Creed

From the Christmas star, humankind has been fascinated by astronomical possibilities.

Reflect on gifts given and received at Christmas, and spot the key to a whole lot of wisdom.

A friends’ walk leads to a discussion on the plausibility of the virgin birth. Surgeon David Cranston seeks wisdom about a phenomenon that defies rationality.

The seasons, festivals, historians and emperors have all influenced the date of Christmas.

John Barclay unpacks the nature of gift-giving and finds Santa’s list is moralising in comparison to an older unconditional way.

Learning a new craft unfolds the layers of meaning Christmas is clothed in.

From Longfellow’s deep peals of the bells, to Dickens’ Scrooge, to the miracle of No Man’s Land becoming common ground, conversions begins with Christmas.

This Christmas, we might be closer than ever to the story’s origins. Terror. Surveillance. Poverty. Genocide. Perhaps it is time to add a dragon to tame creche scenes.

Imagine Tolkien being born as a hobbit in the Shire, or J.K. Rowling going to school at Hogwarts. Explore the notion of the author entering his or her own creation.

In a world of devastation, you can share honest feelings of hopelessness - yet not be overcome.

Advent has changed since childhood, takes stock of the darkness and expect the light.

Ponder the poetic depths of Frank Skinner’s thoughts on the Incarnation.