Is the term "conservative movie" an oxymoron? Well, not to Don Feder who shares his Top Ten conservative flicks of 2005 right here.
By the way, Don Feder's excellent web site -- Cold Steel Caucus Report -- isn't set up to recieve links to specific stories. A connection simply takes you to the home page where Mr. Feder's current column is printed. On the left hand side, however, is an index to his others. So, if you use the link above in the next few days, you'll go directly to Don Feder's THE 10 BEST CONSERVATIVE MOVIES OF 2005. If you use the link a bit later though, it will lead to Mr. Feder's current column and you'll have to scan the index in order to find it.
Tuesday, January 03, 2006
Monday, January 02, 2006
The Latest (Non-Story) Muslim Terror Attack
You say you didn't catch the media coverage of the terror attack perpetrated by a Muslim at an Arizona Home Depot store?
Maybe because there wasn't any coverage.
But count on Debbie Schlussel to set the record straight. She has the story right here.
Maybe because there wasn't any coverage.
But count on Debbie Schlussel to set the record straight. She has the story right here.
New Year's Resolutions
Among the many columns wafting through cyberspace today that deal with New Year's resolutions, I draw your attention to a really good one by the incomparable Oliver North.
Prop 71 Still Inoperable
Once again, it is important to point out that California's Prop 71 is not yet a "done deal." Prop 71 was sold to the public as a necessary path of research to the cure of many diseases. However, by law its billions of dollars can only go towards research that utilizes embryonic stem cells, even though such experimentation 1) kills human beings; and 2) shows little or no promise for curing anything! Congratulations then are in order for that coalition of groups and individuals who have thus far kept Prop 71 from being enacted. And prayers are in order that their uphill fight be ultimately successful.
Click on the title of this post for a quick update from Jennifer Lahl's blog, The Human Future.
Click on the title of this post for a quick update from Jennifer Lahl's blog, The Human Future.
Saturday, December 31, 2005
Predictions!
What will the New Year bring? No need to wait and see; here's the stories before they happen...courtesy of the wise and witty wags over at NRO.
Taxpayers Air Grievances to Celebrate "Festivus"
Citizens Against Government Waste is noting that 2005 has been a banner year for pork barrel projects, proving once again the sheer poppycock that the political party in control of the White House and both houses of Congress is fiscally conservative. Check out this quick report here.
Barbie Cleared of Charges
It seems the fashionably feminist view that blames the Barbie doll for a whole host of self-esteem problems in modern women doesn't have much of a factual basis. But why let truth stand in the way of good propaganda? Here's an interesting report from the Live Science web site, a source of info and commentary that is anything but conservative.
Friday, December 30, 2005
"Train Up a Child" -- Some Thoughts on James Dungy's Suicide
"Train up a child in the way he should go and when he is old he will not depart from it." That's Proverbs 22:6 (KJV). But many have misunderstood this verse to be some kind of a "character guarantee", one that absolutely demands a certain outcome if the first conditions are met. But there is no such promise inherent in this verse. By exegetical definition, a proverb is a general truth, a wise evaluation of how life usually works. But not always. Free will is a fact of life -- for those raised right and those raised wrong.
A better understanding of the principle of Proverbs 22:6 would encourage parents to go all out in providing love, biblical instruction, and examples of holy living to their children. But it would not interpret the verse as a mathematical certainty. And thus it would remove a great deal of anguish, confusion and blame (blame directed at God Himself, among others) that so often results when a child does "depart" from the ethics and values established by godly parents.
Dennis Prager has a handle on this principle and he writes with great compassion about the suicide of James Dungy in this Town Hall column. In doing so, Mr. Prager can help ease the false guilt of many other parents. It is a very good piece.
A better understanding of the principle of Proverbs 22:6 would encourage parents to go all out in providing love, biblical instruction, and examples of holy living to their children. But it would not interpret the verse as a mathematical certainty. And thus it would remove a great deal of anguish, confusion and blame (blame directed at God Himself, among others) that so often results when a child does "depart" from the ethics and values established by godly parents.
Dennis Prager has a handle on this principle and he writes with great compassion about the suicide of James Dungy in this Town Hall column. In doing so, Mr. Prager can help ease the false guilt of many other parents. It is a very good piece.
King Kong: A Throwback of the Best Sort
Don Feder's take on the new King Kong film is almost enough incentive for me to do the rare thing of actually going out to see a flick.
Almost.
Almost.
Kwanzaa Kraziness
George Bush disappointed many with his weak-willed Christmas card. But his remarks seeking to legitimize Kwanzaa are even worse. Here's the lowdown on this faux holiday from none other than Ann Coulter.
The "Idiotarian" Tilt of the New York Times
Michelle Malkin's column describes just a bit of the Times anti-American antics from the dwindling year. And the new term, "idiotarian" (coined first by Little Green Footballs and Pajamas Media) is more than deserved.
Major Malpractice Judgment Against Mississippi Abortionist
It is long past time that abortionists be targeted by the trial attorneys. After all, the cost of malpractice insurance has driven many legitimate doctors from the field, doctors whose records are far, far better than the horrific rates of death and damage done by abortion practitioners. So, let this be one of our New Year's prayers -- that many more of these suits be filed, won and highly publicized.
Wednesday, December 28, 2005
NBC's Most Egregious Blasphemy Yet
You may have already been shocked by commercials touting the new NBC series, The Book of Daniel, but I'm afraid it is worse even than what you might think. From the American Family Association, an organization who has demonstrated a record of accuracy and balance, comes this alert...
On January 6, NBC will begin a new series entitled The Book of Daniel.
While the public has not seen the program, NBC is promoting "The Book of Daniel" as a serious drama about Christian people and the Christian faith. The main character is Daniel Webster, a drug-addicted Episcopal priest whose wife depends heavily on her mid-day martinis.
Webster regularly sees and talks with a very unconventional white-robed, bearded Jesus. The Webster family is rounded out by a 23-year-old homosexual Republican son, a 16-year-old daughter who is a drug dealer, and a 16-year-old adopted son who is having sex with the bishop's daughter. At the office, his lesbian secretary is sleeping with his sister-in-law.
NBC and the mainstream media call it "edgy," "challenging" and "courageous." The series is written by Jack Kenny, a practicing homosexual who describes himself as being "in Catholic recovery," and is interested in Buddhist teachings about reincarnation and isn't sure exactly how he defines God and/or Jesus. "I don't necessarily know that all the myth surrounding him (Jesus) is true," he said.
NBC considers The Book of Daniel a positive portrayal of Christ and Christians.
Bothered? You should be.
Bothered enough to take action? Have at it.
Bob Wright, Chairman
NBC
30 Rockefeller Plaza
New York, NY 10112
Primary Phone: 212-664-4444
Fax: 212-489-7592
E-Mail: Bob Wright, NBC
You can even use AFA's own e-mail form by clicking here.
Just as important, however, is letting your firm protest be made to local NBC affiliates. Let them know they must take the heat for the decision to air this extremely offensive program. Here in Nebraska you can contact the following:
Omaha: WOWT
3501 Farnam St.
Omaha, NE
68131
http://www.wowt.com
Hastings: KHAS-TV
6475 Osborne Dr. West
Hastings, NE
68901
North Platte: KNOP-TV
N. Highway 83
North Platte, NE
69101
On January 6, NBC will begin a new series entitled The Book of Daniel.
While the public has not seen the program, NBC is promoting "The Book of Daniel" as a serious drama about Christian people and the Christian faith. The main character is Daniel Webster, a drug-addicted Episcopal priest whose wife depends heavily on her mid-day martinis.
Webster regularly sees and talks with a very unconventional white-robed, bearded Jesus. The Webster family is rounded out by a 23-year-old homosexual Republican son, a 16-year-old daughter who is a drug dealer, and a 16-year-old adopted son who is having sex with the bishop's daughter. At the office, his lesbian secretary is sleeping with his sister-in-law.
NBC and the mainstream media call it "edgy," "challenging" and "courageous." The series is written by Jack Kenny, a practicing homosexual who describes himself as being "in Catholic recovery," and is interested in Buddhist teachings about reincarnation and isn't sure exactly how he defines God and/or Jesus. "I don't necessarily know that all the myth surrounding him (Jesus) is true," he said.
NBC considers The Book of Daniel a positive portrayal of Christ and Christians.
Bothered? You should be.
Bothered enough to take action? Have at it.
Bob Wright, Chairman
NBC
30 Rockefeller Plaza
New York, NY 10112
Primary Phone: 212-664-4444
Fax: 212-489-7592
E-Mail: Bob Wright, NBC
You can even use AFA's own e-mail form by clicking here.
Just as important, however, is letting your firm protest be made to local NBC affiliates. Let them know they must take the heat for the decision to air this extremely offensive program. Here in Nebraska you can contact the following:
Omaha: WOWT
3501 Farnam St.
Omaha, NE
68131
http://www.wowt.com
Hastings: KHAS-TV
6475 Osborne Dr. West
Hastings, NE
68901
North Platte: KNOP-TV
N. Highway 83
North Platte, NE
69101
Gas Attacks in St. Petersburg Stores Caused by Rivals
At least 66 Christmas shoppers (Russia celebrates Christmas on January 6th) were hospitalized and 78 others required medical attention after being poisoned by gas on December 26th at two home-improvement stores in St. Petersburg. Homemade devices containing capsules of a gas identified as mercaptan were planted in three "Maxidom" stores but only at two of the sites was the gas released. However, police discovered other suspicious boxes at two more stores in the chain located in other districts of St. Petersburg.
The gas bombs were first thought to be acts of terrorism created by Chechnyan separatists but now authorities are pointing to a "commercial dispute." An Interior Ministry official was quoted, "Competition is the most probable version of the incidents." Competition, huh? Oh, for the good old days when Soviet Communism prohibited capitalistic competition altogether. They didn't have gas bombs to bother consumers back then.
Of course, they didn't have home-improvement stores, Christmas shopping, or a press that was allowed to report bad news either.
The gas bombs were first thought to be acts of terrorism created by Chechnyan separatists but now authorities are pointing to a "commercial dispute." An Interior Ministry official was quoted, "Competition is the most probable version of the incidents." Competition, huh? Oh, for the good old days when Soviet Communism prohibited capitalistic competition altogether. They didn't have gas bombs to bother consumers back then.
Of course, they didn't have home-improvement stores, Christmas shopping, or a press that was allowed to report bad news either.
Intelligent Design Decision Could Lead to Intelligent Choices
The recent decision in the Dover, Pennsylvania case rejecting the teaching of intelligent design can be a blessing in disguise, argues Cal Thomas, if it 1) awakens Christians to the folly of trying to "baptize" the secular culture; and 2) motivates parents to get their kids out of a government school system that is intellectually poor, dangerous and aggresively hostile to religious faith! Read the column right here.
The Death Boat: Euthanasia Advocates Hit the High Seas
From LifeNews.com...
The assisted suicide advocate who was Michael Schiavo's lead attorney during the legal battles with Terri Schiavo's parents will be heading up a "euthanasia cruise" during the first week of January. Doctors and attorneys who participate in the Caribbean cruise can earn continuing education credits by learning more about the medical and legal tactics that can be employed to end patients' lives. Felos will be one of two faculty members leading a program called the "Advance Directives/End-of-Life Care and Neurology." Those participating in the five-day cruise will leave January 3 for the Bahamas. Continuing Education Inc., based in nearby St. Petersburg, Florida, is a company that offers courses on cruise ships. The target audience is doctors and attorneys and they can participate by paying anywhere from $350-$625.
It's not known how much Felos will make for his part in leading the courses, but this isn't the first time the Michael Schiavo attorney has financially capitalized on Terri's euthanasia death. Felos has been listed with Eagles Talent Connection Inc. of New Jersey, which represents speakers. For fees ranging from $10,000 to $15,000, organizations or businesses can bring Felos to events to hear Felos talk on the subject: "The Terri Schiavo Saga-From Family Fight to Constitutional Crisis."
The assisted suicide advocate who was Michael Schiavo's lead attorney during the legal battles with Terri Schiavo's parents will be heading up a "euthanasia cruise" during the first week of January. Doctors and attorneys who participate in the Caribbean cruise can earn continuing education credits by learning more about the medical and legal tactics that can be employed to end patients' lives. Felos will be one of two faculty members leading a program called the "Advance Directives/End-of-Life Care and Neurology." Those participating in the five-day cruise will leave January 3 for the Bahamas. Continuing Education Inc., based in nearby St. Petersburg, Florida, is a company that offers courses on cruise ships. The target audience is doctors and attorneys and they can participate by paying anywhere from $350-$625.
It's not known how much Felos will make for his part in leading the courses, but this isn't the first time the Michael Schiavo attorney has financially capitalized on Terri's euthanasia death. Felos has been listed with Eagles Talent Connection Inc. of New Jersey, which represents speakers. For fees ranging from $10,000 to $15,000, organizations or businesses can bring Felos to events to hear Felos talk on the subject: "The Terri Schiavo Saga-From Family Fight to Constitutional Crisis."
Tuesday, December 27, 2005
Cures for the Post-Holiday Blues
'Twas the day after Christmas and all through the house,
Mom was depressed and Dad felt like a louse.
The children were listless; they were having no fun.
Their Christmas had lacked magic and now it was done.
Sound familiar? If so, then you're facing that common and most perennial of problems: the dreaded "post-holiday blues." But hey; don't panic and don't despair. There are cures available.
Number one cure? Some post-holiday sadness is inevitable as in the case where loved ones who returned home for Christmas have now had to fly back to Detroit, or wherever. The tears in your eyes, which arise from looking at your empty dining room, are natural. There's not much for it except to be patient and to be grateful for the time you did have. Indeed, thanksgiving is a key part of this cure. Let the Lord know your appreciation for the blessing that family and friends have been in your life. Enjoy the memories and look forward to God's using you to be a blessing to your loved ones and to others He brings your way. Pray for peace in your soul; find comfort in the Scriptures and in service; and resolve to do what you can now do to keep in frequent contact with those who are now absent from your side.
Cure number two, however, deals more specifically with those whose Christmases weren't all they had hoped for. In such cases, the post-holiday blues usually come more from dashed hopes or misplaced affections. The cure here centers on a fresh discovery of the full meaning of Christmas itself. Remember your Dickens? Getting on with the "business of mankind" through kindness, loyalty, and hope was the way the converted Ebenezer Scrooge learned to keep Christmas all year long. No post-holiday blues for him. Even better examples are the magi who sought not a season or a specific holiday, but rather a living King to worship and serve. You and I can overcome the post-holiday blues by engaging in the great quest those wise men did. They recognized that it's not the day; it's the duty that's important -- the duty of correctly, consistently serving Jesus Christ.
Mom was depressed and Dad felt like a louse.
The children were listless; they were having no fun.
Their Christmas had lacked magic and now it was done.
Sound familiar? If so, then you're facing that common and most perennial of problems: the dreaded "post-holiday blues." But hey; don't panic and don't despair. There are cures available.
Number one cure? Some post-holiday sadness is inevitable as in the case where loved ones who returned home for Christmas have now had to fly back to Detroit, or wherever. The tears in your eyes, which arise from looking at your empty dining room, are natural. There's not much for it except to be patient and to be grateful for the time you did have. Indeed, thanksgiving is a key part of this cure. Let the Lord know your appreciation for the blessing that family and friends have been in your life. Enjoy the memories and look forward to God's using you to be a blessing to your loved ones and to others He brings your way. Pray for peace in your soul; find comfort in the Scriptures and in service; and resolve to do what you can now do to keep in frequent contact with those who are now absent from your side.
Cure number two, however, deals more specifically with those whose Christmases weren't all they had hoped for. In such cases, the post-holiday blues usually come more from dashed hopes or misplaced affections. The cure here centers on a fresh discovery of the full meaning of Christmas itself. Remember your Dickens? Getting on with the "business of mankind" through kindness, loyalty, and hope was the way the converted Ebenezer Scrooge learned to keep Christmas all year long. No post-holiday blues for him. Even better examples are the magi who sought not a season or a specific holiday, but rather a living King to worship and serve. You and I can overcome the post-holiday blues by engaging in the great quest those wise men did. They recognized that it's not the day; it's the duty that's important -- the duty of correctly, consistently serving Jesus Christ.
A Whole Season of Christmas -- Why 12 Days Are Much Better than One!
A timely essay from Denny & Claire's
Making the Most of Christmas...
Contrary to popular belief, the season of Christmas is not the period from Thanksgiving through December 25th. That idea comes more from modern advertisers and merchandise salesman – the "only so many shopping days 'til Christmas" folks. No, the true season of Christmas is not the period leading up to Christmas Day but rather the one leading from it! The Twelve Days of Christmas is much more than the title of a terribly redundant song; it suggests the way the Advent of our Lord should be rightly celebrated.
Claire and I believe that Christmas is just too big and beautiful to be contained in one day. We love December and its various anticipations of Christmas, but our real celebration starts rather than ends on December 25th. While so many are weighed down by the post-holiday blues, we're just getting underway! Interested in stretching your Christmas out to its fullest? Here are a few suggestions.
1) The enjoyment of Christmas movies, reading, music, and parties go on apace for Claire and me even after the 25th. This is an extremely helpful example for all those people who complain about how fast Christmas comes and goes. Take it easy! When you utilize the whole season (December and especially the 12 Days of Christmas proper), you'll see you'll have more time for Christmas priorities as well as its most pleasant diversions. Many who adopt this approach find that as they de-emphasize the one-day celebration (with its hectic stress on big dollar presents and big dinner preparations), they are much more able to enjoy family, contemplation, and the other more spiritual elements of Christmas.
2) The nobility of celebrating the entire season of Christmas is that it emphasizes "extending," over "spending." Our gift-giving goes a long way beyond Christmas Morning because we open presents each of the Twelve Days. Imagine how much fun that is! However, since we those years before we began this style of celebration, the costs of have actually gone down, not up. Why? Well, even though we are giving each other more gifts than ever before, we have become more creative and personal in our selection. We might still buy each other a couple of "pricey" gifts, but with a whole 12 Days to cover, we were forced to come up with other ideas. And those other ideas have proven to be delightful ways of coming together in the spirit of Christmas.
For example, now our Christmas gifts often involve performance and personal time. For instance, Claire opens an envelope on the Seventh Day of Christmas which contains a new recipe with a note declaring I'm fixing that particular dish for supper tonight. Or it might be a "day off" from housework, the addresses of three newly discovered websites I know she'll enjoy checking out, or just a promise of a leisurely car ride out in the country. As for my pleasure in gifts, it is centered on inexpensive thinga anyway like used books, used records, and...let's see; did I mention used books and records already? (I'm pretty easy to shop for!) Anyhow, the point is that whether you use twelve days or one day to celebrate Christmas, the gifts that matter most are ones that underscore things like time, creativity, and personal attention more than mere "stuff." For us, the extended approach was very helpful in pursuing the better things
3) Even within the Twelve Days of Christmas, Claire and I have a few special observances, especially St. Stephen's Day (December 26th) and the Feast of the Holy Innocents (December 28th). Activities for observing the former should certainly include reading the Acts passages relating to Stephen's selection as deacon, his sermon before the Council, and his martyrdom. It could also involve writing a letter or two to missionaries, witnessing to your Faith, or visiting a widow or someone else in need of encouragement. And Holy Innocents Day, of course, has an obvious significance for pro-life activists like us. It is an excellent time for spiritual exercises and public actions that promote the sanctity of life.
4) Another important element of our Christmas season is taking time to consider, pray about, and discuss our New Year's resolutions. Now, I know it's common for certain Christians to be critical of those who make New Year's resolutions. That's unfortunate and I assume it's because these critics believe that making resolutions equals a dependence upon one's own strength rather than God's grace. How wrong an idea. The fact is that making resolutions is quite certainly a biblical practice. Think for a moment about the Scripture's use of exhortational verbs like "reckon," "count it," "establish," "consider," "dedicate," "consecrate," "remember," "put aside," and many more. All refer to the prayerful making (and keeping) of resolutions to live godly. An evaluation of one's entire life is always in order as is a careful plan of action to be more effective as a "doer of the Word." After all, this is a key purpose of the Sabbath rest God instituted. So, why not use the Twelve Days to go deeper than usual in your spiritual analysis so that you can better serve the Savior in the year to come?
5) And finally, all things must come to their completion and the Christmas season is over for us when that Twelfth Night comes around. However, there's one more very important Christmas event for Claire and me...and often for a few of our friends too. That is our celebration of Epiphany on January 6th. Epiphany is the holiday when the manifestation of Jesus is celebrated in much of the world, the day when we remember the visit of the magi as well as the baptism of Jesus in the Jordan. It is also the gift-giving "Christmas" for much of the eastern world.
Claire and I use Epiphany as a way to close our Christmas season and we do so with a final Christmas party. Most significantly, we take time with our friends to wrap up the figures from our "main" nativity set, each person sharing a testimony or a prayer relating to each nativity figure. It is always a very moving time of fellowship.
So, there you go – a few ideas from our house to yours about how Christmas can be extended in time ---- and elevated in spirit as well.
Making the Most of Christmas...
Contrary to popular belief, the season of Christmas is not the period from Thanksgiving through December 25th. That idea comes more from modern advertisers and merchandise salesman – the "only so many shopping days 'til Christmas" folks. No, the true season of Christmas is not the period leading up to Christmas Day but rather the one leading from it! The Twelve Days of Christmas is much more than the title of a terribly redundant song; it suggests the way the Advent of our Lord should be rightly celebrated.
Claire and I believe that Christmas is just too big and beautiful to be contained in one day. We love December and its various anticipations of Christmas, but our real celebration starts rather than ends on December 25th. While so many are weighed down by the post-holiday blues, we're just getting underway! Interested in stretching your Christmas out to its fullest? Here are a few suggestions.
1) The enjoyment of Christmas movies, reading, music, and parties go on apace for Claire and me even after the 25th. This is an extremely helpful example for all those people who complain about how fast Christmas comes and goes. Take it easy! When you utilize the whole season (December and especially the 12 Days of Christmas proper), you'll see you'll have more time for Christmas priorities as well as its most pleasant diversions. Many who adopt this approach find that as they de-emphasize the one-day celebration (with its hectic stress on big dollar presents and big dinner preparations), they are much more able to enjoy family, contemplation, and the other more spiritual elements of Christmas.
2) The nobility of celebrating the entire season of Christmas is that it emphasizes "extending," over "spending." Our gift-giving goes a long way beyond Christmas Morning because we open presents each of the Twelve Days. Imagine how much fun that is! However, since we those years before we began this style of celebration, the costs of have actually gone down, not up. Why? Well, even though we are giving each other more gifts than ever before, we have become more creative and personal in our selection. We might still buy each other a couple of "pricey" gifts, but with a whole 12 Days to cover, we were forced to come up with other ideas. And those other ideas have proven to be delightful ways of coming together in the spirit of Christmas.
For example, now our Christmas gifts often involve performance and personal time. For instance, Claire opens an envelope on the Seventh Day of Christmas which contains a new recipe with a note declaring I'm fixing that particular dish for supper tonight. Or it might be a "day off" from housework, the addresses of three newly discovered websites I know she'll enjoy checking out, or just a promise of a leisurely car ride out in the country. As for my pleasure in gifts, it is centered on inexpensive thinga anyway like used books, used records, and...let's see; did I mention used books and records already? (I'm pretty easy to shop for!) Anyhow, the point is that whether you use twelve days or one day to celebrate Christmas, the gifts that matter most are ones that underscore things like time, creativity, and personal attention more than mere "stuff." For us, the extended approach was very helpful in pursuing the better things
3) Even within the Twelve Days of Christmas, Claire and I have a few special observances, especially St. Stephen's Day (December 26th) and the Feast of the Holy Innocents (December 28th). Activities for observing the former should certainly include reading the Acts passages relating to Stephen's selection as deacon, his sermon before the Council, and his martyrdom. It could also involve writing a letter or two to missionaries, witnessing to your Faith, or visiting a widow or someone else in need of encouragement. And Holy Innocents Day, of course, has an obvious significance for pro-life activists like us. It is an excellent time for spiritual exercises and public actions that promote the sanctity of life.
4) Another important element of our Christmas season is taking time to consider, pray about, and discuss our New Year's resolutions. Now, I know it's common for certain Christians to be critical of those who make New Year's resolutions. That's unfortunate and I assume it's because these critics believe that making resolutions equals a dependence upon one's own strength rather than God's grace. How wrong an idea. The fact is that making resolutions is quite certainly a biblical practice. Think for a moment about the Scripture's use of exhortational verbs like "reckon," "count it," "establish," "consider," "dedicate," "consecrate," "remember," "put aside," and many more. All refer to the prayerful making (and keeping) of resolutions to live godly. An evaluation of one's entire life is always in order as is a careful plan of action to be more effective as a "doer of the Word." After all, this is a key purpose of the Sabbath rest God instituted. So, why not use the Twelve Days to go deeper than usual in your spiritual analysis so that you can better serve the Savior in the year to come?
5) And finally, all things must come to their completion and the Christmas season is over for us when that Twelfth Night comes around. However, there's one more very important Christmas event for Claire and me...and often for a few of our friends too. That is our celebration of Epiphany on January 6th. Epiphany is the holiday when the manifestation of Jesus is celebrated in much of the world, the day when we remember the visit of the magi as well as the baptism of Jesus in the Jordan. It is also the gift-giving "Christmas" for much of the eastern world.
Claire and I use Epiphany as a way to close our Christmas season and we do so with a final Christmas party. Most significantly, we take time with our friends to wrap up the figures from our "main" nativity set, each person sharing a testimony or a prayer relating to each nativity figure. It is always a very moving time of fellowship.
So, there you go – a few ideas from our house to yours about how Christmas can be extended in time ---- and elevated in spirit as well.
Monday, December 26, 2005
Christmas Presents You May Left Unopened
The hectic pace which normally marks our lives around Day One of Christmas often causes us to miss things that really shoudn't be missed. So, as a public service for those of you who, like myself, were too busy making merry on Christmas to catch some of the best news and commentary from Town Hall the last few days, here you go:
* The Demise of Christmas ---- Is Christmas dying in America? If so, Rich Tucker argues, the blame is on Christians much more than the secularists. This column is excellent food for thought on this, the second day of Christmas.
* Katrina Revisited ---- In this fine piece, Mona Charen shines the light on the bad reporting that surrounded the coverage of the storm and its aftermath.
* The New Campus Rage: "Slut Feminism" ---- Monique Stuart is Program Officer for the Clare Boothe Luce Policy Institute. She's a very sharp lady and she's looking to get other sharp ladies out to the nation's colleges (and other forums) in order to blow the whistle on the devestating effects of the newest liberal craze: "Slut Feminism". Promoted by TV programs like Sex in the City and even university courses with titles such as Cornellingus (Cornell University), Vulvagraphy (Princeton) and Sex and the Elm City (Yale), this fresh frenzy is the glorification and enthusiastic promotion of promiscuous sex. Take a look at Monique's coulmn right here.
* A Chanukah Primer ---- So you want to get the straight skinny on the holidays of Chanukah? Here is a keeper column written by Paul Greenberg.
* The Demise of Christmas ---- Is Christmas dying in America? If so, Rich Tucker argues, the blame is on Christians much more than the secularists. This column is excellent food for thought on this, the second day of Christmas.
* Katrina Revisited ---- In this fine piece, Mona Charen shines the light on the bad reporting that surrounded the coverage of the storm and its aftermath.
* The New Campus Rage: "Slut Feminism" ---- Monique Stuart is Program Officer for the Clare Boothe Luce Policy Institute. She's a very sharp lady and she's looking to get other sharp ladies out to the nation's colleges (and other forums) in order to blow the whistle on the devestating effects of the newest liberal craze: "Slut Feminism". Promoted by TV programs like Sex in the City and even university courses with titles such as Cornellingus (Cornell University), Vulvagraphy (Princeton) and Sex and the Elm City (Yale), this fresh frenzy is the glorification and enthusiastic promotion of promiscuous sex. Take a look at Monique's coulmn right here.
* A Chanukah Primer ---- So you want to get the straight skinny on the holidays of Chanukah? Here is a keeper column written by Paul Greenberg.
Sunday, December 25, 2005
"The Truce of Christmas" by G.K. Chesterton
Inspired by the now-famous truce which suddenly broke from the soldiers facing each other across the trenches of WW I France, G. K. Chesterton wrote this fine poem. Its message is more relevant than ever.
The Truce of Christmas
by G.K. Chesterton
Passionate peace is in the sky —
And in the snow in silver sealed
The beasts are perfect in the field,
And men seem men so suddenly —
(But take ten swords and ten times ten
And blow the bugle in praising men;
For we are for all men under the sun;
And they are against us every one;
And misers haggle and madmen clutch,
And there is peril in praising much,
And we have the terrible tongues uncurled
That praise the world to the sons of the world.)
The idle humble hill and wood
Are bowed upon the sacred birth,
And for one little hour the earth
Is lazy with the love of good—
(But ready are you, and ready am I,
If the battle blow and the guns go by;
For we are for all men under the sun,
And they are against us every one;
And the men that hate herd all together,
To pride and gold, and the great white feather,
And the thing is graven in star and stone
That the men who love are all alone.)
Hunger is hard and time is tough,
But bless the beggars and kiss the kings;
For hope has broken the heart of things,
And nothing was ever praised enough.
(But hold the shield for a sudden swing
And point the sword when you praise a thing,
For we are for all men under the sun,
And they are against us every one;
And mime and merchant, thane and thrall
Hate us because we love them all;
Only till Christmastide go by
Passionate peace is in the sky.)
The Truce of Christmas
by G.K. Chesterton
Passionate peace is in the sky —
And in the snow in silver sealed
The beasts are perfect in the field,
And men seem men so suddenly —
(But take ten swords and ten times ten
And blow the bugle in praising men;
For we are for all men under the sun;
And they are against us every one;
And misers haggle and madmen clutch,
And there is peril in praising much,
And we have the terrible tongues uncurled
That praise the world to the sons of the world.)
The idle humble hill and wood
Are bowed upon the sacred birth,
And for one little hour the earth
Is lazy with the love of good—
(But ready are you, and ready am I,
If the battle blow and the guns go by;
For we are for all men under the sun,
And they are against us every one;
And the men that hate herd all together,
To pride and gold, and the great white feather,
And the thing is graven in star and stone
That the men who love are all alone.)
Hunger is hard and time is tough,
But bless the beggars and kiss the kings;
For hope has broken the heart of things,
And nothing was ever praised enough.
(But hold the shield for a sudden swing
And point the sword when you praise a thing,
For we are for all men under the sun,
And they are against us every one;
And mime and merchant, thane and thrall
Hate us because we love them all;
Only till Christmastide go by
Passionate peace is in the sky.)
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