My Christmas tree has been up for a while—since before Halloween, in fact. Many people have strong feelings about that, not least church people with a healthy respect for the liturgical calendar.

Christmas carols, like all hymns, tell the story of faith — and give worshippers a way to rehearse it year after year. In the Christian tradition, carols center the nativity: the birth of Jesus, Mary ...

Christian music industry is booming in the country, but at Christmastime, congregations are singing the oldies. At any given hour on a December day in Brazil, a radio station is playing Simone’s 1995 ...

If you’re in search of an ancient, theologically rich carol this season, look no further than “Of the Father’s Love Begotten.” Long before it became a Christmas carol in the 19th century, this hymn ...

It’s the most wonderful time of the year! The cookies, the mistletoe, the lights…oh, and the music! For Christians, Christmas carols mark a season of hope and the celebration of Jesus’ birth. Even in ...

A few nights ago, on the first really cold night in Virginia, I walked past a woman on the streets of Alexandria who was playing an instrument and singing all the verses to “Silent Night.” There was, ...

Since 1900, the Christian Century has published reporting, commentary, poetry, and essays on the role of faith in a pluralistic society.

There are plenty of reasons to celebrate during the Christmas season. Loved ones gather near and far to spend time together, doing fun Christmas activities and celebrating peace, love, and good will ...

As we learn from the surprising journeys of several holiday classics, the term defies easy definition. One Christmas I found myself on London’s Oxford Street, admiring the twinkly decorations and ...