Recent news concerning Greta Thunberg has an ominous ring to it. Dissatisfied with simply campaigning against climate change in harmless ways, she has now taken a turn towards more aggressive approaches.

People with a Protestant background, or living in a historically Protestant nation, will be familiar with the Moravian Christmas stars. Traditionally, these 26-point stars appeared in churches, public squares or even private houses around Christmas. They were meant to represent the star of Bethlehem, which appeared at the birth of Jesus.

Some Christians see a “quiet revival” in Europe. But Spaniards are “religious by nature”, Jorge Ruiz Ortiz says. They think in the categories of Augustine and Aquinas. But that does not make this a revival.

No doubt, Christmas is the most celebrated holiday in the world, both for Christians and non-Christians. And yet, there is a minority of Christians who deliberately choose not to celebrate Christmas anymore. What is the reason behind that?

Mary, the mother of Jesus, is a central figure in the history of Christmas. But who was she?