Christmas Archives - Universal Life Church Monastery Blog

The Dark, Pagan History of Gingerbread

December 18th, 2025

Gingerbread may be synonymous with Christmas today, but its origins tell a much darker story. From Roman rituals and Queen Elizabeth’s court to witchcraft panics, this holiday staple has a surprisingly twisted past.

ULC Minister Training & Education 5 Comments

ICE-Themed Nativity Scene With Zip-Tied Baby Jesus Ignites Outrage

December 11th, 2025

A Chicago-area church is igniting national controversy with a provocative Nativity scene depicting baby Jesus in zip ties and Roman soldiers as modern ICE agents. A powerful act of faith, or over a sacred line?

Political & Religious Controversy 70 Comments

Nativity Display Sparks Religious Freedom Dispute in Small Town Ohio

November 17th, 2025

Should religious displays be allowed on public land? A small Ohio community is debating just that after a woman's proposed nativity scene in a public park was denied by city hall.

Political & Religious Controversy 38 Comments

"Winter Break" or "Christmas Break"? Heated Debate Breaks Out in Tennessee

November 13th, 2025

Is the War on Christmas here early? One Tennessee town is embroiled in a debate out whether public schools should call the seasonal time off at the end of December "Christmas Break" or "Winter Break".

Political & Religious Controversy 63 Comments

Santa's Grave Discovered? Experts May Have Found Tomb of Saint Nicholas

December 20th, 2024

Archaeologists may have found St. Nicholas' 1,600-year-old sarcophagus, potentially confirming the final resting place of the man behind Santa Claus, bringing new insights into the real-life legend of Saint Nick.

Science & Technology 33 Comments

Is the War on Christmas Over?

December 20th, 2024

After more than a decade of seasonal polarization over whether to say 'Merry Christmas' or 'Happy Holidays', it seems Americans overwhelmingly believe that the 'War on Christmas' has ended.

Political & Religious Controversy 74 Comments

A Demonic "Perversion"? Texas Christians Protest Krampus-themed Parade

December 4th, 2024

Christians in San Antonio, Texas are protesting an upcoming Krampus-themed parade, hoping to get it canceled. They say that it is not only unsuitable for children, but also may put their very soul in mortal peril.

Pagan & Wiccan 115 Comments

Christianity Required? Christmas Parade With Mandatory Christian Pledge Ignites Outrage

October 31st, 2024

A small town Christmas parade made national news after parade participants were required to sign a Christian "statement of faith," which included anti-LGBTQ sentiment, just to participate in the Christmas festivities.

Political & Religious Controversy 73 Comments

"Satanic Santa" in New Horror Flick Scares up Religious Protests

October 18th, 2024

The number one movie at the box office, Terrifier 3, is also the subject of protests by some Christian groups, who object to the film's over the top violence, blasphemous religious imagery, and murderous "Satanic Santa".

Political & Religious Controversy 79 Comments

Catholic Priest Criticized for "Blasphemous" Gay Nativity Scene

December 28th, 2023

A Nativity display in Italy is prompting outrage for replacing Joseph with another woman draped in the rainbow flag, prompting a petition with tens of thousands of signatures decrying the display as "blasphemous."

LGBTQ & Human Rights 76 Comments

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