Edward Stourton presents a special Christmas Eve edition of Sunday, featuring live carols from Manchester Chamber Choir.
On Christmas Eve in 1223, in cave near the cliffside village of Greccio in Italy, St Francis of Assisi created what's thought to be the first nativity scene. It was staged for the local villagers and it was a 'living scene' featuring people and animals. Colm Flynn reports from Greccio, and the art historian Dr Geri Parlby explores the nativity scene’s fascinating story and enduring appeal.
There will be no Christmas celebrations in Bethlehem this year. Shaimaa Khalil reports from the birthplace of Jesus. Rev Dr Munther Isaac, Dean of Bethlehem Bible College, has created a nativity scene in his church directly inspired by the suffering endured as a result of the Israel-Gaza conflict. He reflects on it with Rabbi Laura Janner-Klausner.
Carol singing is another much-loved tradition at this time of year. But how many of us have really thought about where our favourite carols come from? The composer and conductor Andrew Gant traces the weird and wonderful history of our carol tradition in his book "Deck The Hall". He says, “it can be a bit like trying to sweep up all the stray pine needles when you’ve taken down your Christmas tree: there’s always a corner you find you haven’t reached.”
Producers: Dan Tierney and Alexa Good Editor: Helen Grady.
Turkey and Syria Earthquake; Patriarch Kirill & KGB claims; C of E Synod; Prevent review
The 'living saint' and the sex cult; Frank Field's belief; chant music at the Grammys
Spiritual Bear; Better Sermons
Same Sex Marriage and the Church of England
Catholicism after Benedict. Faith in Prison, Shamanism
Repairing Relationships; Faith in Prisons; Embracing Failure.
Remembering Pope Benedict XVI
Jesus Rock; The Morality of Striking; Clemency for Prisoners
Warm spaces; Iranian protest; Christians in Qatar; Lords reform.
The future for Christianity, Benin Bronzes, Otis Williams and Silent Night
Islamic Art; Faith & Politics; Favourite Carols
Courtney Pine, Qatar and Fifa, New Anglican Denominations
Wayside Pulpits, Leicester Inquiry, Women in Qatar
Same-Sex Marriage and the Church of England; Meat-Free Fridays; Bellringing for the King
Hindu PM; Brazil elections; Religious relics; Nasheed choir
Politics and Trust; Sikh Community Kitchens; Poetry and Faith
British embassy in Israel; Diwali; Iranian hijab protests.
Themed weddings; Muslims and mental health; Jake Thackray
Iran and the Hijab; Faith in the reign of King Charles; Rural Church Monuments
Elvis's Faith; Black British Muslims; Cathedral Music
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