For western Christians the nativity scene -- well known from Nativity Plays -- conveys a theology of Christmas. Among Eastern Christians a different image -- the Icon of the Nativity -- is used; and it provides a different theology of the birth of Jesus.

Dr Karen Kilby, a leading Christian theologian, looks at the mystery of the incarnation: the birth of Jesus. This is the event that Christians recall each year when they celebrate Christmas.

Dr Mary Cunningham, an expert on Orthodox Christianity, discusses the significance of Christmas, how Orthodox believers prepare for it, and how they celebrate it.

Dr Alison Milbank discusses the period running up to Christmas -- known to Christians as 'Advent'-- and what this time means to them, and how it is celebrated.

Mr Shujahat Aslam, an Imam, discusses the Muslim practice of the Hajj -- the annual pilgrimage to the holy city of Mecca -- with Dr Jon Hoover, an expert in Islamic Studies, and its significance in the Muslim year.

Mr Shujahat Aslam, an Imam, discusses the Muslim festival of Id-ul-Adha with Dr Jon Hoover, an expert in Islamic Studies. It describes what happens on the feast and what it means to those who celebrate it.

Agata Bielik-Robson, an expert in Jewish thought, explains how Jews celebrate the High Holy Days that together mark the beginning of the Jewish new year and the significance of the year's most solemn time: Yom Kippur ('the Day of Atonement').

Dr Mary Cunningham, an expert on what Christians believe about Mary, the Mother of God, discusses the festival celebrated each year on 15 August which is called the 'Dormition' in the Eastern Churches and the 'Assumption' in some of the Western Churches.

Mr Shujahat Aslam, an imam, discusses the Muslim festival of Id-ul-Fitr, which concludes Ramadan, with Dr Jon Hoover, an expert in Islamic Studies; it describes what happens on the feast and what it means to those who celebrate it.

Mr Shujahat Aslam, an imam, discusses the Muslim holy month of Ramadan with Dr Jon Hoover, an expert in Islamic Studies.

He describes what happens during the time, and what it means to those who celebrate it.