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Edward Stourton presents a special Christmas Eve edition of Sunday, featuring live carols from Manchester Chamber Choir.

On Christmas Eve in 1223, in cave near the cliffside village of Greccio in Italy, St Francis of Assisi created what\'s thought to be the first nativity scene. It was staged for the local villagers and it was a \'living scene\' featuring people and animals. Colm Flynn reports from Greccio, and the art historian Dr Geri Parlby explores the nativity scene\\u2019s fascinating story and enduring appeal.

There will be no Christmas celebrations in Bethlehem this year. Shaimaa Khalil reports from the birthplace of Jesus. Rev Dr Munther Isaac, Dean of Bethlehem Bible College, has created a nativity scene in his church directly inspired by the suffering endured as a result of the Israel-Gaza conflict. He reflects on it with Rabbi Laura Janner-Klausner.

Carol singing is another much-loved tradition at this time of year. But how many of us have really thought about where our favourite carols come from? The composer and conductor Andrew Gant traces the weird and wonderful history of our carol tradition in his book "Deck The Hall". He says, \\u201cit can be a bit like trying to sweep up all the stray pine needles when you\\u2019ve taken down your Christmas tree: there\\u2019s always a corner you find you haven\\u2019t reached.\\u201d

Producers: Dan Tierney and Alexa Good\\nEditor: Helen Grady.