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' ...

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.

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 ...

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 ...

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, ...

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 ...

BIRMINGHAM, Alabama - At Christ the King Lutheran Church in Riverchase, parishioners gather in their pajamas on Christmas morning to celebrate the birth of Jesus. The 9 a.m. worship service in jammies ...

Several legislators gathered with civil and religious rights groups last week on the steps of the U.S. Capitol to kick off a national “Nativity Project” and affirm the right of Christians to speak of ...

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 ...

Cristina Maza is an award-winning journalist who has reported from countries such as Cambodia, Kyrgyzstan, India, Lithuania, Serbia, and Turkey. She previously worked as a reporter for the Phnom Penh ...

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 ...