Christmas countdown day 13: the hidden messages in carols

Beyond the festive there's a hint of rebellion and even revolution.

Ian Bradley

Ian Bradley is Emeritus Professor of Cultural and Spiritual History at the University of St Andrews.

Coventry Cathedral.

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The Christmas Countdown

It’s the season to be jolly, stressed, and all round Christmassy. On the Seen & Unseen Aloud podcast, we’re here for you with our Aloud Christmas Countdown!

Every day in December, we’ll drop some of the best seasonal content from Seen & Unseen Aloud. From how to survive Christmas, reviews of the best Christmas movies and the origin story of Santa Claus.

For when you’ve got your hands full of mince pies and baubles, but you still want to hear some thoughtful content, subscribe to Seen & Unseen Aloud for the Christmas Countdown.

Subscribe to the podcast on Apple, Spotify, or Amazon.

Throughout the year, the Seen & Unseen Aloud brings you the week’s best articles, in a short 20 minute podcast episode. Browse the index for episodes from Seen & Unseen Aloud, Re-enchanting and GodPod.

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Re-enchanting

Sustainability

19 February 2025

1 min read

Johnathan Wittenberg: re-enchanting a natural world in crisis

Rabbi and author Jonathan talks about the the nature of awe, wonder, and sensitivity.

Nick Jones

Nick is the senior editor of Seen & Unseen.

A podcast guest holds his hands together in front of himself as he raise his head in speech.

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About our guest

Rabbi Jonathan Wittenberg is rabbi of New North London Synagogue and Senior Rabbi of Masorti Judaism, here in the UK. He’s also the author of numerous books, including Walking with the Light: from Frankfurt to Finchley, Things My Dog has Taught Me - about being a better human, and his latest Listening for God in Torah and Creation.

Justin and Belle speak with Jonathan about the workings of Jewish scripture, the nature of awe, wonder, and sensitivity and our reponsibility for the care of the natural world.