Christmas Archives - Universal Life Church Monastery Blog

Even During Pandemic, the War on Christmas Continues

December 18th, 2020

We're all familiar with the War on Christmas, but this year it's receiving a very 2020 twist: COVID-19. The international pandemic is opening up a whole new front on everyone's favorite seasonal skirmish. Continue Reading »

Posted in: Political & Religious Controversy | 83 Comments »

Here Comes Santa Claus: An Exclusive Interview With Our Most Famous Minister

December 16th, 2020

Santa Claus is an ordained minister with the Universal Life Church, and even performs weddings in the classic Santa outfit! We reached out to ask what life is like as Mr. Claus, and how things are different in 2020. Continue Reading »

Posted in: Celebrity Ministers, Weddings | 11 Comments »

The Great Christmas Standoff: Jesus vs. Santa

December 14th, 2020

Christmas used to be a holiday solely focused on the celebration of the birth of Christ. But Jesus has been supplanted by a new figure: Santa Claus. Many religious parents struggle with how to handle this reality. Continue Reading »

Posted in: Progressive Spirituality, Christian | 52 Comments »

The Untold Story of How Christians Almost Killed Santa

December 9th, 2020

Millions of children across the world are eagerly anticipating Santa's visit later this month. But during the Protestant Reformation of the 16th century, reformers sought to abolish jolly old Saint Nick entirely. Continue Reading »

Posted in: Christian | 15 Comments »

Caged Jesus: Church Nativity Scene Sets Off Fiery Debate

December 12th, 2019

A controversial nativity scene at a California church, featuring baby Jesus behind bars separated from his parents, has sparked a larger debate about immigration and Christian values. See what critics are saying. Continue Reading »

Posted in: Political & Religious Controversy, Christian | 31 Comments »

Christian Neighbor Attempts to Slay "Christmas Dragons"

December 21st, 2018

A Louisiana woman has been putting up dragons around Christmas time for years now, but one Christian neighbor decided enough was enough - leaving an angry letter on her doorstep demanding the dragons be taken down. Continue Reading »

Posted in: Political & Religious Controversy, Christian | 27 Comments »

Could Magic Mushrooms Explain the Story of Santa Claus?

December 21st, 2018

Where does the objectively strange story of a man in a red and white suit who travels with flying reindeer come from? One popular theory involves Siberian shamans bearing particularly special gifts: magic mushrooms. Continue Reading »

Posted in: Humor & Satire | 14 Comments »

Satanic Temple Erects Holiday Monument at Illinois Capitol

December 13th, 2018

Move over, Christmas tree and Menorah. It’s time to make room for Satan. The Satanic Temple has earned a spot in the Illinois Capitol rotunda holiday display, where it has erected a 4 1/2-foot-tall sculpture depicting its own religious message. Continue Reading »

Posted in: Political & Religious Controversy | 91 Comments »

Principal Bans Candy Canes, Claiming the 'J' Shape Stands for Jesus

December 7th, 2018

An elementary school principal in Nebraska has landed in hot water after sending out a Christmas memo that included a list of items that would be considered unacceptable during the holidays. Among the various Christmas-themed items on the list was one entry in particular that raised eyebrows: candy canes. Continue Reading »

Posted in: Political & Religious Controversy, Christian | 69 Comments »

Virginia School Bans Jesus From Christmas Concert

December 4th, 2018

“You can't take Christ out of Christmas,” as the saying goes. Well, apparently, you can. And one Virginia school plans to do just that. Officials at Robious Middle School have banned all songs containing mentions of Jesus from the annual Christmas concert. Continue Reading »

Posted in: Political & Religious Controversy, Christian | 137 Comments »