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.
Ukrainian refugee visa delays; Eid prayers at Blackburn Rovers; On the frontline of the cost of living crisis.
French election; Ukrainian refugees; Abuse within the church
Sikh scripture rescue, Patriarch Kirill profile, Muslim footballers during Ramadan
Sikh scriptures; The church in wartime; Interfaith dialogue during Ramadan
'Good versus evil' in Ukraine, Taliban U-turn on girls' education, The Merchant of Venice
Religious images in wartime; Inviting a refugee into your home; Russian Orthodox Christians split over war
The Pope's envoy to Ukraine; The Point of Prayer; Shorter organists' battle for adjustable benches
Russian Orthodox response to Putin; Ukraine's Chief Rabbi in exile; The Christian radio station broadcasting defiantly from Kyiv
Special programme on the faith response to Ukraine
Media nuns, Empty churches, Jewish internment
President Putin and the Orthodox Church; Liberated Slaves; Religious Matchmakers
Licoricia Jewish statue unveiled; Hong Kong Christians and Forgiveness
Painting icons, Bloody Sunday, and religion in the Metaverse
Mary Beard's Forbidden Art; The Mormons and Tonga; Gordon Brown
Joe Biden's First Year Report; Chaplaincy; Where Do We Draw Our Moral Compass From?
Faith-inspired public art; 100th online church service; Pagan extremism
Archbishop Desmond Tutu's life and legacy, It's a Wonderful Life, Volunteering
Angels, Churches and Omicron and Dorothy Day
12/12/2021
The Pope in Greece; Columba - a post-Brexit saint; Religious Chart Toppers
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