• Hope shines its light into the new year
Sister Sue Tracy began the last day of 2008 as she begins most days -- in prayer.

• Religious events that didn't happen (but should have)
As another year comes to a close, my fellow religion writers and I dutifully ranked the top religion stories of 2008. But truth be told, the list is incomplete.

• Religious events that didn't happen (but could have)
As another year comes to a close, my fellow religion writers and I dutifully ranked the top religion stories of 2008. You can see the results elsewhere on this page. But truth be told, the list is incomplete.

• Proof there's more to Christmas than 'stuff'
Samantha doesn't care if there's a single package for her under the tree Thursday, as long as there are a few presents for her three kids.

• In this fearful time, Christmas offers all renewal
During one of my college-age stints as a short-order cook, a fellow English major and burger-flipper named Dan told me his dim view of Christmas.