Life
The three Christian meanings of Advent
The great Cistercian monk St Bernard of Clairvaux spoke of Advent in three distinct senses, and Christian writers and sermons have echoed his insight down the centuries. This the story …
The bishop who became Santa Claus
Everybody knows Santa Claus. But how many people know the inspiration for the jolly Father Christmas was in fact a bishop whose courage, generosity, and compassion shaped centuries of Christian practice?
Many Western Christians misunderstand the purpose of faith, says NT Wright
Instead of seeing Christianity as the story of God renewing the whole cosmos — Heaven and Earth united — they have been taught to think of salvation primarily as a private escape plan: the soul departing for Heaven when the body dies.
Isaiah 41:10 is YouVersion's Bible verse of the year
Isaiah 41:10 had the highest international engagement on YouVersion during 2025, while in the UK it was Jeremiah 29:11 that topped the list.
Joe Rogan finds Bible 'fascinating,' notes Christian kindness: 'I don't think it's myth'
Podcaster Joe Rogan recently revealed more about his ongoing journey toward Christianity, explaining he has been moved by the kindness of Christians he knows at church and that he has grown convinced the Bible is not entirely mythical.
Churches across the UK are getting into the Christmas spirit
Cathedrals and churches across the UK are embracing Advent with a flurry of festive markets, carol services and community events.
Tony Wales: a man with an unrivalled knowledge of the worldwide publishing
Tony Wales, who passed away on 28 October, was co-founder of Lion Publishing with David and Pat Alexander. Julia Cameron pays tribute.
Who was St Birinus and why is he called the Apostle to the West Saxons?
3 December is the day to remember St Birinus, known as the Apostle to the West Saxons. This is his story …
On thanksgiving
Jewish academic and Hebrew scholar Irene Lancaster explains why thanksgiving is at the heart of Judaism.
Shine Jesus Shine tops poll of favourite assembly hymns
The popular church song Shine Jesus Shine is also a hit at school assemblies, according to the findings of a Songs of Praise poll.
Report calls for return of classical liberal education
The classical approach is popular with homeschoolers.
12 Bible verses to rejoice in this festive season and always
As the festive season gets underway, we look forward to moments of laughter, smiles, and the warmth of good company.
The history of the Advent calendar
1 December is when many people open the first door on their Advent calendar. These are so common that few people realise it is a relatively modern tradition. This is the story …
What is Advent Sunday and why do churches mark it?
The fourth Sunday before Christmas is called Advent Sunday. It falls at the start of December, or sometimes as in 2025, at the end of November. In churches of many denominations, Advent marks the coming of the Christmas season. This is the story …
Who was St Andrew and why is he important?
30 November is St Andrew’s day. He was the brother of St Peter, the first of Jesus’s disciples, and later an Apostle. This is the story …
Christians to celebrate ‘the beautiful game’ at Wembley
The event is part of the Football Association’s strategy to use ‘the beautiful game’ to bring communities together.