Podcasts about Bethlehem

In the “one another” series, I look at specific ways that the NT gives us to love one another, as Jesus instructed. 12.28.25.One.Anothering.Each.Other.Tim.McCool

Get More LVWITHLOVE Content at LVwithLOVE.com Become a partner or contact us David Bennett Cohen is a founding member of Country Joe & The Fish and a keyboard player with deep roots in blues and early rock. He brings the David Bennett Cohen Trio to Godfrey Daniels in Bethlehem on Saturday, January 24, 2026 at 8:00 PM. Cohen has been a professional musician for more than 60 years, known for innovative keyboard playing and a career that stretches across major blues and rock scenes. Along the way, he played and recorded with a long list of artists, and he also built a serious teaching catalog through Homespun, plus published piano instruction with Hal Leonard. (more…)

  THE SHOW NOTES   Year 20 & Video Killed The Radio Star? Intro Post Holidays My sister's birthday and a creepy email Interesting Fauna      - Australian jewel beetle (Julodimorpha bakewelli) Ask George      - Attention Span? from Indiana Joe Religious Moron of the Week      - Bishop Patrick Wooden &         Pastor Jamal Bryant Tell Me Something Good       Shrek Proposal Seattle with the SGU Red Stag solo show on the 17th Show Close .........................   MENTIONED IN THE SHOW   Something Good: Shrek Proposal .........................   UPCOMING SCHEDULE   Geo & SGU: Extravaganza & Private Show Seattle, Washington Saturday, Jan. 10, 2026 TICKETS George Hrab solo acoustic Saturday, Jan. 17, 2026 / 8 pm-10 pm The Red Stag, Bethlehem, PA George Hrab's Occasional Songs for the Periodic Table 118 Elements • 118 Songs • 90 Minutes Saturday, March 7th, 2026 The Icehouse Bethlehem, PA Geo & SGU: Extravaganza & Private Show Madison, Wisconsin Saturday, May 16, 2026 TICKETS CSICON Center for Inquiry 50th Anniversary Conference Geo & SGU: Extravaganza & Live PodcastAwards Dinner & Variety Show Buffalo, New York June 11-14th 2026 csiconference.org  Geo & SGU: Not-A-Con Sydney / NZ Skeptics Conference July 2026 Australian & New Zealand Episode 1000 of The Geologic Podcast Saturday, January 9, 2027 The Icehouse Bethlehem, PA .........................   SUBSCRIPTION INTERFACE   You can now find our subscription page at GeorgeHrab.com at this link. Many thanks to the sage Evo Terra for his assistance. .........................   Get George's Music Here  https://georgehrab.hearnow.com https://georgehrab.bandcamp.com ................................... SUBSCRIBE! You can sign up at GeorgeHrab.com and become a Geologist or a Geographer. As always, thank you so much for your support! You make the ship go. ................................... Sign up for the mailing list: Write to Geo! Check out Geo's wiki page, thanks to Tim Farley. Have a comment on the show, a Religious Moron tip, or a question for Ask George? Drop George a line and write to Geo's Mom, too!

In the 2nd sermon on the terms of discipleship, Brother Luke looks at Jesus’ instruction that we are to take up our cross. The cross that Jesus carried was a symbol of many things, including being a picture of the burdens that evil men place on us for being servants of the Most High God. …

Welcome to the Christmas series! As the weary couple arrives in Bethlehem, there is no family or friends willing to help them. Everywhere they turn, they are turned away. They must find shelter quick… Mary is feeling the pangs of labor…  Sign up for special devotionals at StoriesoftheMessiah.com. As we dive deeply into iconic Bible heroes' enthralling narratives, we find more than just stories of faith and miracles. We discover a recurrent theme, a spiritual undertone that connects each tale to the grandeur of the Gospel. They're not just standalone legends; they're threads in a divine tapestry, weaving a story that foreshadows Jesus Christ, the ultimate hero, the promised Messiah who brings light to the darkest corners of history. For more Bible stories download the Pray.com app.  To learn more about Rabbi Schneider visit https://discoveringthejewishjesus.com/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

https://wels2.blob.core.windows.net/daily-devotions/20260106dev.mp3 Listen to Devotion On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Matthew 2:11 Extraordinarily Ordinary If you say, “yesterday was an extraordinary day,” you mean that something incredible happened. But if you say, “yesterday was an extra ordinary day,” you mean that it was even more normal and boring than usual. Just making one word into two gives the sentence an entirely opposite meaning. Extraordinary events surrounded the Magi’s visit to Bethlehem. But there were also a few extra ordinary things they discovered on their journey. An ancient prophecy and an extraordinary star led them to an extra ordinary little town called Bethlehem. The star stopped above what was probably an extra ordinary home. Inside, they found an extra ordinary looking Jewish couple with an ordinary-looking baby. But the Magi saw past the child’s ordinary surroundings. They saw their Savior, who was going to give them a gift far more precious than the gold, frankincense, and myrrh they had just laid at his feet. That baby would give the gift of sins forgiven and eternal life. The wise men didn’t need to see a king in a palace surrounded by servants. They’d likely seen plenty of kings like that in their lifetimes. The Magi needed to see their Savior. That’s exactly what God led them to see. It’s human nature to think we need more than what God has given. Maybe you’ve felt that attitude creep around in your heart. What God provides you in his Word might not seem like enough. You want him to do more for you. You want him to communicate more extraordinarily with you. But God chooses to use some extra ordinary looking ways to bring his good news to you. In the ordinary pages of the Bible, we see the Savior who proves his eternal kingship with a resurrection from the dead. In baptism, we see ordinary water poured out on a person’s head, marking them as an adopted child of God. In Holy Communion, we see ordinary bread and wine that, when the Word is spoken, have the power to forgive even the darkest sins. The means by which God extends his love to you look like ordinary things, but they work extraordinary results. Prayer: Dear Father, thank you for giving me the extraordinary message of Jesus in ordinary ways every day. Amen. Daily Devotions is brought to you by WELS. This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License. All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc. ™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide.

In Matthew 16, we read of Jesus Christ preaching about what is expected of his disciples. In the same way an athlete or solider may be told what is expected of them as being a part of a team or army, Jesus gives clear instruction on the terms of service for his disciples. In this …

Welcome to the Christmas series! Joseph and Mary are almost to Bethlehem, but a storm has come to knock them off course. They endure a near-death experience to finally arrive where they are meant to be. Sign up for special devotionals at StoriesoftheMessiah.com. As we dive deeply into iconic Bible heroes' enthralling narratives, we find more than just stories of faith and miracles. We discover a recurrent theme, a spiritual undertone that connects each tale to the grandeur of the Gospel. They're not just standalone legends; they're threads in a divine tapestry, weaving a story that foreshadows Jesus Christ, the ultimate hero, the promised Messiah who brings light to the darkest corners of history. For more Bible stories download the Pray.com app.  To learn more about Rabbi Schneider visit https://discoveringthejewishjesus.com/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

✨ God Keeps His WordPromise Fulfilled: The Coming of Christ | Advent SeriesChristmas is more than a moment—it is proof that God keeps every promise. In this powerful Advent message, we walk through the story of Mary, Joseph, and Bethlehem to see how God fulfilled centuries of prophecy through surrender, obedience, and faith.From a quiet “yes” to a humble manger, this message reminds us that God comes near, God saves, and God never forgets what He has spoken. If you are coming out of a long waiting season, this word is for you—darkness does not get the final say. Light has already come.The manger declares it clearly:He came for you.He came to save.He came to fulfill every promise.

In this final chapter of the 'Road to Bethlehem' series, we witness the culmination of Joseph and Mary's journey as they arrive in Bethlehem. The narrative captures the raw and intimate moments of Jesus' birth, highlighting the challenges and divine interventions along the way. The story emphasizes themes of faith, courage, and the miraculous nature of Jesus' arrival, as well as the humble and holy setting of the stable where shepherds and angels gather to witness the birth of the Savior.Bethlehem, Jesus' birth, Joseph and Mary, faith, courage, divine intervention, shepherds, angels, Savior, stableJoseph and Mary faced numerous challenges on their journey to Bethlehem.The birth of Jesus was marked by divine interventions and miracles.Faith and courage were central to Joseph and Mary's journey.The stable was a humble yet holy setting for Jesus' birth.Shepherds and angels gathered to witness the birth of the Savior.The narrative emphasizes the miraculous nature of Jesus' arrival.Joseph's role as protector and provider is highlighted.Mary's strength and faith are central to the story.The story captures the raw and intimate moments of Jesus' birth.The series concludes with a message of hope and faith.KeywordsTakeaways

We trace Luke 2 to show how God reclaims “good news” from empire, centers the marginalized, and moves toward people with joy that transforms fear into praise. We call for a response—worship, proclamation, or transformation—and invite those ready to surrender to step forward.• Luke's commission and the reframing of euangelion• Bethlehem over Rome, shepherds over elites, a baby over conquest• Joy as the person of Jesus, not circumstance• God initiating and breaking into ordinary spaces• Prophecy, continuity with the Old Testament patterns• An everyone gospel widening to include Gentiles• Moving toward cultural fires with hope and truth• Three responses to Jesus: worship, proclamation, transformation

This Epiphany homily reflects on the journey of the Three Wise Men, who were led by a simple but powerful sign—a star—to the newborn Christ. Though the sign was visible to all, only a few chose to follow it. Ancient prophecies foretold their arrival, and after months of searching, the Magi finally reached Bethlehem, offering gifts and homage to Jesus. The homily highlights a striking contrast: while the religious leaders knew the scriptures and could name the birthplace of the Messiah, they did not act on that knowledge. True wisdom, as described by Matthew Kelly, is not just seeing or knowing the truth, but living it. The Magi were wise because they followed the sign God gave them and allowed it to change their lives. As the New Year begins, listeners are invited to reflect on two simple but challenging questions: What signs is God placing in my life? And when I see them, do I follow? The message encourages openness, courage, and action—reminding us that faith grows when we not only recognize God's signs, but respond to them. About Father David Father David is the Vocations Director for the Diocese of Superior and the lead pastor of the Lac Courte Oreilles & Hayward Area Catholic Churches in northern Wisconsin, serving multiple parishes across the Northwoods. Rooted in the sacraments and the teachings of the Church, his ministry focuses on preaching, pastoral care, and helping individuals and families welcome Christ into daily life. Learn more at www.haywardcatholic.org. Hear more reflections at www.anchoredinthelord.com.

Renowned Palestinian theologian Rev. Mitri Raheb and theologian Graham McGeoch join us for a sobering conversation about the reality we live in “After Gaza”. We particularly reflect on their recent edited volume “Theology After Gaza” that analyzes how theology has been misused to justify oppression in Israel's war on Gaza, countering it with liberation theologies centered on justice and truth where Gaza serves as a crisis point for Western theology, Zionism, and modernity.Rev. Dr. Mitri Raheb is the Founder and President of Dar al-Kalima University in Bethlehem and widely recognized as the most prolific Palestinian theologian to date. A social entrepreneur and elected member of the Palestinian National Council, he previously served as the senior pastor of the Christmas Lutheran Church in Bethlehem from 1987 to 2017. Dr. Raheb has authored or edited 50 books, including Decolonizing Palestine and Faith in the Face of Empire, with his works translated into thirteen languages. His extensive contributions to theology, peace, and culture have garnered significant international recognition, including the Olof Palme Prize, the German Media Prize, and the Aachen Peace Award.Rev. Graham McGeoch is a theologian, Church of Scotland minister, and scholar specializing in liberation theology, ecumenism, and World Christianity. He currently serves as the Mission Secretary for Discipleship and Dialogue at the Council for World Mission (CWM). Additionally, he is a professor of Theology and Religious Studies at the Faculdade Unida de Vitória (UNIDA) in Brazil and a research associate at the University of Pretoria in South Africa. His most recent major publication is Theology After Gaza: A Global Anthology (2025), which he co-edited with Palestinian theologian Mitri Raheb. His other recent works include World Christianity and Ecological Theologies (2024) and Teologia da Libertação na América Latina: novas sementes de inquietação (2024). Become a monthly supporter of Across the Divide on Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/AcrosstheDivide Follow Across the Divide for more on ⁠Instagram⁠ ⁠⁠⁠‪@AcrosstheDividePodcast‬⁠⁠⁠Across the Divide partners with Peace Catalyst International to amplify the pursuit of peace and explore the vital intersection of Christian faith and social justice in Palestine-Israel.#israel #palestine #gaza #christianity #bible #faith #zionism

https://wels2.blob.core.windows.net/daily-devotions/20260106dev.mp3 Listen to Devotion On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Matthew 2:11 Extraordinarily Ordinary If you say, “yesterday was an extraordinary day,” you mean that something incredible happened. But if you say, “yesterday was an extra ordinary day,” you mean that it was even more normal and boring than usual. Just making one word into two gives the sentence an entirely opposite meaning. Extraordinary events surrounded the Magi’s visit to Bethlehem. But there were also a few extra ordinary things they discovered on their journey. An ancient prophecy and an extraordinary star led them to an extra ordinary little town called Bethlehem. The star stopped above what was probably an extra ordinary home. Inside, they found an extra ordinary looking Jewish couple with an ordinary-looking baby. But the Magi saw past the child’s ordinary surroundings. They saw their Savior, who was going to give them a gift far more precious than the gold, frankincense, and myrrh they had just laid at his feet. That baby would give the gift of sins forgiven and eternal life. The wise men didn’t need to see a king in a palace surrounded by servants. They’d likely seen plenty of kings like that in their lifetimes. The Magi needed to see their Savior. That’s exactly what God led them to see. It’s human nature to think we need more than what God has given. Maybe you’ve felt that attitude creep around in your heart. What God provides you in his Word might not seem like enough. You want him to do more for you. You want him to communicate more extraordinarily with you. But God chooses to use some extra ordinary looking ways to bring his good news to you. In the ordinary pages of the Bible, we see the Savior who proves his eternal kingship with a resurrection from the dead. In baptism, we see ordinary water poured out on a person’s head, marking them as an adopted child of God. In Holy Communion, we see ordinary bread and wine that, when the Word is spoken, have the power to forgive even the darkest sins. The means by which God extends his love to you look like ordinary things, but they work extraordinary results. Prayer: Dear Father, thank you for giving me the extraordinary message of Jesus in ordinary ways every day. Amen. Daily Devotions is brought to you by WELS. This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License. All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc. ™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide.

Matthew 2:1-6  After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi[a] from the east came to Jerusalem 2 and asked, “Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.”3 When King Herod heard this he was disturbed, and all Jerusalem with him. 4 When he had called together all the people's chief priests and teachers of the law, he asked them where the Messiah was to be born. 5 “In Bethlehem in Judea,” they replied, “for this is what the prophet has written:6 “‘But you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah,    are by no means least among the rulers of Judah;for out of you will come a ruler    who will shepherd my people Israel.'”

1 When Jesus therefore was born in Bethlehem of Juda, in the days of king Herod, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem.Cum ergo natus esset Jesus in Bethlehem Juda in diebus Herodis regis, ecce magi ab oriente venerunt Jerosolymam, 2 Saying, Where is he that is born king of the Jews? For we have seen his star in the east, and are come to adore him.dicentes : Ubi est qui natus est rex Judaeorum? vidimus enim stellam ejus in oriente, et venimus adorare eum. 3 And king Herod hearing this, was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him.Audiens autem Herodes rex, turbatus est, et omnis Jerosolyma cum illo. 4 And assembling together all the chief priests and the scribes of the people, he inquired of them where Christ should be born.Et congregans omnes principes sacerdotum, et scribas populi, sciscitabatur ab eis ubi Christus nasceretur. 5 But they said to him: In Bethlehem of Juda. For so it is written by the prophet:At illi dixerunt : In Bethlehem Judae : sic enim scriptum est per prophetam : 6 And thou Bethlehem the land of Juda art not the least among the princes of Juda: for out of thee shall come forth the captain that shall rule my people Israel.Et tu Bethlehem terra Juda, nequaquam minima es in principibus Juda : ex te enim exiet dux, qui regat populum meum Israel. 7 Then Herod, privately calling the wise men, learned diligently of them the time of the star which appeared to them;Tunc Herodes clam vocatis magis diligenter didicit ab eis tempus stellae, quae apparuit eis : 8 And sending them into Bethlehem, said: Go and diligently inquire after the child, and when you have found him, bring me word again, that I also may come to adore him.et mittens illos in Bethlehem, dixit : Ite, et interrogate diligenter de puero : et cum inveneritis, renuntiate mihi, ut et ego veniens adorem eum. 9 Who having heard the king, went their way; and behold the star which they had seen in the east, went before them, until it came and stood over where the child was.Qui cum audissent regem, abierunt, et ecce stella, quam viderant in oriente, antecedebat eos, usque dum veniens staret supra, ubi erat puer. 10 And seeing the star they rejoiced with exceeding great joy.Videntes autem stellam gavisi sunt gaudio magno valde. 11 And entering into the house, they found the child with Mary his mother, and falling down they adored him; and opening their treasures, they offered him gifts; gold, frankincense, and myrrh.Et intrantes domum, invenerunt puerum cum Maria matre ejus, et procidentes adoraverunt eum : et apertis thesauris suis obtulerunt ei munera, aurum, thus, et myrrham. 12 And having received an answer in sleep that they should not return to Herod, they went back another way into their country.Et responso accepto in somnis ne redirent ad Herodem, per aliam viam reversi sunt in regionem suam.

Feast of the Epiphany 2026 Gospel Matthew 2:1-12 When Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea, in the days of King Herod,  behold, magi from the east arrived in Jerusalem, saying,  "Where is the newborn king of the Jews? We saw his star at its rising and have come to do him homage." When King Herod heard this, he was greatly troubled,  and all Jerusalem with him. Assembling all the chief priests and the scribes of the people,  He inquired of them where the Christ was to be born. They said to him, "In Bethlehem of Judea,  for thus it has been written through the prophet: And you, Bethlehem, land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah; since from you shall come a ruler, who is to shepherd my people Israel." Then Herod called the magi secretly  and ascertained from them the time of the star's appearance. He sent them to Bethlehem and said,  "Go and search diligently for the child. When you have found him, bring me word,  that I too may go and do him homage." After their audience with the king they set out. And behold, the star that they had seen at its rising preceded them,  until it came and stopped over the place where the child was. They were overjoyed at seeing the star,  and on entering the house they saw the child with Mary his mother. They prostrated themselves and did him homage. Then they opened their treasures  and offered him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. And having been warned in a dream not to return to Herod,  they departed for their country by another way.

It's Monday, January 5th, A.D. 2026. This is The Worldview in 5 Minutes heard on 140 radio stations and at www.TheWorldview.com.  I'm Adam McManus. (Adam@TheWorldview.com) By Adam McManus Muslims in Congo, Africa kill 15 The New Year began in chaos and mourning for residents of Katanga village in North Kivu, in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, reports International Christian Concern. As families gathered to welcome 2026, armed Muslim fighters from the Allied Democratic Forces, or ADF, carried out a deadly nighttime incursion, killing at least 15 people on Thursday, January 1. Working with the global Islamic State movement, the ADF is among the most dangerous terrorist groups in Congo. Venezuelan dictator captured in daring U.S. raid Venezuelans are celebrating in the streets. (Audio of celebration) Venezuelan dictator Nicolas Maduro was seized by the United States Army's secretive Delta Force unit in a daring raid on his heavily-secured compound, reports the Daily Mail. CBS News reported that the ultra-elite Delta Force unit was behind the capture of Maduro, and his wife Cilia, in the early hours of Saturday morning. The couple was seized from their bedroom in the dead of night by U.S. forces as they slept, according to CNN. The raid did not lead to any U.S. casualties. The pair was snatched by helicopter from Caracas after they had been monitored by CIA spies, with President Donald Trump giving the order to take them two days ago. President Trump says Maduro and his government have conspired to flood the United States with illegal drugs, and will now face trial in the U.S. on drugs and weapons trafficking charges. Secretary of State Marco Rubio spoke at a Saturday press conference. RUBIO: “Nicolas Maduro had multiple opportunities to avoid this. He was provided multiple very, very, very generous offers, and chose instead to act like a wild man, chose instead to play around. “The 47th president of the United States is not a game player. When he tells you that he's going to do something, when he tells you he's going to address a problem, he means it. “The President doesn't go out looking for people to pick fights with. Generally, he wants to get along with everybody. We'll talk and meet with anybody. But don't play games. Don't play games while this President's in office, because it's not going to turn out well. I guess that lesson was learned last night, and we hope it will be instructive moving forward.” Biden's DOJ pressured FBI to raid Mar-a-Lago Newly-declassified documents show that President Joe Biden's Department of Justice pressured the FBI to conduct the infamous 2022 raid of then-former President Donald Trump's Mar-a-Lago home – even though the FBI repeatedly warned that such a raid was unwarranted, reports NewsBusters.org. In an X.com post last Tuesday, Senate Judiciary Chairman Chuck Grassley, a Republican from Iowa, wrote, “FBI did not believe it had probable cause to raid Pres. Trump's Mar-a-Lago home, but Biden DOJ pushed for it anyway. Based on the records, Mar-a-Lago raid was a miscarriage of justice.” Grassley linked to the documents posted online, which detail communications between the DOJ and the FBI. Brent Bozell confirmed as U.S. Ambassador to South Africa Last Thursday, the U.S. Senate confirmed Media Research Center founder Brent Bozell as U.S. Ambassador to South Africa, despite obstructionist tactics by Democrats, reports CNSNews.com. By a 53-43 vote, the Senate approved Bozell to fill the post vacated by former ambassador Reuben Brigety, who resigned in January. BOZELL: “I will communicate our objections to South Africa's geo-strategic drift from non-alignment toward our competitors including Russia, China and Iran. “I'll press South Africa to end proceedings against Israel before the International Court of Justice. “Second, I will advance the President's invitation to Afrikaners who wish to flee unjust racial discrimination. “I will support the President's call for the South African government to rescind its support for the expropriation of private property without compensation.” Bozell served as president of the Media Research Center from its founding in 1987 until May of this year when he stepped down to be ambassador. His son, David Bozell, now leads the Media Research Center. Mom upset school secretly socially transitioned her daughter A mother in Maine, named Amber Lavigne, had her parental rights usurped by school officials when a guidance counselor secretly gave her gender-confused 13-year-old daughter a chest binder and referred to her by using a male name and pronouns. A chest binder is used to flatten the breasts of a trans-identified girl to help her pretend to be a boy. With the help of the Goldwater Institute, Lavigne is taking the school to the Supreme Court, reports The Christian Post. LAVIGNE: “I don't want to lose my daughter to the state, even as she grows into an adult, I'll always be her mom.” When she confronted her daughter about the chest binder in her bedroom, she learned that the school guidance counselor had provided it.  LAVIGNE: “This situation really is about my parental rights being violated, about a social worker who had never even had a conversation with me, encouraging my child to keep secrets from me, to tell her, ‘Look, I'm not going to tell your mom, and you don't have to either.' So, she's bringing these breast binders home and hiding them in her room on me. That's distressing!” Genesis 1:27 says, “So God created mankind in His own image, in the image of God He created them;  male and female He created them.” (Watch Amber Lavigne's 4-minute video.) Arkansas Governor in hot water for celebrating Christmas And finally, secularists and atheists alike were predictably furious with Arkansas Republican Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders this past Christmas, reports LifeSiteNews.com. It's just not that they found her professed love for Jesus Christ problematic. It's that she used her position as governor to spread the truth that Jesus Christ is the Savior of Mankind. On December 16, Sanders issued a declaration recalling that “more than two millennia ago in the little town of Bethlehem, far from the centers of power in first-century Rome, Jesus Christ, the Son of God, was born in a humble manger.” Sanders added that “on that first Christmas, Christ's arrival was unassuming” and “not focused on the wealthy or powerful but rather on the poor, powerless, and meek.” Sanders then approved an extra day off for state employees on December 26 “in order that [they] may spend this holiday with their families giving thanks for Christ's birth.” The God-hating Freedom From Religion Foundation was livid. In a letter to Governor Sanders, attorney Chris Line said, “State offices are not churches, and gubernatorial proclamations are not sermons. The governor is free to practice her religion privately, but she may not use the authority of the state to promote Christian doctrine as official government speech.” Governor Sanders tweeted, “The Freedom from Religion Foundation took issue with me closing state offices to celebrate Christmas and sent a letter demanding I rescind my proclamation. Christmas is not just a holiday; it's the celebration of Jesus Christ's birth. Meaning matters, we won't pretend otherwise.” Matthew 1:20-21 says, “What is conceived in Mary is from the Holy Spirit.  She will give birth to a Son, and you are to give Him the name Jesus, because He will save His people from their sins.” Close And that's The Worldview on this Monday, January 5th, in the year of our Lord 2026. Follow us on X or subscribe for free by Spotify, Amazon Music, or by iTunes or email to our unique Christian newscast at www.TheWorldview.com.  I'm Adam McManus (Adam@TheWorldview.com). Seize the day for Jesus Christ.

As I continue in the “one anothering” series, in this message I look at the characteristics of agape love. 12.10.25.Characteristics.of.Agape.Love.Tim.McCool

Welcome to the Christmas series! Joseph reels in hurt, anger, and confusion. Joseph and Mary have been robbed of everything. They continue their journey, losing hope and patience with each other. What will bring them back to each other? Sign up for special devotionals at StoriesoftheMessiah.com. As we dive deeply into iconic Bible heroes' enthralling narratives, we find more than just stories of faith and miracles. We discover a recurrent theme, a spiritual undertone that connects each tale to the grandeur of the Gospel. They're not just standalone legends; they're threads in a divine tapestry, weaving a story that foreshadows Jesus Christ, the ultimate hero, the promised Messiah who brings light to the darkest corners of history. For more Bible stories download the Pray.com app.  To learn more about Rabbi Schneider visit https://discoveringthejewishjesus.com/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

“Cast of Christmas: The Space That Changes Everything” reminds us that some of the greatest miracles happen simply because someone made room for God. Through the Christmas story and overlooked moments in Scripture, we see how crowded lives can keep us from what God wants to do. From Bethlehem to the Shunammite woman, this message shows how intentional space creates places of promise and restoration. The challenge is simple and personal: make room in your life, because the space you give Jesus becomes the place He moves.

Matthew‬ ‭2‬:‭1‬-‭12‬ ‭ “After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi from the east came to Jerusalem and asked, “Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.” When King Herod heard […]

Send us a textForget the tinsel and crowns—let's meet the Magi where history lives. We sit down with Fr. Dwight Longenecker, author of The Mystery of the Magi, to rethink the famous journey to Bethlehem through the lenses of archaeology, geopolitics, and Scripture. Instead of mystical monarchs following a neon star, we explore a compelling alternative: Nabataean court advisors—astrologers and diplomats—from Petra, navigating trade routes, Roman power, and Herod's volatile court.We dig into why Matthew includes the Magi while Luke doesn't, and how reading the Bible with historical context can strip away later legends without losing wonder. Fr. Longenecker maps the power players of the era—Rome, Herod the Great, and the Nabataeans—and explains how Aretas IV's shaky throne and dependence on Roman goodwill could have sparked a diplomatic mission to Judea. The gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh move from pure symbolism to economic fingerprints of Arabian trade, pointing to a real origin and a recognizable protocol of royal homage.And the star? We weigh leading theories: supernatural sign, astrological reading, or rare astronomical event. Rather than a celestial spotlight dragging caravans across dunes, Matthew suggests discerning signs that prompt a journey to Jerusalem and then to Bethlehem. Along the way, we call out Gnostic embellishments—like the “burning baby in the sky”—and return to a leaner, stronger account where faith and reason meet. If you care about biblical history, Epiphany, or how ancient trade networks intersected with theology, this conversation brings the Nativity's most enigmatic visitors into crisp focus.If the reframe sparks your curiosity, follow the show, share this episode with a friend who loves history, and leave a review with your take on who the Magi really were.

Send us a textIn this episode, Pastor Dom teaches us what Christmas is all about. Luke 2:1-201 In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. 2 (This was the first census that took place while[a] Quirinius was governor of Syria.) 3 And everyone went to their own town to register.4 So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. 5 He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. 6 While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, 7 and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them. 8 And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. 9 An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. 10 But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. 11 Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. 12 This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.” 13 Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, 14 “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.” 15 When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let's go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.” 16 So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. 17 When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, 18 and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. 19 But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. 20 The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told.Matthew 1:2323 “Behold, the virgin shall be with child, and bear a Son, and they shall call His name Immanuel,” which is translated, “God with us.”John 10:1010“ … I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.”I Corinthians 15:33 “…that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures,”John 3:1616““For this is how God loved the world: He gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life.”John 3:1717 “God sent his Son into the world not to judge the world, but to save the world through him.”Romans 10:9-109 that if you confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved; 10 for with the heart a person believes, resulting in righteousness, and with the mouth he confesses, resulting in salvation.Psalm 119:105105 Your word is a lamp to my feet And a light to my path.John 8:1212 …“I am the light of the world.Matthew 5:1414 “You are the light of the world…

“Have Astronomers Found the True ‘Star of Bethlehem'?”  That provocative question was the title of an article that came out last month in Scientific American. It's an interesting inquiry – and one that receives a lot of attention at this time of year.  Tomorrow is the Festival of the Epiphany.  It's that day in the Church Year when we hear about the arrival of the Wisemen, the Magi from the East. Matthew has the answer to this question! And you'll be delighted as the Magi to hear it.

The Christmas story contains a dramatic cosmic battle that most people miss beneath the familiar nativity scenes. When Jesus was born, an invisible war was raging between God and Satan, with the infant Christ as the primary target. Herod's massacre of innocent children in Bethlehem wasn't merely the act of a paranoid king, but Satan's desperate attempt to destroy God's redemptive plan before it could unfold. Revelation 12 provides the behind-the-scenes perspective, showing a great red dragon positioned to devour the child as soon as He was born. This battle didn't begin in Bethlehem but traces back to Eden, where God first promised that the woman's offspring would crush the serpent's head. Throughout history, Satan has repeatedly tried to eliminate God's chosen line through figures like Cain, Pharaoh, and Haman, but Christmas marked the decisive invasion of God into enemy territory. God's perfect protection of Jesus demonstrates His sovereignty over even the most evil schemes. Joseph's immediate obedience to the angel's warning, fleeing to Egypt in the middle of the night, shows what faithful response looks like when we can't see the complete plan. We overcome in this ongoing spiritual battle through three key principles: confessing our need for Christ rather than denying our sinfulness, holding firmly to our testimony regardless of opposition, and understanding the Incarnation as God's necessary intervention in a world at war. Christmas isn't just a celebration but a confession that we desperately need the Savior who invaded our broken world to win the ultimate victory.

This Sunday we gather to celebrate Epiphany. It is traditionally a time to tell the story of the Magi who travelled from the East to see Jesus and offer valuable gifts. Though the magi are the main characters in this ancient story, Herod looms large in the background, driving the narrative, directing the movement of the magi, and also the migration of the holy family away from Bethlehem. In this final week of our series Insisting on Hope, we will attempt to place ourselves in the story and set some intentions for the year ahead. Will we be moved by fear or moved by love? Link to Livestream: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NXH9CTJP2E4⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Link to Start of Sermon: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NXH9CTJP2E4&t=1989sIf you are new to our faith community and are interested in learning more, please go to ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Welcome to First Congo Online - First Congregational Church of Western Springs

CLICK HERE FOR VIDEO to this reflectionMatthew 2: 1-12The Magi Visit the Messiah2 After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi[a] from the east came to Jerusalem 2 and asked, “Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.”3 When King Herod heard this he was disturbed, and all Jerusalem with him. 4 When he had called together all the people's chief priests and teachers of the law, he asked them where the Messiah was to be born. 5 “In Bethlehem in Judea,” they replied, “for this is what the prophet has written:6 “‘But you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah,    are by no means least among the rulers of Judah;for out of you will come a ruler    who will shepherd my people Israel.'[b]”7 Then Herod called the Magi secretly and found out from them the exact time the star had appeared. 8 He sent them to Bethlehem and said, “Go and search carefully for the child. As soon as you find him, report to me, so that I too may go and worship him.”9 After they had heard the king, they went on their way, and the star they had seen when it rose went ahead of them until it stopped over the place where the child was. 10 When they saw the star, they were overjoyed. 11 On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh. 12 And having been warned in a dream not to go back to Herod, they returned to their country by another route.

Then Herod, when he saw that he had been tricked by the wise men, became furious, and he sent and killed all the male children in Bethlehem and in all that region who were two years old or under, according to the time that he had ascertained from the wise men. (Matthew 2:16)

Friends of the Rosary,Today, the Catholic Church celebrates the Solemnity of the Epiphany of the Lord, the manifestation of our Lord to the Gentile nations, after it is made known to the shepherds of Bethlehem and revealed to the Magi who have come from the East to adore and offer Him gifts.Epiphany means manifestation. It's the revelation of the Messiah as the light of the nations. It's an affirmation of our universal salvation.In the adoration of the Magi — the wise men reaching Bethlehem, completing the nativity scene —  we see the beginnings of Christian faith. As they find the Child, the newly-born king of the Jews, with Mary, His Mother, they all prostrate and adore Him.This feast is celebrated either on January 6 or, at the episcopal conference's discretion, on the Sunday between January 2 and January 8.This solemnity is a large celebration, especially in Spanish-speaking countries.Ave MariaCome, Holy Spirit, come!To Jesus through Mary!Here I am, Lord; I come to do your will.Please give us the grace to respond with joy!+ Mikel Amigot w/ María Blanca | RosaryNetwork.com, New YorkEnhance your faith with the new Holy Rosary University app:Apple iOS | New! Android Google Play• January 4, 2026, Today's Rosary on YouTube | Daily broadcast at 7:30 pm ET

The great act of love and humiliation that Our Lord took on by being born in a cave in Bethlehem will continue with his submission to circumcision on the eighth day.

The great act of love and humiliation that Our Lord took on by being born in a cave in Bethlehem will continue with his submission to circumcision on the eighth day.

Welcome to the Christmas series! Joseph and Mary embark on a treacherous journey to Bethlehem. Joseph struggles to keep up his strength, and Mary makes a mistake that may cost them the entire journey.  Sign up for special devotionals at StoriesoftheMessiah.com. As we dive deeply into iconic Bible heroes' enthralling narratives, we find more than just stories of faith and miracles. We discover a recurrent theme, a spiritual undertone that connects each tale to the grandeur of the Gospel. They're not just standalone legends; they're threads in a divine tapestry, weaving a story that foreshadows Jesus Christ, the ultimate hero, the promised Messiah who brings light to the darkest corners of history. For more Bible stories download the Pray.com app.  To learn more about Rabbi Schneider visit https://discoveringthejewishjesus.com/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Motion Church Podcast Introduction “A Christmas Story” — Christmas Eve Service Welcome to the Motion Church Podcast — and Merry Christmas! Tonight we gather for a very special Christmas Eve service titled “A Christmas Story.” In the middle of the busy holiday season, we pause to remember the story that changed everything — the story of God stepping into our world in the most unexpected and beautiful way. Christmas is not just about lights, gifts, or tradition — it is about hope arriving, peace being offered, and love taking on flesh in the person of Jesus. The baby born in Bethlehem is still the Savior who brings light into darkness and joy into weary hearts. So whether you're with family, traveling, or listening quietly on your own, we invite you to lean in, reflect, and celebrate the greatest gift ever given. This is “A Christmas Story” — our Christmas Eve service at Motion Church.

Send us a textWe trace Epiphany from prophecy to pilgrimage, showing how Christ's light moves from Bethlehem to the altar and into the lives of saints. From the Magi to Brother André, we call listeners to worship, mercy, and mission with concrete ways to live the feast.• meaning of Epiphany as manifestation and mission• Isaiah's prophecy fulfilled in Matthew's Magi• symbolism of gold, frankincense and myrrh• saints as living epiphanies across the ages• Eucharistic typology of the Star of Bethlehem• Saint Balthazar's courage and patronage• Chrysostom's call to worship and sacrifice• Saint Raymond's mercy and the sacrament of confession• Brother André's humility and healings in Montreal• global customs that carry Epiphany into homes• invitation to holiness, unity and bold witnessBe sure to click the link in the description for special news item, and since there is more to this article, finish reading and check out the special offerVisit Journeysoffaith.com website todayThe Epiphany CollectionOpen by Steve Bailey Support the showJourneys of Faith brings your Super Saints Podcasts ***Our Core Beliefs*** The Eucharist is the Source and Summit of our Faith." Catechism 132 Click Here “This is the will of God, your sanctification.” 1Thessalonians 4“ Click Here ... lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven...” Matthew 6:19-2 Click Here The Goal is Heaven Click Here Please consider subscribing to this podcast or making a donation to Journeys of Faith we are actively increasing our reach and we are seeing good results for visitors under 40! Help us Grow! Buy Me a cup of Coffee Why you should shop here at Journeys of Faith official site! Lowest Prices and Higher discounts...

When we come to that metaphysical manger in our internal Bethlehem on Christmas and relight that spiritual fire, a key question arises: How can we keep the fire going? “For many of us things can get dusty, musty, and rusty pretty quickly,” Rev. Rick notes. But through our powers of zeal, love, and flowing in divine order we can keep that fire alive, he adds. Spiritual Life Center is an Interfaith, Unity community located in Sacramento, California for spiritual seekers and life explorers. We honor the many paths to God and support people of all faiths in learning and applying positive spiritual principles in their daily lives. Follow SLC on Instagram @spiritual.life.center and on Facebook at facebook.com/SpiritualLifeCenter.  

In New Thought it is often said that Christmas is about the rebirth of the Christ Spirit (or Buddha nature, Divine Spark, etc.) inside of us. The powers of imagination, faith, and will play key roles in this essential process. Join Rev. Rick as we continue our metaphysical trip to Bethlehem. Spiritual Life Center is an Interfaith, Unity community located in Sacramento, California for spiritual seekers and life explorers. We honor the many paths to God and support people of all faiths in learning and applying positive spiritual principles in their daily lives. Follow SLC on Instagram @spiritual.life.center and on Facebook at facebook.com/SpiritualLifeCenter.

Speaker: Luke BrandonScripture: Matthew 2:13-23Episode Overview:Matthew 2:13–23 reveals a tension we all feel: God is sovereign over history, yet human beings are fully responsible for how they respond to Him. In the flight to Egypt, the massacre in Bethlehem, and the quiet obedience of Joseph, Matthew shows that God's redemptive plan moves forward even through suffering, fear, and apparent chaos. This passage invites us to see beyond immediate circumstances and trust that God is faithfully working out His good purposes—just as He did in preserving the life of His Son.Key Highlights:• God's sovereign plan unfolds through fulfilled prophecy, even in the midst of danger and displacement• Jesus as the true and better Son, reliving and fulfilling Israel's story through a new Exodus• Two radically different responses to God's authority: humble obedience and violent rebellion• The preservation of Christ as the foundation of our hope, righteousness, and salvation• The goodness of God revealed in His willingness to enter human suffering and insignificanceCall to Action:Consider how you are responding to God's authority in your own life. Where He calls you to trust and obey without full clarity, ask for the grace to submit your plans to His greater purpose. Rest in the truth that the God who governs history is also good, personal, and deeply attentive to your life—working even hardship toward redemption.Redeemer Church211 Northshore Dr. Bellingham, WA 98226www.redeemernw.org

Journeying with the Magi to Bethlehem

Steve, David, Hannah, Jimmy, Matthew. and Francesco give Ralph a well-deserved break and highlight some of the clips they want to revisit from another challenging, inspiring, fascinating, infuriating, and galvanizing year. Featuring interviews with Chris Hedges, Jon Merryman, Mike German, and more.Featured ClipsDouglas Brinkley — The Legacy of Jimmy Carter (January 11, 2025)Chris Hedges — A Genocide Foretold/ World BEYOND War (March 29, 2025)Peter Beinart — Being Jewish After the Destruction of Gaza (March 15, 2025)John Bonifaz — Impeach Trump!... Again (August 30, 2025)Mike German — Policing White Supremacy (March 8, 2025)Stephen Witt — The AI Prompt That Could End the World (November 8, 2025)Jon Merryman — Trading Life For Death (July 12, 2025)News 1/2/26* Our top story this week is of course the news that the CIA has conducted a drone strike inside the sovereign borders of Venezuela. CNN reports U.S. Special Operations Forces provided intelligence support for this strike, though spec-ops leadership denies this claim. Unsurprisingly, the CIA itself declined to comment. Earlier this month, self-styled Secretary of War Pete Hegseth compared Venezuelan “narcoterrorists,” to Al-Qaeda, indicating that the U.S. plans to use the same counterterrorism playbook that they deployed in the Middle East in Latin America. This, of course, begs the question of whether the United States is willing to reckon with creating a miniature Iraq or Afghanistan so close to home.* Giving the game away, Mike Pompeo – who served as Trump's Secretary of State from 2018 to 2021, told Fox News that the U.S. “can help rebuild…their oil sector,” and that, following a successful ouster of President Nicolás Maduro, American energy companies like Halliburton and Chevron would be able to “go down to Venezuela, [and] build out an economic capitalist model.” This from CBS Austin. President Trump has certainly not been subtle about his designs on Venezuela's oil, but this naked salivation over handing the country's fossil fuel deposits over to Halliburton is another eerie re-rerun of Iraq.* In more news from Latin America, ABC reports workers in Bolivia have declared a general strike to protest the new neoliberal government's announcement that they would scrap longstanding fuel subsidies in the impoverished nation. The fuel subsidies were first introduced under the Leftist government of Evo Morales nearly twenty years ago and have been maintained ever since; President Rodrigo Paz, who took office in November, marks the first non-leftist government elected in the country since 2006. The strike was called by Bolivia's powerful Central Union of Workers, but so far has largely been led by miners with other sectors, such as transportation workers, appearing more hesitant. When united, organized labor in Bolivia has delivered stunning victories in the past, but it remains to be seen how this strike will unfold.* In more foreign policy news, Israel has become the first country to formally recognize the East African breakaway state of Somaliland. Many question why Israel is making this decision at all and particularly why they are doing so at this moment; speculation abounds about a potential quid pro quo, with Israel extending recognition in exchange for Somaliland agreeing to accept Palestinians pushed out of Gaza. Somalia is currently a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council. In a statement with other non-permanent council members Algeria, Guyana and Sierra Leone, Somalia's UN Ambassador Abukar Dahir Osman said Somalia, “unequivocally reject any steps aimed at advancing this objective, including any attempt by Israel to relocate the Palestinian population from Gaza to the northwestern region of Somalia.” This from Reuters.* In more Israel-Palestine news, American Jewish activist Cameron Kasky – a survivor of the 2018 Marjory Stoneman Douglas high school shooting currently running in the primary to succeed Rep. Jerrold Nadler in New York's 12th congressional district – took the unprecedented step of visiting Palestine over the holidays to see the “reality on the ground.” He spent Christmas at a “peace march in Bethlehem calling for an end to the genocide in Gaza,” and issued a statement on the need to “end the settlements that violate international law and stop encouraging New Yorkers to move there,” in a social media post that garnered nearly 2 million views. Kasky is seeking to consolidate progressive support in this crowded primary, which pits him against Kennedy scion Jack Schlossberg, among many others.* Turning to domestic news, lawmakers in the House and Senate are considering their options to force Attorney General Pam Bondi to release the totality of the documents related to the late convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. Among these are two tools often cited by Ralph Nader and Bruce Fein but rarely invoked by Congress: inherent contempt and impeachment. Per NBC, Representative Thomas Massie said “The quickest way, and…most expeditious way, to get justice for these victims is to bring inherent contempt against Pam Bondi,” with Congressman Ro Khanna adding that the lawmakers are “building a bipartisan coalition, and it would fine Pam Bondi for every day that she's not releasing these documents.” Meanwhile, Newsweek reports Massie polled his followers and over 35,000 responded that Bondi should be impeached. However, no articles of impeachment against Bondi have yet been filed. It remains to be seen whether Congress will actually use the immense power vested in the body by the Constitution, or if these efforts will be stymied by the obsequious leadership of the Republican caucus.* Speaking of political party cowardice, this week the DNC announced that they would block the release of their own “autopsy” of what went wrong in the disastrous 2024 presidential election campaign. Writing in the Guardian, friend of the show Norman Solomon – director of RootsAction, executive director of the Institute for Public Accuracy – excoriated the party leadership for dodging hard questions such as “how much money went to insider consultants and advertising contractors as the Harris campaign managed to spend $1.5bn during the hallowed 107 days of her presidential campaign last year,” and the wisdom of “Harris continuing to toe the Biden line for huge arms shipments to Israel while its military continued to slaughter Palestinian civilians in Gaza.” More bluntly, an anonymous DNC member quoted in this piece said the decision to block the autopsy is, “about protecting people who fucked up.” RootsAction has released their own autopsy, which pulls no punches.* Our next two stories have to do with online gambling. First, in an address to mayors from across Italy this week, Pope Leo XIV denounced the “scourge of gambling,” which has “ruined many families,” and characterized the issue as a form of “loneliness.” He warned of a litany of other forms of loneliness as well, including “mental disorders, depression, cultural and spiritual poverty, and social abandonment,” according to the Catholic News Agency. Pope Leo cited a report from Caritas showing a surge in gambling across Italy, though this phenomenon is by no means constrained to the country. In the U.S., study after study shows Americans engaging in gambling at unprecedented levels. For example, a 2025 National Institutes of Health study showed 61.3% of adults in North America reported gambling within the past 12 months.* Meanwhile, USA Today reports Drake has been hit with a RICO lawsuit for “promoting an illegal online casino while using proceeds from the site to artificially inflate streams of his music.” This lawsuit, which also names streamers Adin Ross and George Nguyen, centers around Stake.us, which, the suit alleges “was created to bypass restrictions after Stake.com was banned from operating everywhere in the U.S.” As this piece explains, Stake claims that it does not allow gambling with real money in order to evade regulations, but in fact uses stand-ins like “Stake Cash” which can be exchanged for real currency. Drake and Ross were “paid to promote the platform by participating in livestreamed gambling with cash ‘surreptitiously' provided by Stake.” In turn, Drake is accused of using the illicit funds to “[deploy] automated bots and streaming farms to artificially inflate play counts of his music across major platforms, such as Spotify,” as part of his feud with fellow rapper Kendrick Lamar. If nothing else, this story shows how ubiquitous online gambling has become, infecting all facets and all levels of popular culture.* Finally, for some good news, New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani was sworn in at midnight on New Years Eve. Mamdani took the oath of office in the decommissioned subway station underneath City Hall, in a small ceremony, followed by a large public inauguration on New Years Day. In his Executive Order 01, Mamdani officially rescinded “All Executive Orders issued on or after September 26, 2024,” otherwise known as the date of outgoing Mayor Eric Adams' indictment on charges of corruption. These now-rescinded executive orders included officially adopting the IHRA definition of antisemitism, a definition which includes antizionism, and other pro-Israel actions. That said, Mamdani explicitly stated he will retain an order establishing a Mayor's Office to Combat Antisemitism. Others include an order allowing Immigration and Customs Enforcement to operate on Riker's Island, and a blanket ban on the city's horse carriage industry. The New York Daily News notes “Mamdani has voiced support for banning the industry, but says he first wants to engage in dialogue with the union advocating for carriage drivers.” All in all, this marks the beginning of a new chapter in the history of America's largest city. We wish the city, and the mayor, good luck.This has been Francesco DeSantis, with In Case You Haven't Heard. Get full access to Ralph Nader Radio Hour at www.ralphnaderradiohour.com/subscribe

Read OnlineWhen Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea, in the days of King Herod, behold, magi from the east arrived in Jerusalem, saying, “Where is the newborn king of the Jews? We saw his star at its rising and have come to do him homage.” When King Herod heard this, he was greatly troubled, and all Jerusalem with him. Matthew 2:1–3Why did God use a star to reveal the birth of the King of Kings to foreigners from the East? To Mary, Joseph, and even the shepherds, God sent an angel to announce the Good News. But to the Magi, He chose to use a medium they understood—a star.The Magi, originally a priestly caste from Persia, were skilled in astrology, astronomy, dream interpretation, and other forms of wisdom and divination. The three Magi mentioned in Matthew's Gospel were clearly experts in astrology, carefully studying the night sky. On the night of Christ's birth, they made an extraordinary discovery: a new star had appeared in the sky. They knew it was a sign of great significance. According to their beliefs, the appearance of a new star heralded the birth of a new king.This star was not just a celestial phenomenon; it symbolized the light of Christ breaking into the world, guiding all nations—Jew and Gentile alike—toward the Savior. Just as God drew humble Jewish shepherds to the newborn King, He also drew representatives of the Gentiles to adore Him, for Jesus came to save all of humanity.The divine initiative to include the Gentiles was not a new concept but a fulfillment of a promise made to Abraham: “All the families of the earth will find blessing in you” (Genesis 12:3). The prophets and Psalms echo this theme, emphasizing that all nations will come to the Lord (see Isaiah 2:2-4; Psalm 67). In Jesus' public ministry, we see His outreach to the Gentiles, a mission that continued in the early Church, as recorded in the Acts of the Apostles. At the time of Jesus' birth, however, the Jewish emphasis was primarily on being the chosen people. The story of the Epiphany reveals God's universal call to holiness from the very beginning of Jesus' life, establishing that His mission was for all people, not just for Israel.Because of this universal call to holiness, we who believe in Christ and live our Catholic faith must avoid becoming isolated or insular, creating a small, self-contained world. Instead, we are called to live our faith in a way that is welcoming to all and engaged with the broader world, reflecting the universal mission of the Church. Being Catholic is not merely a cultural heritage; it is the spiritual means of eternal salvation that everyone needs. The word “epiphany” means “manifestation,” and Christ must be made manifest to all, becoming the King of every soul.As we celebrate the Epiphany, be open to the ways God might want to use you to share the light of faith with those who are not yet faithful Catholics. We must be like the star of Bethlehem, drawing others to Christ in ways they can understand and accept. This is best accomplished when we place ourselves at God's service, ready to be used as instruments of His grace. God alone knows how to draw all people to Himself, and when we offer ourselves to His service, He will inspire us and use us to be that shining light, guiding others out of darkness and into His marvelous light. My Lord and Light of the World, You desire to shine brightly for all to see, so that all may be drawn to You, the one and only Savior of all. Please use me as You will, to be like that star over Bethlehem. Give me wisdom, love, and courage to shine brightly, radiating Your light for all to see. Jesus, I trust in You.Image: Sailko, CC BY 3.0, via Wikimedia CommonsSource of content: catholic-daily-reflections.comCopyright © 2026 My Catholic Life! Inc. All rights reserved. Used with permission via RSS feed.

The Magi follow the light of a star to reach Bethlehem and worship Christ.  We too must be aware of the lights that God sends us to bring us closer to Jesus.  These lights vary in nature and appearance.  To be constant in following the light that is Christ, we also need to be aware of other lights that could lead us away from Him. To contact us, please write to comeawaybyyourselves@gmail.com.  Please rate and review Come Away by Yourselves wherever you listen to podcasts. 

Welcome to the Christmas series! Caesar's decree for a nationwide census couldn't come at a worse time for Mary and Joseph. But perhaps this journey to Bethlehem is exactly what God planned all along.  Sign up for special devotionals at StoriesoftheMessiah.com. As we dive deeply into iconic Bible heroes' enthralling narratives, we find more than just stories of faith and miracles. We discover a recurrent theme, a spiritual undertone that connects each tale to the grandeur of the Gospel. They're not just standalone legends; they're threads in a divine tapestry, weaving a story that foreshadows Jesus Christ, the ultimate hero, the promised Messiah who brings light to the darkest corners of history. For more Bible stories download the Pray.com app.  To learn more about Rabbi Schneider visit https://discoveringthejewishjesus.com/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

(Matthew 2:1,13,23) The all-wise Father chose three places to connect His Son's early years - Bethlehem, Egypt, and Nazareth. In this study we find out why...and what they mean to us. (10002260102) Join our study through Scripture this year. Find resources for every book of the Bible at enjoyingthejourney.org/journey-through-scripture/ Whether you're a new believer or have walked with the Lord for years, you'll find thousands of free devotionals, Bible studies, audio series, and Scripture tools designed to strengthen your faith, deepen your understanding of the Bible, and help you stay rooted in the Word of God. Explore now at EnjoyingTheJourney.org. Extend the Work Enjoying the Journey provides every resource for free worldwide. If you would like to help extend this Bible teaching, you may give at enjoyingthejourney.org/donations/

Welcome to the SSPX Podcast, and Happy New Year. This week, like last week, we're offering a special presentation on the podcast, bringing together a sermon and a reflection for the great feast of the Holy Name of Jesus. As we come to this Sunday in the traditional calendar, the Church invites us to linger over something very small in sound, yet immeasurable in meaning: the Holy Name of Jesus. This feast draws us back to the earliest days of Our Lord's life on earth, to the moment when His name was spoken and given according to the will of the Father. Before He preached, before He worked miracles, before He shed His blood on Calvary, He bore a name that already revealed His mission. In Sacred Scripture, names are never accidental. They express identity and calling. In the case of the Child born at Bethlehem, the name given to Him tells us exactly why He has come. Jesus means “God saves.” It is not a title He assumes later, but a truth present from the beginning. Even in His infancy, at His circumcision, He begins to fulfill what that name proclaims. The Church has always understood that this name is not merely to be spoken, but revered, invoked, and lived. The liturgy bows before it. The saints return to it again and again. They teach us that the Holy Name is light for the mind, strength for the will, and comfort for the wounded heart. It steadies the soul and recalls us to what matters most. Today's reflections draw from Scripture, from the Church's prayer, and from saints who loved this name deeply, especially Saint Bernard, whose words we will hear in full. Let us allow the Holy Name of Jesus to echo quietly within us, not as a sound alone, but as a saving presence. - - - - - - - We'd love your feedback on these Daily Devotionals! What do you like / not like, and what would you like us to add? podcast@sspx.org - - - - - - - Please Support this Apostolate with 1-time or Monthly Donation >> - - - - - - - Explore more: Subscribe to the email version of this Devotional- it's a perfect companion!Subscribe to this Podcastto receive this and all our audio episodesSubscribe to the SSPX YouTube channelfor video versions of our podcast series and SermonsFSSPX News Website:https://fsspx.newsVisit the US District website:https://sspx.org/ - - - - - What is the SSPX Podcast? The SSPX Podcast is produced by Angelus Press, which has as its mission the fortification of traditional Catholics so that they can defend the Faith, and reaching out to those who have not yet found Tradition.  https://sspx.org

As part of the eternal Trinity, what was the ministry of the Son of God before His birth in Bethlehem? Dr. Ron Rhodes, a respected Bible teacher, will explain the appearances and work of Christ from the beginning of time!Become a Parshall Partner: http://moodyradio.org/donateto/inthemarket/partnersSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Our world tells us that love should always be easy and stress-free, but is it possible that God's love for us—true love—could lead to disruption and discomfort? In this sermon, Pastor Allen Jackson discusses love, the theme of Advent's fourth week. We have a variety of mistaken notions about love, but we can go to God's Word to understand the truth about this topic. Pastor Allen teaches from three stories—humanity's fall in the Garden of Eden, Jesus' birth in Bethlehem, and Jesus' death on the cross—to show how our Lord's best for us can often look like boundaries, disappointment, and hardship. But through our obedience and by His love, God will faithfully transform us into something better.

Big things really can come in small packages. Dr. Tony Evans explores the birth of the baby Jesus and explains how the Child born in Bethlehem came not only to save—but to rule as King.

Big things really can come in small packages. Dr. Tony Evans explores the birth of the baby Jesus and explains how the Child born in Bethlehem came not only to save—but to rule as King.