For millions, the simple joys of the season are muted by somber memories.

‘GUIDE FOR CAREGIVERS’ AUTHOR BENJAMIN PRATT reminds us that dark memories can resurface at the holidays for many people—and that healing from grief and trauma can be a very, very long journey. Please read his thoughtful column, which includes his sage advice about coping with grief. And, there’s more: Ben closes his column with a short music video you won’t want to miss.

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And from Bill Tammeus—

‘Even scientists find that religion has many benefits’

FOLLOWING ON BEN PRATT’S COLUMN, veteran religion reporter Bill Tammeus reports on the growing scientific consensus that being part of “a church, synagogue or temple” contributes to our health, wellbeing and lifespan.

Bill’s new reporting echoes a cover story we published in October in Read the Spirit, which points to even more research on the health benefits of congregations.

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Holidays and Festivals

 

Merry Christmas X 3!

IT’S CHRISTMAS WEEK so we decided to share with you three of the favorite Christmas stories we have received from our writers over the years. We selected two from 2020 and one that just popped into your “inbox” this very week. There’s definitely some thoughtful Christmas wisdom in:

So, what’s Christmas all about? The wisdom of Linus, Everett Dagué and 1 in 4 Americans This 2020 column by Martin Davis captures the enduring power of Christmas—even for the 1 in 4 Americans who don’t have any “religious affiliation” these days.

Duncan Newcomer’s Abraham Lincoln Quiet Fire—’A Christmas Carol’ with Abraham Lincoln This 2020 column by Lincoln scholar Duncan Newcomer combines two of the all-time favorite themes of our Read the Spirit team: Abraham Lincoln and holidays. (Plus, you can’t beat a column where the Ghost of Thomas Jefferson makes a cameo appearance.)

The Spiritual Wanderer’s Holiday Wish This brand new December 2022 column was written by Rodney Curtis—the photographer and author sometimes known as “The Spiritual Wanderer”—and his collaborator: Artificial Intelligence. No kidding! AI wrote half of the column. Check it out!

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Hanukkah lights are glowing

RABBI LENORE BOHM explores the Jewish legacy of greetings for holidays, festivals and special occasions in our life. Perhaps, she argues, “Happy” isn’t the most meaningful word to choose.

STEPHANIE FENTON writes about Hanukkah customs and, as always, provides links to DIY crafts you can enjoy at home as well as delicious recipes. One link points to 14 different latke recipes!

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Making Your New Year’s Resolutions?

Include Kicking Cancer! 

If we all get involved, beating cancer can be: ‘In the bag!’

HOWARD BROWN shares the latest news about the need—especially right now—to encourage our loved ones to get involved in cancer screening and donations. He includes a dramatic, inspiring story you can share with others to help get them involved. After all, as Howard knows all too well: Kicking cancer is a team sport!

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PLEASE, ‘GIVE THE GIFT OF WISDOM, HOPE AND RESILIENCE’—

IN THIS HOLIDAY SEASON, PLEASE check out our 2022 Holiday Gift Guide featuring great choices for Hanukkah and Christmas giving. If you act now, there’s still time to receive these books to make your friends and loved ones smile at the holidays.

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WANT TO SEE ALL OF THE UPCOMING HOLIDAYS & FESTIVALS?—It’s easy to find our annual calendar of global observances. Just remember the web address: InterfaithHolidays.com

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Faith & Film

ED McNULTY, for decades, has published reviews, magazine articles and books exploring connections between faith and film. Most of his work is freely published. Ed supports his work by selling the Visual Parables Journal, a monthly magazine packed with discussion guides to films. This resource is used coast-to-coast by individuals who love the movies and by educators, clergy and small-group leaders.

Here are some of Ed’s most recent free reviews and columns:

• THE FABLEMANS—(In theaters) “The Fableman/Spielberg family is a combination of dreamers and realists, of eccentrics and down-to-earth folk, who love each other but also find themselves at odds with one another.”
• PAUL’S PROMISE—(In theaters) “Director Matthew Reithmayr’s faith based film details the perseverance of a devout, cancer-ridden mother to bring her son back to faith in Jesus.”
• THE MENU—(In theaters) “Director Mark Mylod and his distinguished cast must have had a blast bringing to life this dark satire written by Seth Reiss and Will Tracy.”
• DECISION TO LEAVE—(In theaters) “Korean director Park Chan-wook’s suspenseful thriller will leave you with an aching heart, but one that is glad for the opportunity to become involved with its star-crossed lovers.“
• EMANCIPATION—(Streaming on Apple+) “Director Antoine Fuqua and screenwriter Bill Collage have created the most compelling story of a freedom-loving slave that I have seen.”
• SHE SAID—(In theaters) “If ever one doubted the importance of a free press, this film centering on two NY Times reporters should be invoked!“
• GOOD NIGHT OPPY—(Streaming on Amazon) “Ryan White’s delightful documentary is a good companion for Wall-E, due to the NASA engineers treating their two Mars rovers like they were their children.”
• CALL JANE—(In theaters; streaming on various services) “Director Phyllis Nagy takes us back to the Chicago of 1968 in this story about an underground cadre of women who provided safe abortions for desperate women.”

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