🕎 🎄 This year, Hanukkah starts on Christmas Day
Explaining the rare event
Hi Religion Unplugged readers,
Since 1900, the first night of Hanukkah has coincided with Christmas Day only four times: in 2005, 1959, 1921 and 1910. The fifth takes place this year.
In today’s top story, Executive Editor Clemente Lisi explains the holiday as well as the potential for combined celebration in advance of the holiday season. Hope you’re ready to celebrate!
Don’t forget! Until Dec. 31, all donations made to Religion Unplugged will be doubled thanks to NewsMatch. That goes for one-time gifts and recurring donations, all up to $1,000. It’s our goal to produce more thoughtful, necessary and award-winning journalism — and we can’t do it without you!
Hanukkah Starts On Christmas Day: Why That’s A Rare Event
(EXPLAINER) Hanukkah — known as “the festival of lights” — is a time of reflection and celebration for Jews across the world. Typically, the miracle of Hanukkah is celebrated in early to mid-December. Not this year. This holiday season, the start of Hanukkah coincides with Christmas Day. The eight-day celebration begins on Dec. 25 and continues into the new year. by Clemente Lisi
What Would Jesus Drink?: Exploring Wines From The Bible
(TRAVEL) Barring some extraordinary archeological findings (I'm not ruling that out), we will never know for sure. But the Bible and Judea provide some clues. Today's visitors to Israel have the chance to learn more about the Bible-wine connection through the new “Wines of the Bible Route.” The route journeys through Judea and traces the viticultural history of the area. Judea lies between Jerusalem and Tel Aviv and includes two wine regions. by Layne Randolph
Where Might US Evangelicalism Be In 2029?
(ANALYSIS) Whatever their partisan preferences, Americans can agree that the coming four years under President Donald Trump will bring major disruptions and contentions in politics. How might that affect religion? by Richard Ostling
Plight Of Iran’s Christians: Report Says Georgia Refusing Asylum Claims
Despite fears of persecution, the asylum claims of Iranian Christians have consistently been refused by Georgian authorities, a new report says. The claim, in a 24-page joint report by Article18, CSW, Open Doors and Middle East Concern, is based on interviews with the asylum-seekers and their lawyers. The report found that one-fifth of asylum-seekers in Georgia are Iranian, but few have gained entry. by Clemente Lisi
How A Male-Dominant Church Could Save Faith-Based Films In The Future
(ANALYSIS) The genre faces a demographic cliff. The market for faith-based films has always been driven by Christian moms. And as I wrote last year, with fewer women getting married and having kids (and single women increasingly leaving Christianity), that market is inevitably going to shrink. A big shift may actually save the long-term future of faith-based films: The rise of a more masculine American church. by Joseph Holmes
Olasky’s Books For December: Recalling Van Til’s Writing And Legacy
(ANALYSIS) Cornelius Van Til was a distinguished theologian who left liberal Princeton Seminary in 1929 to join the faculty of newly-formed Westminster Theological Seminary, where he taught for the next half-century. We are approaching the golden anniversary of what to me is his most readable book, “Christian Apologetics.” My Christmas present to readers is a quick look at it and six other Van Til books all published by P&R. by Marvin Olasky
How You Can Support Our Journalism On #GivingTuesday
Giving Tuesday that takes place this year on Dec. 2. Thanks to our NewsMatch campaign, we have the opportunity to make your donation go even further this holiday season. Through Dec. 31, our partnership with INN will match your monthly, tax-deductible donation 12 times or double your one-time gift — all up to $1,000. by Clemente Lisi
Crossroads Podcast: Kidnapped Nigerian Christian Escapes To Freedom
(ANALYSIS) It’s crucial for readers to understand that while Islamic radicals have killed Christian believers by the thousands, they also attack and murder Muslims who do not share their warped version of Islam. This includes persecuting Muslims who dare to assist organizations — such as the Red Cross — that seek peace in the midst of Nigeria’s ongoing civil strife. by Terry Mattingly
The Battle In South Africa Over Religion and Animal Sacrifice
Animals such as cows, sheep and goats play different roles in the traditional culture and religion of millions of South Africans. Nonetheless, there is growing controversy regarding how different faiths handle animal sacrifice. by Vicky Abraham
On Religion: Trump, Reagan And Prayers Following Assassination Attempts
(ANALYSIS) For decades, Catholics recited this prayer after Mass, a practice continued by some Catholics and opposed by others. Thus, former President Donald Trump triggered debates by posting this prayer on social-media platforms on Sept. 29, the Catholic feast day of the archangels, in the ledad-up to Election Day. by Terry Mattingly
🇺🇦 Faith And Friendship: A Ukrainian-American Thanksgiving 🔌
David Duncan isn’t just a source for our Weekend Plug-in columnist. He’s a dear friend. Catch up on the inside details. by Bobby Ross Jr.
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Thanks again for reading!
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