Christmas Archives - Universal Life Church Monastery Blog

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 »

Taking Christ Out of Christmas

December 15th, 2017

Christmas is a religious holiday, right? I mean, it has to be… it’s quite literally a celebration of the birth of Christ. Well, not so fast. They say perception is reality, and a new study from Pew Research Center shows that an increasing number of Ameri Continue Reading »

Posted in: Political & Religious Controversy, Christian | 105 Comments »

10 Weird Christmas Traditions From The Past

December 14th, 2017

These days we celebrate Christmas with festive holiday decorations, visits from a jolly elderly gentleman named Santa, and robust trees placed by the window. But it wasn't always that way. In fact, Christmases past were quite different from our celebrations today. Here are 10 things you might not have known about the history of the Christmas holiday. Continue Reading »

Posted in: Humor & Satire | 53 Comments »

Is Your Favorite Charity A Scam?

December 12th, 2017

Giving money to charitable organizations makes us feel good about ourselves, but is it always a good thing to donate? Can giving to charity actually be a waste? Continue Reading »

Posted in: Political & Religious Controversy | 37 Comments »

Is Christmas Still a Religious Holiday?

December 30th, 2016

“Our many different cultures notwithstanding, there's something about the holidays that makes the planet communal. Even nations that do not celebrate Christmas can't help but be caught up in the collective spirit of their neighbors, as twinkling lights dot t Continue Reading »

Posted in: Political & Religious Controversy, Christian | 73 Comments »