The Two Genealogies of the Savior
Christmas is approaching and we will once again relive the birth of Jesus. Looking back at the accounts of Saint Matthew and Saint Luke, one particular question proves difficult to understand: Why do the genealogies of Jesus presented by the two evangelists not match?...
Hanukkah: “The Festival of Lights”
Hanukkah, in Hebrew, means “dedication” or “inauguration.” The expression “hanukkat-bayt” is used, for example, to refer to a housewarming celebration. What Does Hanukkah mean to the Jewish people For over 2,000 years, Jews have...
Interview with Issa Anis Kassissieh: Santa in the Holy Land
Can you tell us a bit about your background and how you became known as Santa Claus the ambassador in the Ho Ho Holy Land? Issa Anis Kassissieh: My father used to be our Santa Claus at home every Christmas season to make us happy. I grew up in the Old City of...
The First Prophets
The word “prophet” comes from the Greek profetes, derived from the verb pro-femi, meaning “to speak forth” or “to speak on behalf of another,” especially on behalf of the divine. This is a faithful translation of the Hebrew term...