What We Read This Week

Each week, we bring you interesting stories from around the web. Here’s what caught our eye this week!

CHRISTMAS

The Real Saint Nicholas

December 6 marks Saint Nicholas Day, and I thought I’d mark the beginning of the Christmas season by telling the story of Santa Claus’s namesake. But before I do, I should remark that, historically speaking, there’s not much we really know about Nicholas. Though he’s one of the most popular saints in the Greek and Latin churches, his existence isn’t attested by any historical document. All we can say is that he was probably the bishop of Myra (near modern Finike, Turkey) sometime in the 300s…Read Full Article

From Christianity Today

RELIGION

Pope Francis: 3 Ways to Find Happiness this Holiday Season

From Time

CHRISTIANITY

Why Do We Have Christmas Trees?

As many of us make trees and gifts the center of our own Christmas practice, we would do well to remember that they are ultimately symbols of the One who gave himself to unite heaven and earth, and who brings all barren things to flower…Read Full Article

From Christianity Today

SPIRITUALITY

What is Spirituality?

All the world’s religions have a spirituality, and it is also a common impulse among people who do not affiliate with any religion…Read Full Article

From Spirituality and practice

FAITH

3 Ways to Practice Hope

Hope is more than wishful thinking or anticipating the best possible outcome. That’s optimism. Hope—that is, Christian hope—is the desire for the Kingdom of Heaven in the here and now. It inspires us to act with kindness, gentleness, and generosity so we might know and experience peace and joy today…Read Full Article

From busted halo