ...

To some people, Christmastime is nothing more than a season of generosity, joy, dressing up evergreen trees, waiting for Santa Claus and buying gifts for your loved ones. To others, Christmastime is ...

CHICAGO (RNS) — The scene is familiar from many Nativity scenes arranged at this time of year: the Virgin Mary, cradling the newborn Jesus. Then, the baby speaks, defending his mother’s innocence and ...

A few people gather outside St. Peter's Square during the Christmas Eve Mass celebrated by Pope Francis at the Vatican December. 24. The Mass was not open to the general public and began at 7:30 p.m.

VATICAN CITY—In his Christmas Eve homily Thursday, Pope Francis noted the simplicity of Jesus’ birth as he rebuked what he called societies’ intoxication with consumerism, pleasure, abundance and ...

VATICAN CITY – In his Christmas Eve homily Thursday, Pope Francis noted the simplicity of Jesus' birth as he rebuked what he called societies' intoxication with consumerism, pleasure, abundance and ...

In 2010, according to the National Retail Federation, Americans spent $452.9 billion on Christmas - a figure projected to rise to $465.6 billion in 2011.The average American planned to spend $764 on ...

Muslim women take a selfie in front of the giant Christian manger displayed in Manger Square in front of the Church of the Nativity, revered as the site of Jesus Christ’s birth, in Bethlehem, West ...

A couple of Christmas observations: REAL JESUS – I think the nativity set’s stable that my mother put out every December for decades was made of sturdy cardboard, and the animals, shepherds, Wise Men, ...

Brooke County, W.Va — The holidays are a season of giving, but what is the real reason for the season? We asked community members what Christmas means to them. "I know that for a lot of people, ...

Rev Munther Isaac by this year's nativity scene of a baby in a pile of rubble, symbolising bombing in the Gaza Strip - Quique Kierszenbaum Christmas is officially cancelled in Bethlehem this year, ...