with Cathy Macdonald

Available for 7 days

Most of us know the story of the Star of Bethlehem - but was it based on scientific fact? A NASA scientist has suggested it could have been a real comet. Retired Church of Scotland minister Owain Jones joins us to discuss what the star means for the Nativity story today. A new BBC documentary, Secrets of the Conclave, takes us inside the Vatican to uncover the rituals and secrecy behind the election of a pope. Ronnie Convery from the Archdiocese of Glasgow shares his reflections. This week’s Spiritual Life guests are Ambrose Parry - bestselling and acclaimed authors, husband-and-wife duo Chris Brookmyre and Marisa Haetzman. They share their creative partnership, the stories that bind them, and the community they found at the University of Glasgow Chaplaincy. This week's Faith Forum panel are Sally Foster Fulton from Christian Aid, Nicolle Sturdevant, Honorary Pagan chaplain at the University of Aberdeen, and Rabbi Pete Tobias of the Glasgow Reform Synagogue. It’s been one week since the tragic events at Bondi Beach in Australia, where a Hanukkah gathering ended in the deaths of 15 people. Yet, amid the horror, stories of courage emerged - from bystanders stepping in to communities offering shelter, donating blood and lighting candles in solidarity. We reflect on what this tells us about compassion and resilience in the face of hate. As families gather during the festive season, tensions can sometimes rise. The Panel discuss how to navigate difficult conversations while still holding on to the joy of this time of year. With Sunday marking the Winter Solstice - the shortest day and longest night. The panel reflect on the symbolism of this turning point from darkness towards light.