thestream--2020-12-17--The Most Beautiful Pro-Life Film in History?

On the anniversary of the baptism of Ludwig van Beethoven ( his birth date ’ s unknown ) The Stream ’ s John Zmirak interviewed Jason Jones about a film he made in which Beethoven plays a key role .
John Zmirak : Today you ’ re promoting a powerful pro-life film you helped make , Crescendo , affirming the dignity and beauty of women in crisis pregnancies .
Please tell us how it came about .
Whose idea was it ?
Who wrote it ?
Jason Jones : Eduardo Verastegui called me from France after a tour of Notre @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and said , “ Do you know the Cathedral was built to last until our Lord returned ?
Can you imagine making a work of art that would last until Christ ’ s return ?
” My response was .
“ Let ’ s do it !
Let ’ s make a work of art that celebrates the dignity of the child in the womb and her mother until our Lord returns.
” I got off the phone and shared the conversation with the co-founder of Movie to Movement , Jennifer Rueda .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ mapping out how we would make a film that would transcend time and culture .
That meant three things : • It would have to be of the highest production value .
• It should be a short film — attention spans are shrinking by the month .
• The movie would need to be a true story about a hero that is universally loved from North Korea to Brazil .
I said , “ We need to reach tweens and teens today , not just art critics 500 years from now .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ reach that audience.
” Jenny responded , “ I just read in People Magazine that Justin Bieber ‘ s mother has a huge tween following .
We should ask her.
” After we had our template , we began pitching writers .
We said , “ If you can find a story and write a script about a universally loved hero , which exemplifies the dignity of the child in the womb , we will let you direct the film.
” In Hollywood , everyone wants to direct , so we thought this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ friends started presenting us with scripts , but none hit the mark .
Then one day , Alejandro Monteverde and a young film student who was volunteering for him , Alonso Alverez , came into the office .
They yelled , “ We got it !
We got your story.
” The story came to Alejandro while he was out surfing .
Alonso set off to do his research and write the script .
It was better than we could have hoped .
What Hath Justin Bieber to Do With Beethoven ?
Who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was your role ?
I was the lead producer .
My job was to find the money and build and manage the team .
Jennifer Rueda was the glue that held the project together .
Leo Severino , Alejandro Monteverde , and Eduardo Verastegui ensured the set was run professionally .
And that the film was beautiful .
Alonso Alvarez Barreda proved himself one of the great young directors of his generation .
Thanks to friends in the industry , we had world-class construction and art departments .
Set design and wardrobe are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ big-budget Hollywood feature-length films .
Montserrat Espadale ’ s performance was breathtaking .
The childbirth scene is the best in film history .
Please tell us about Pattie Mallette ’ s involvement .
From day one we had “ Mother of Justin Bieber our EP ” on the whiteboard .
But because of my fear of failure , I never even attempted to reach out to Pattie Mallette .
Then one day , I got a phone call from a friend of mine .
She is a big movie industry publicist .
I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cut of the film .
She shared it with a friend of hers who loved the film and wanted to meet with me .
A few days later , I drove across town to meet this fan of our film and discovered it was … Pattie Mallette , Justin Bieber ’ s mother .
Her first words to me were , “ I love your film so much .
How can I help ?
” I responded with , “ Will you be our Executive Producer.
” I call this the Holy Spirit @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s help and tireless work effort , our film was featured on Ellen , The View , TMZ , and countless other shows .
The film resonated with Pattie because , as a young woman , she wrestled with suicidal ideation and then had an unplanned pregnancy .
It was a local crisis pregnancy center run by the Salvation Army that assisted Pattie .
Justin spent his first six months on this planet living with his mother in that pro-life center .
How did this film help women in crisis pregnancy centers ?
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ premiered the film at over 200 theatrical events .
Each of these red carpet events was a fundraiser for pregnancy centers and women ’ s shelters .
Eduardo Verastegui and I introduced the film , and Pattie Mallette did the fundraising appeal after the movie .
The Crescendo events helped to raise over $ 6 million to serve vulnerable women and their children .
Beyond the direct donations , Pattie appeared on countless radio and tv shows promoting the film and sharing pregnancy centers ’ work .
You were able to get the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ flagging it as a pro-life film .
How was it received there ?
Our film won over 30 major film festivals and several Oscar boosters .
The quality and the beauty of the film and the script ’ s honesty clearly helped the film transcend ideology .
What ’ s the unifying theme of the film ?
The takeaway from Crescendo is the human person is the most beautiful work of art in the cosmos .
Nothing created is more beautiful than your neighbor .
The vocation of motherhood is noble and glorious @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it to promote a culture of life ?
Please share our film .
It is free to screen publicly .
You can share in libraries , churches , schools , on local public access .
Tell us more about your organizations , Movie to Movement and the Vulnerable People Project ?
I founded Movie to Movement to share the human person ’ s beauty and dignity through the power of stories and film .
The Vulnerable People Project is a program of M2M .
We run influence campaigns to advance the interests of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the womb to the Uyghur in Chinese Communist Party concentration camps .
Jason Jones is a senior contributor to The Stream .
He is a film producer , author , activist and human rights worker .
You can follow him at @ JasonJonesShow .
John Zmirak is a senior editor at The Stream , and author or co-author of ten books , including The Politically Incorrect Guide to Immigration and The Politically Incorrect Guide to Catholicism .
Together , Jones and Zmirak wrote The Race to Save Our Century .

On the anniversary of the baptism of Ludwig van Beethoven (his birth date’s unknown) The Stream’s John Zmirak interviewed Jason Jones about a film he made in which Beethoven plays a key role.
John Zmirak: Today you’re promoting a powerful pro-life film you helped make, Crescendo, affirming the dignity and beauty of women in crisis pregnancies. Please tell us how it came about. Whose idea was it? Who wrote it?
Jason Jones: Eduardo Verastegui called me from France after a tour of Notre Dame Cathedral. He was so excited and said, “Do you know the Cathedral was built to last until our Lord returned? Can you imagine making a work of art that would last until Christ’s return?” My response was. “Let’s do it! Let’s make a work of art that celebrates the dignity of the child in the womb and her mother until our Lord returns.”
I got off the phone and shared the conversation with the co-founder of Movie to Movement, Jennifer Rueda. We spent the day at a whiteboard mapping out how we would make a film that would transcend time and culture. That meant three things:
It would have to be of the highest production value. It should be a short film — attention spans are shrinking by the month. The movie would need to be a true story about a hero that is universally loved from North Korea to Brazil.
I said, “We need to reach tweens and teens today, not just art critics 500 years from now. We need an executive producer that can reach that audience.” Jenny responded, “I just read in People Magazine that Justin Bieber’s mother has a huge tween following. We should ask her.”
Please Support The Stream : Equipping Christians to Think Clearly About the Political, Economic, and Moral Issues of Our Day.
After we had our template, we began pitching writers. We said, “If you can find a story and write a script about a universally loved hero, which exemplifies the dignity of the child in the womb, we will let you direct the film.” In Hollywood, everyone wants to direct, so we thought this would be a powerful incentive. Our friends started presenting us with scripts, but none hit the mark.
Then one day, Alejandro Monteverde and a young film student who was volunteering for him, Alonso Alverez, came into the office. They yelled, “We got it! We got your story.” The story came to Alejandro while he was out surfing. Alonso set off to do his research and write the script. It was better than we could have hoped.
What Hath Justin Bieber to Do With Beethoven?
Who helped you get it made? What was your role?
I was the lead producer. My job was to find the money and build and manage the team. Jennifer Rueda was the glue that held the project together. Leo Severino, Alejandro Monteverde, and Eduardo Verastegui ensured the set was run professionally. And that the film was beautiful. Alonso Alvarez Barreda proved himself one of the great young directors of his generation. Thanks to friends in the industry, we had world-class construction and art departments. Set design and wardrobe are equal to anything you have seen in big-budget Hollywood feature-length films. Montserrat Espadale’s performance was breathtaking. The childbirth scene is the best in film history.
Please tell us about Pattie Mallette’s involvement.
From day one we had “Mother of Justin Bieber our EP” on the whiteboard. But because of my fear of failure, I never even attempted to reach out to Pattie Mallette. Then one day, I got a phone call from a friend of mine. She is a big movie industry publicist. I gave her a DVD with the rough cut of the film. She shared it with a friend of hers who loved the film and wanted to meet with me.
A few days later, I drove across town to meet this fan of our film and discovered it was … Pattie Mallette, Justin Bieber’s mother. Her first words to me were, “I love your film so much. How can I help?” I responded with, “Will you be our Executive Producer.” I call this the Holy Spirit Action Plan. Thanks to Pattie’s help and tireless work effort, our film was featured on Ellen, The View, TMZ, and countless other shows.
The film resonated with Pattie because, as a young woman, she wrestled with suicidal ideation and then had an unplanned pregnancy. It was a local crisis pregnancy center run by the Salvation Army that assisted Pattie. Justin spent his first six months on this planet living with his mother in that pro-life center.
Helping Women with Crisis Pregnancies
How did this film help women in crisis pregnancy centers? How much did it help?
We premiered the film at over 200 theatrical events. Each of these red carpet events was a fundraiser for pregnancy centers and women’s shelters. Eduardo Verastegui and I introduced the film, and Pattie Mallette did the fundraising appeal after the movie. The Crescendo events helped to raise over $6 million to serve vulnerable women and their children. Beyond the direct donations, Pattie appeared on countless radio and tv shows promoting the film and sharing pregnancy centers’ work.
Winning Secular Film Festival Awards
You were able to get the film into major film festivals, without flagging it as a pro-life film. How was it received there?
Our film won over 30 major film festivals and several Oscar boosters. The quality and the beauty of the film and the script’s honesty clearly helped the film transcend ideology.
Motherhood: A Magnificent, Creative Vocation
What’s the unifying theme of the film?
The takeaway from Crescendo is the human person is the most beautiful work of art in the cosmos. Nothing created is more beautiful than your neighbor. The vocation of motherhood is noble and glorious.
How can people make use of it to promote a culture of life?
Please share our film. It is free to screen publicly. You can share in libraries, churches, schools, on local public access.
Tell us more about your organizations, Movie to Movement and the Vulnerable People Project?
I founded Movie to Movement to share the human person’s beauty and dignity through the power of stories and film. The Vulnerable People Project is a program of M2M. We run influence campaigns to advance the interests of the vulnerable, from the child in the womb to the Uyghur in Chinese Communist Party concentration camps.
Jason Jones is a senior contributor to The Stream. He is a film producer, author, activist and human rights worker. You can follow him at @JasonJonesShow.
John Zmirak is a senior editor at The Stream, and author or co-author of ten books, including The Politically Incorrect Guide to Immigration and The Politically Incorrect Guide to Catholicism.
Together, Jones and Zmirak wrote The Race to Save Our Century.


thestream--2020-12-17--Trust God, Not the Herods of Our Day

Trust God, Not the Herods of Our Day

Then Herod called the Magi secretly and found out from them the exact time the star had appeared .
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.
” ( Matthew 2 : 7-8 ) King Herod lied .
He had no intention of worshiping Jesus .
He wanted the child killed to maintain his power .
So he flat out lied to the emissaries from the east .
Aren ’ t @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and country where powerful voices in authority do not lie to gain or maintain political power ?
We have seen in the past couple months some astonishing acts of deception by authoritative voices that Herod could not help but applaud .
Take the more than 50 former Intelligence Community leaders , led by former CIA director John Brennan and former Director of National Intelligence James Clapper .
In October , the New York Post revealed damning information about Joe Biden ’ s possible connection to Hunter Biden and the Biden Family business dealings @ @ @ @ @ @ @ found on Hunter Biden ’ s laptop .
Then a Biden Family business partner in one of the China deals , Tony Bobulinsky , came forward .
Bobulinsky confirmed that Joe Biden was , indeed , “ the big guy ” promised a 10 % cut , and that he personally had met with Joe Biden about the deal .
In other words , candidate Biden had been lying his face off about his knowledge of and involvement in Hunter ’ s deals with Communist Chinese Party officials .
What did Brennan and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ former government intelligence officials ?
( Who spent years living high on your dime ? )
They put out a letter declaring that the Biden corruption story had all the makings of a “ Russian information operation.
” They implied the information on the laptop was a Russian concoction , calling the alleged Russian operation a “ laptop op.
” Did they offer any evidence of this ?
No .
But they spoke with the authority of having led U.S. intelligence agencies .
They gave the mainstream media all it needed to suppress @ @ @ @ @ @ @ propaganda .
Joe Biden himself , when confronted in a debate about the story , declared Trump lawyer Rudy Giuliani a “ Russian pawn.
” We now know this was a complete lie .
We now know that Hunter Biden and Biden , Inc. and thus Joe Biden himself , have been under investigation for two full years by the FBI for these very same business shenanigans .
We know the laptop information was legit .
We know Joe Biden , who may well be installed as the leader of the free world @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fathom , lied as easily and assuredly as that corrupt and evil king .
Shouldn ’ t we be able to trust intelligence officials ?
Shouldn ’ t we be able to trust political leaders ?
How about our top law enforcement ?
No .
We Have Nothing on That .
Wait .
That ’ s Not Completely True .
In Airplane II : The Sequel , Buck Murdock , played by William Shatner , is told that the crippled shuttle heading toward his moon base is being piloted by Ted Striker .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Murdock says quickly .
Then , “ That ’ s not quite true .
We were like brothers.
” The FBI brought that scene to life in recent days .
In 2017 , the FBI swore under oath that it had no documents pertaining to murdered DNC staffer Seth Rich .
It certainly didn ’ t have Rich ’ s laptop , as had been reported .
You remember , don ’ t you ?
Even suggesting the FBI was involved in the Rich case and had its hands on Rich ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ nutjob .
The FBI — in the role of Buck Murdock — said , in effect , “ No , never heard of Seth Rich.
” Last week , the FBI said , “ Well , that ’ s not quite true .
We ’ re on his case like tinsel on a tree.
” In fact , the FBI has 20,000 documents on Seth Rich and counting .
Oh , and they do have Rich ’ s laptop .
Why did the FBI lie ?
Who ordered the truth to be kept @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ t even trust the FBI ?
Even today , we learned that the Comey FBI lied through its teeth about when it started investigating President Trump .
Also , in recent weeks , we ’ ve learned Comey and Brennan lied about when it knew the Steele Dossier was a Hillary Clinton operation .
Certainly we can trust the people in charge of our elections .
After all , they ’ ve got a very simple task .
People come in , they vote , you count up the tally .
Except @ @ @ @ @ @ @ states willingly or unwillingly blew it .
Just yesterday , on Capitol Hill , there was damning testimony to some 130,000 illicit votes in Nevada .
Here ’ s a devastating thread from Kyle Becker showing Dominion hotshot Eric Coomer on video acknowledging how easy it is for election workers and others to manipulate voter data .
His statement matches the staggering findings this week from a forensic audit in Michigan , and a video demonstration out of Georgia .
Go see the court documents Sidney Powell has filed , with thousands of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at DefendingTheRepublic.org .
Run through the links at HereIsTheEvidence.com .
And finally , for a powerful overview of the entire fraud landscape , across states and types of irregularities , “ The Immaculate Deception : Six Key Dimensions of Election Irregularities ” from The Navarro Report is a must read and definite share .
The principle of One Legal Person , One Legal Vote is out one giant window .
So Who Do We Trust ?
So who do we trust ?
Let ’ s go back to the Nativity story .
Simeon @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he had seen the Messiah .
And so it happened .
Zechariah is told by an emissary of God his barren wife Elizabeth would bear a child .
And she did .
Mary is told by an emissary of God she will bear the son of the most high .
And she did .
Joseph was told what was happening with Mary .
And so it was .
He was also warned Herod was coming after the baby Jesus .
And so Herod did .
Thankfully , Joseph trusted the word and brought @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Magi , who went straight to Herod in Jerusalem upon arriving , did not return to Herod after being warned in a dream .
A warning received after they met and encountered the newborn Christ .
The Messiah , born in Bethlehem , just as the Word of God had said .
Trust in the Lord , Not Man Tucked into the Nativity story is a lesson for 2020 .
We can not put our trust in earthly authorities .
As fallen beings , their human thirst for power and appetite for corruption @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
But we can put our trust in the Father , the Son , and the Holy Spirit .
Seeking God and listening for God ’ s voice in this duplicitous , deceitful and dangerous time is worth more than gold , frankincense and myrrh .
Al Perrotta is the Managing Editor of The Stream and co-author , with @ JZmirak , of The Politically Incorrect Guide to Immigration .
You can follow him at @ StreamingAl .
And if you aren ’ t already , please follow The Stream at @ Streamdotorg @

Then Herod called the Magi secretly and found out from them the exact time the star had appeared. 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.” (Matthew 2:7-8)
King Herod lied. He had no intention of worshiping Jesus. He wanted the child killed to maintain his power. So he flat out lied to the emissaries from the east.
Aren’t you glad to live in a time and country where powerful voices in authority do not lie to gain or maintain political power?
Sure, kid. Sure.
The 50 Intelligence Community Leaders Propaganda Campaign
We have seen in the past couple months some astonishing acts of deception by authoritative voices that Herod could not help but applaud.
Take the more than 50 former Intelligence Community leaders, led by former CIA director John Brennan and former Director of National Intelligence James Clapper. In October, the New York Post revealed damning information about Joe Biden’s possible connection to Hunter Biden and the Biden Family business dealings with China. Information that had been found on Hunter Biden’s laptop.
Then a Biden Family business partner in one of the China deals, Tony Bobulinsky, came forward. Bobulinsky confirmed that Joe Biden was, indeed, “the big guy” promised a 10% cut, and that he personally had met with Joe Biden about the deal. In other words, candidate Biden had been lying his face off about his knowledge of and involvement in Hunter’s deals with Communist Chinese Party officials.
What did Brennan and Clapper and their comrades do? These former government intelligence officials? (Who spent years living high on your dime?) They put out a letter declaring that the Biden corruption story had all the makings of a “Russian information operation.” They implied the information on the laptop was a Russian concoction, calling the alleged Russian operation a “laptop op.”
Did they offer any evidence of this? No. But they spoke with the authority of having led U.S. intelligence agencies. They gave the mainstream media all it needed to suppress the story, and declare it Russian propaganda.
Joe Responds (Lies)
Joe Biden himself, when confronted in a debate about the story, declared Trump lawyer Rudy Giuliani a “Russian pawn.”
We now know this was a complete lie. We now know that Hunter Biden and Biden, Inc. and thus Joe Biden himself, have been under investigation for two full years by the FBI for these very same business shenanigans.
Please Support The Stream : Equipping Christians to Think Clearly About the Political, Economic, and Moral Issues of Our Day.
We know the laptop information was legit. We know Joe Biden, who may well be installed as the leader of the free world, with powers Herod could not even fathom, lied as easily and assuredly as that corrupt and evil king.
Shouldn’t we be able to trust intelligence officials? Shouldn’t we be able to trust political leaders?
How about our top law enforcement? No.
We Have Nothing on That. Wait. That’s Not Completely True.
In Airplane II: The Sequel, Buck Murdock, played by William Shatner, is told that the crippled shuttle heading toward his moon base is being piloted by Ted Striker.
Murdock stops in his tracks. “Ted Striker?”
“You know him, sir?”
“Never heard of him,” Murdock says quickly. Then, “That’s not quite true. We were like brothers.”
The FBI brought that scene to life in recent days. In 2017, the FBI swore under oath that it had no documents pertaining to murdered DNC staffer Seth Rich. It certainly didn’t have Rich’s laptop, as had been reported. You remember, don’t you? Even suggesting the FBI was involved in the Rich case and had its hands on Rich’s laptop made you a tin-foil hat wearing nutjob.
The FBI — in the role of Buck Murdock — said, in effect, “No, never heard of Seth Rich.”
Last week, the FBI said, “Well, that’s not quite true. We’re on his case like tinsel on a tree.” In fact, the FBI has 20,000 documents on Seth Rich and counting. Oh, and they do have Rich’s laptop.
Why did the FBI lie? Who ordered the truth to be kept from the American people?
We can’t even trust the FBI?
Even today, we learned that the Comey FBI lied through its teeth about when it started investigating President Trump. Also, in recent weeks, we’ve learned Comey and Brennan lied about when it knew the Steele Dossier was a Hillary Clinton operation.
Election Tally
Certainly we can trust the people in charge of our elections. After all, they’ve got a very simple task. People come in, they vote, you count up the tally.
Except we now know the overseers in several states willingly or unwillingly blew it. Just yesterday, on Capitol Hill, there was damning testimony to some 130,000 illicit votes in Nevada. Here’s a devastating thread from Kyle Becker showing Dominion hotshot Eric Coomer on video acknowledging how easy it is for election workers and others to manipulate voter data. His statement matches the staggering findings this week from a forensic audit in Michigan, and a video demonstration out of Georgia.
Go see the court documents Sidney Powell has filed, with thousands of pages of sworn affidavits and research, at DefendingTheRepublic.org. Run through the links at HereIsTheEvidence.com. And finally, for a powerful overview of the entire fraud landscape, across states and types of irregularities, “The Immaculate Deception: Six Key Dimensions of Election Irregularities” from The Navarro Report is a must read and definite share.
The principle of One Legal Person, One Legal Vote is out one giant window.
So Who Do We Trust?
So who do we trust?
Let’s go back to the Nativity story. Simeon is told he would not die until he had seen the Messiah. And so it happened. Zechariah is told by an emissary of God his barren wife Elizabeth would bear a child. And she did. Mary is told by an emissary of God she will bear the son of the most high. And she did.
Joseph was told what was happening with Mary. And so it was. He was also warned Herod was coming after the baby Jesus. And so Herod did. Thankfully, Joseph trusted the word and brought his family to safety.
Even the Magi, who went straight to Herod in Jerusalem upon arriving, did not return to Herod after being warned in a dream. A warning received after they met and encountered the newborn Christ.
The Messiah, born in Bethlehem, just as the Word of God had said.
Are you detecting a theme?
Trust in the Lord, Not Man
Tucked into the Nativity story is a lesson for 2020. We cannot put our trust in earthly authorities. As fallen beings, their human thirst for power and appetite for corruption easily leads to ungodly deceptions and schemes.
But we can put our trust in the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit.
Seeking God and listening for God’s voice in this duplicitous, deceitful and dangerous time is worth more than gold, frankincense and myrrh.
Al Perrotta is the Managing Editor of The Stream and co-author, with @JZmirak, of The Politically Incorrect Guide to Immigration. You can follow him at @StreamingAl. And if you aren’t already, please follow The Stream at @Streamdotorg.


thestream--2020-12-17--Always Winter, But Never Christmas

Always Winter, But Never Christmas

In C.S .
Lewis ’ s book , The Lion , the Witch , and the Wardrobe , he describes a beautiful place ( Narnia ) under the spell of an evil character ( the White Witch ) — who symbolizes the Devil .
Lewis writes of her that it was she who has made it “ always winter , but never Christmas.
” “ Always winter , but never Christmas ” — what a great phrase to describe this world , without the loving , powerful and positive influence of Jesus Christ .
Always Winter , but Never Christmas @ @ @ @ @ @ @ intolerable state where we had to endure the brutal conditions of the winter season — but never having Christmas to look forward to ?
Well , this winter , there are some tyrannical state and local officials who are using the coronavirus as a pretext for shutting down churches and family gatherings .
To the degree that these regulations are imposed on the people in those states , it will be always winter , but never Christmas .
At least this season .
These are the same people who might as well have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ world to see , declaring , “ Do as I say , not as I do.
” We ’ ve all heard the stories of mayors and governors who urge people to stay home while they are out and about getting haircuts , shopping , and eating at restaurants with large groups .
One mayor actually recorded a video urging people to stay home at Thanksgiving .
The kicker — he recorded it while vacationing at a family timeshare in Mexico .
We don ’ t have to make this stuff up .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ the hypocrisy .
Meanwhile , the war on Christmas seems to continue this year , as always .
Here are just some examples : • The woke now tell us that putting up Christmas lights demonstrates “ systemic biases.
” An ordinary display of Christmas lights in Minneapolis triggered one snowflake neighbor to write an anonymous letter protesting the non-ostentatious display : “ The idea of twinkling , colorful lights are a reminder of divisions that continue to run through our society , a reminder of systemic biases against our neighbors who don @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ t afford to put up lights of their own .
We must do work of educating ourselves about the harmful impact an outward facing display like yours can have.
” As if penning satire , the writer called for shutting down the display to “ respect the dignity of all people , while striving to learn from differences , ideas , and opinions of our neighbors.
” • Abortion clinic staffers erected a sacrilegious Christmas tree display .
Instead of a star or an angel at the top of the tree , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to kill unborn babies .
Christmas is all about celebrating the birth of a Baby .
Instead , abortionists use the celebration to promote their work of killing babies .
As Lifenews.com notes of this incident : “ It is not the first time abortion activists have sought thrills by mocking Christmas , a holiday celebrating the birth of an unplanned child to a young unwed mother .
In 2010 , a pro-abortion group sold ‘ Abornaments , ’ a desecration of plastic fetal models depicting unborn children at various stage of development @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the ornaments were plastic fetal models decorated with red noses and reindeer antlers hanging from coat-hangers.
” Depravity knows no bounds in the abortion industry .
• Fewer poor people will be helped this year , thanks to the grinches at one of the Christophobic groups that runs around our country looking to abolish any remaining vestiges of our Judeo-Christian heritage in public places .
Onenewsnow.com ( of the American Family Association ) writes : “ The Freedom from Religion Foundation ( FFRF ) put an early end to Liberty Middle School ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ project organized by Samaritan ’ s Purse that allowed students at the school to fill shoeboxes with Christmas gifts for underprivileged children living in oppressed and embattled nations around the world.
” Well done , FFRF .
You successfully protected innumerable poor children from receiving Christmas cheer this year .
A great contrast to these anti-Christmas sentiments can be found in the words and actions of many of this nation ’ s founders and leaders .
Just take one example .
John Jay was a key founding father .
He wrote some of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as the nation ’ s first Chief Justice .
He gave a Christmas address before his fellow representatives of the state of New York in 1776 , in which he mentioned God and faith 33 times .
For instance , he said , “ And we should still have enjoyed the blessings of peace and plenty , if we had not forgotten the source from which these blessings flowed ; and permitted our country to be contaminated by the many shameful vices which have prevailed among us.
” Ultimately , C.S .
Lewis @ @ @ @ @ @ @ allegory showing how Jesus Christ has come into the world to undo the works of the Devil .
Thank God for Jesus .
Otherwise , it would be always winter , but never Christmas .
Jerry Newcombe , D.Min.
, is a senior producer and an on-air host for D. James Kennedy Ministries .
He has written or co-written 32 books , such as The Unstoppable Jesus Christ , American Amnesia : Is American Paying the Price for Forgetting God ?
, What If Jesus Had Never Been Born ?
( with D. @ @ @ @ @ @ @ George Washington ’ s Sacred Fire ( with Peter Lillback ) .
Learn more at www.jerrynewcombe.com and follow him on Twitter @ newcombejerry .

In C.S. Lewis’s book, The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe, he describes a beautiful place (Narnia) under the spell of an evil character (the White Witch) — who symbolizes the Devil. Lewis writes of her that it was she who has made it “always winter, but never Christmas.”
“Always winter, but never Christmas” — what a great phrase to describe this world, without the loving, powerful and positive influence of Jesus Christ.
Always Winter, but Never Christmas
Could you imagine life in such an intolerable state where we had to endure the brutal conditions of the winter season — but never having Christmas to look forward to?
Well, this winter, there are some tyrannical state and local officials who are using the coronavirus as a pretext for shutting down churches and family gatherings. To the degree that these regulations are imposed on the people in those states, it will be always winter, but never Christmas. At least this season.
These are the same people who might as well have a sign on their desks for the world to see, declaring, “Do as I say, not as I do.”
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We’ve all heard the stories of mayors and governors who urge people to stay home while they are out and about getting haircuts, shopping, and eating at restaurants with large groups. One mayor actually recorded a video urging people to stay home at Thanksgiving. The kicker — he recorded it while vacationing at a family timeshare in Mexico. We don’t have to make this stuff up. Thankfully, people are catching on to the hypocrisy.
The War on Christmas
Meanwhile, the war on Christmas seems to continue this year, as always. Here are just some examples:
The woke now tell us that putting up Christmas lights demonstrates “systemic biases.” An ordinary display of Christmas lights in Minneapolis triggered one snowflake neighbor to write an anonymous letter protesting the non-ostentatious display: “The idea of twinkling, colorful lights are a reminder of divisions that continue to run through our society, a reminder of systemic biases against our neighbors who don’t celebrate Christmas or who can’t afford to put up lights of their own. We must do work of educating ourselves about the harmful impact an outward facing display like yours can have.” As if penning satire, the writer called for shutting down the display to “respect the dignity of all people, while striving to learn from differences, ideas, and opinions of our neighbors.”
Abortion clinic staffers erected a sacrilegious Christmas tree display. Instead of a star or an angel at the top of the tree, they placed a forceps that is used to kill unborn babies. Christmas is all about celebrating the birth of a Baby. Instead, abortionists use the celebration to promote their work of killing babies. As Lifenews.com notes of this incident: “It is not the first time abortion activists have sought thrills by mocking Christmas, a holiday celebrating the birth of an unplanned child to a young unwed mother. In 2010, a pro-abortion group sold ‘Abornaments,’ a desecration of plastic fetal models depicting unborn children at various stage of development before birth, online. Some of the ornaments were plastic fetal models decorated with red noses and reindeer antlers hanging from coat-hangers.” Depravity knows no bounds in the abortion industry.
Fewer poor people will be helped this year, thanks to the grinches at one of the Christophobic groups that runs around our country looking to abolish any remaining vestiges of our Judeo-Christian heritage in public places. Onenewsnow.com (of the American Family Association) writes: “The Freedom from Religion Foundation (FFRF) put an early end to Liberty Middle School’s Operation Christmas Child program — a project organized by Samaritan’s Purse that allowed students at the school to fill shoeboxes with Christmas gifts for underprivileged children living in oppressed and embattled nations around the world.” Well done, FFRF. You successfully protected innumerable poor children from receiving Christmas cheer this year.
Thank God for Jesus
A great contrast to these anti-Christmas sentiments can be found in the words and actions of many of this nation’s founders and leaders.
Just take one example. John Jay was a key founding father. He wrote some of the Federalist Papers, and he served as the nation’s first Chief Justice. He gave a Christmas address before his fellow representatives of the state of New York in 1776, in which he mentioned God and faith 33 times. For instance, he said, “And we should still have enjoyed the blessings of peace and plenty, if we had not forgotten the source from which these blessings flowed; and permitted our country to be contaminated by the many shameful vices which have prevailed among us.”
Ultimately, C.S. Lewis’s novel is a beautiful Christian allegory showing how Jesus Christ has come into the world to undo the works of the Devil. Thank God for Jesus. Otherwise, it would be always winter, but never Christmas.
Jerry Newcombe, D.Min., is a senior producer and an on-air host for D. James Kennedy Ministries. He has written or co-written 32 books, such as The Unstoppable Jesus Christ, American Amnesia: Is American Paying the Price for Forgetting God?, What If Jesus Had Never Been Born? (with D. James Kennedy) and the bestseller, George Washington’s Sacred Fire (with Peter Lillback). Learn more at www.jerrynewcombe.com and follow him on Twitter @newcombejerry.


thestream--2020-12-17--‘Life Can Win’: Pence Touts Trump Administration’s Pro-Life Victories

President Donald Trump ’ s administration has been focused on protecting and fighting for the right to life , Vice President Mike Pence said Wednesday .
“ President Trump said early in our administration , and I quote , ‘ Every person is worth protecting .
Every human life , born and unborn , is made in the holy image of Almighty God , ’ ” Pence said .
“ And this administration has always been about life .
And that ’ s been evident in the last year as our nation has passed through this challenging time of a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ were delivered at a “ Life Is Winning Event , ” where the vice president highlighted the Trump administration ’ s pro-life accomplishments with leaders of the pro-life movement , including Marjorie Dannenfelser of the Susan B. Anthony List , Tom McClusky of the March for Life , David Daleiden of the Center for Medical Progress , and Abby Johnson of And Then There Were None .
Pence touted the administration ’ s reinstating of the Mexico City policy , which ended government funding for abortions globally .
He also said he was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who gave him “ the great privilege in our very first month in office to be the first vice president in history to ever address the March for Life on the National Mall , ” Pence said .
“ And this last January , he did it himself , ” he added .
The vice president also said he was proud of the administration ’ s work to remove Title X funding .
Title X is a program that offers family planning and related services to low-income Americans at minimal or no cost @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as you all know , that the largest abortion provider in America was also the largest recipient of federal funding under Title X , ” Pence said .
Pence said the Trump administration witnessed , “ along with the American people , … the undercover videos that showed horrific conversations about the sale and transfer of parts of aborted babies , ” Pence said , alluding to the videos released by Daleiden and the Center for Medical Progress .
In 2015 , Eric Ferrero , vice president of communications at Planned Parenthood Federation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fetal tissue , stating : “ It ’ s just unconscionable , ” Pence said .
“ But thanks to President Trump ’ s leadership , in March 2017 , I had the honor of casting the tie-breaking vote in the United States Senate to allow every state in America to defund Planned Parenthood and President Trump signed it into law.
” On March 30 , 2017 , Pence , serving in his role as president of the Senate , cast a tie-breaking vote for a measure that rolled back a regulation , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ presidency , that did not allow states to exclude abortion providers from Title X funds .
Trump signed the measure into law in April of 2017 .
Pence also said Trump ’ s commitment to the judiciary is another accomplishment the administration is proud of .
“ President Trump promised the American people , he said , quote , ‘ I will protect life .
And the biggest way you can protect it is through the Supreme Court and putting people in the court , ’ he said , ” Pence said .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ will appoint judges that will be pro-life.
’ And that ’ s just what he ’ s done.
” “ With yesterday ’ s confirmation of the judge [ that ] will fill the seat of the newest justice on the Supreme Court , President Trump has appointed more than 220 conservatives to our federal courts at every level , including Justice Neil Gorsuch , Justice Brett Kavanaugh , and Justice Amy Coney Barrett , ” he added .
On Tuesday , the Senate confirmed Thomas Kirsch 51-44 to a seat on the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Circuit .
The seat was left vacant when Barrett joined the Supreme Court .
Pence was joined at the event in the Eisenhower Executive Office Building by Brooke Rollins , assistant to the president and director of the White House Domestic Policy Council ; Russell Vought , director of the Office of Management and Budget ; Alex Azar , secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services ; Bill Steiger , chief of staff of the United States Agency for International Development ; and Kayleigh McEnany , White House press secretary .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ that she said illustrated his personal commitment to and support of life .
“ I ’ ll tell you what this president did when he first offered me the job , ” McEnany said .
“ He said , ‘ Is your daughter going to be OK ?
’ because he is a president that supports moms , ” she said , adding : Pence asked the pro-life leaders to continue in their mission .
“ So do not grow weary of doing well , because in the last four years we ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ faith and conviction come together to stand up , … to speak out for the voiceless , life can win in America , ” Pence said .
“ And with your help and God ’ s help , life will keep on winning in the United States of America.
” Rachel del Guidice ( @ LRacheldG ) is a reporter for The Daily Signal .
She is a graduate of Franciscan University of Steubenville , Forge Leadership Network , and The Heritage Foundation ’ s Young Leaders Program .

President Donald Trump’s administration has been focused on protecting and fighting for the right to life, Vice President Mike Pence said Wednesday.
“President Trump said early in our administration, and I quote, ‘Every person is worth protecting. Every human life, born and unborn, is made in the holy image of Almighty God,’” Pence said.
“And this administration has always been about life. And that’s been evident in the last year as our nation has passed through this challenging time of a global pandemic.”
Pence’s remarks were delivered at a “Life Is Winning Event,” where the vice president highlighted the Trump administration’s pro-life accomplishments with leaders of the pro-life movement, including Marjorie Dannenfelser of the Susan B. Anthony List, Tom McClusky of the March for Life, David Daleiden of the Center for Medical Progress, and Abby Johnson of And Then There Were None.
Pence touted the administration’s reinstating of the Mexico City policy, which ended government funding for abortions globally.
He also said he was proud of making history with Trump, who gave him “the great privilege in our very first month in office to be the first vice president in history to ever address the March for Life on the National Mall,” Pence said.
“And this last January, he did it himself,” he added.
The vice president also said he was proud of the administration’s work to remove Title X funding.
Title X is a program that offers family planning and related services to low-income Americans at minimal or no cost.
“Before we took office, as you all know, that the largest abortion provider in America was also the largest recipient of federal funding under Title X,” Pence said.
Pence said the Trump administration witnessed, “along with the American people, … the undercover videos that showed horrific conversations about the sale and transfer of parts of aborted babies,” Pence said, alluding to the videos released by Daleiden and the Center for Medical Progress.
In 2015, Eric Ferrero, vice president of communications at Planned Parenthood Federation of America, issued a statement addressing fetal tissue, stating:
There is no financial benefit for tissue donation for either the patient or for Planned Parenthood. In some instances, actual costs, such as the cost to transport tissue to leading research centers, are reimbursed, which is standard across the medical field.
“It’s just unconscionable,” Pence said. “But thanks to President Trump’s leadership, in March 2017, I had the honor of casting the tie-breaking vote in the United States Senate to allow every state in America to defund Planned Parenthood and President Trump signed it into law.”
On March 30, 2017, Pence, serving in his role as president of the Senate, cast a tie-breaking vote for a measure that rolled back a regulation, instituted during President Barack Obama’s presidency, that did not allow states to exclude abortion providers from Title X funds. Trump signed the measure into law in April of 2017.
Pence also said Trump’s commitment to the judiciary is another accomplishment the administration is proud of.
“President Trump promised the American people, he said, quote, ‘I will protect life. And the biggest way you can protect it is through the Supreme Court and putting people in the court,’ he said,” Pence said. “And he promised, ‘I will appoint judges that will be pro-life.’ And that’s just what he’s done.”
Please Support The Stream : Equipping Christians to Think Clearly About the Political, Economic, and Moral Issues of Our Day.
“With yesterday’s confirmation of the judge [that] will fill the seat of the newest justice on the Supreme Court, President Trump has appointed more than 220 conservatives to our federal courts at every level, including Justice Neil Gorsuch, Justice Brett Kavanaugh, and Justice Amy Coney Barrett,” he added.
On Tuesday, the Senate confirmed Thomas Kirsch 51-44 to a seat on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 7th Circuit. The seat was left vacant when Barrett joined the Supreme Court.
Pence was joined at the event in the Eisenhower Executive Office Building by Brooke Rollins, assistant to the president and director of the White House Domestic Policy Council; Russell Vought, director of the Office of Management and Budget; Alex Azar, secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services; Bill Steiger, chief of staff of the United States Agency for International Development; and Kayleigh McEnany, White House press secretary.
McEnany shared a personal memory of Trump that she said illustrated his personal commitment to and support of life.
“I’ll tell you what this president did when he first offered me the job,” McEnany said.
“He said, ‘Is your daughter going to be OK?’ because he is a president that supports moms,” she said, adding:
He’s a president that supports life. And there’s been no greater partner for him in that endeavor than Vice President Pence, who’s been an unmistakable voice for life from the very beginning.
Pence asked the pro-life leaders to continue in their mission.
“So do not grow weary of doing well, because in the last four years we’ve shown when men and women of faith and conviction come together to stand up, … to speak out for the voiceless, life can win in America,” Pence said. “And with your help and God’s help, life will keep on winning in the United States of America.”
Rachel del Guidice (@LRacheldG) is a reporter for The Daily Signal. She is a graduate of Franciscan University of Steubenville, Forge Leadership Network, and The Heritage Foundation’s Young Leaders Program.
Copyright 2020 The Daily Signal


thestream--2020-12-18--A Charlie Brown Christmas Shows Us How to Have a Merry 2020 Christmas

My wife and I watched A Charlie Brown Christmas again the other day , as we do every year Christmas .
Poor Charlie Brown .
He can ’ t do anything right .
His friends all laugh at him .
Even his dog laughs at him .
Then his friends put him in situations where he ’ s bound to do everything wrong all over again .
We think we ’ re having a bad year ; Charlie Brown was having a bad life .
I don ’ t mean to downplay the year we ’ ve had .
Some @ @ @ @ @ @ @ something we ’ ve lost this year ; all of us are at least sighing over it .
I ’ m not allowed to visit my 97-year-old dad , I don ’ t know if I ’ ll have another Christmas with him , and I ’ m missing him badly .
Charlie Brown and his friends had to dig down deep to make it a merry Christmas .
I ’ m finding I have to do the same this year .
Some of us remember how eagerly we anticipated “ Peanuts ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ far the most popular comic strip , and had been for years .
It was easily the best , in my opinion .
Charles Schulz , the cartoonist , said in an interview once that he was a mediocre artist — if he were better he ’ d have been doing real art .
Maybe so , but he was a genius with life and relationships and finding funny things to say about it all .
And he was a believer in Christ ; possibly more of a theological moderate than a conservative @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
I used to have a copy of Robert L. Short ’ s book The Gospel According to Peanuts .
Short didn ’ t have to force his points one bit .
Schulz didn ’ t force things , either .
He had a gift for preaching without preaching , as in this strip .
Charlie Brown and Linus are walking in the rain .
Charlie Brown , ever the fatalist , says , “ The rain falls on the just and the unjust.
” Linus answers , “ That ’ s a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ four words , but enough to get us thinking first of all that it is a system , implying that it ’ s not accidental , and that it ’ s good , so there is goodness in the world in spite of appearances .
From there the mind moves leads naturally to thinking about the God who made it so .
Just brilliant .
When it came to making that special , though , Schulz insisted on some preaching after all , though again , he did it totally painlessly .
It @ @ @ @ @ @ @ comedy in all TV history , yet also possibly the most popular .
The video clip below picks it up at right after Charlie Brown ’ s biggest failure , with everyone dumping on him , laughing at him , mocking him .
“ Isn ’ t there anyone who can tell me the true meaning of Christmas ?
!
” he cries out .
Linus answers , “ Sure , Charlie Brown , I can tell you the true meaning of Christmas.
” Earlier Linus had complained about having to memorize lines @ @ @ @ @ @ @ but here he quotes perfectly from Luke 2:8-14 .
And then he closes it : “ That ’ s what Christmas is all about , Charlie Brown.
” Linus was right , of course .
There ’ s a hidden story here , though .
Executives at CBS , where it was first shown , worried that viewers wouldn ’ t like the jazz music Schulz wanted for the special .
Since then the Linus and Lucy song has become iconic .
( Here ’ s an extended version . )
The music @ @ @ @ @ @ @ somewhere , too , I recall questions raised about the voice actors .
They ’ re very young .
Often they ’ re very obviously reading from the page into the mic .
Schulz insisted on children doing the parts , though , and it worked .
The worst part , though — the part that almost tanked the whole show — was Linus ’ s reading from Luke .
The CBS execs all agreed , “ You can ’ t read from the Bible on network television !
” Schulz stood fast @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Charlie Brown stands fast , too .
Through all his sadness , his failures , his hopelessness , he keeps on going .
He keeps on with what I call no-matter-what strength , not only through this show but throughout the whole Peanuts comic strip run .
Christmastime 2020 is a time when a lot of us need no-matter-what strength .
We can find it the same place Charlie Brown did : the message of Christ .
Schulz handled that monologue beautifully , and he also did the right things with the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and his friends hear the message , he goes off by himself , his joy restored regardless of his friends .
They stay behind and resolve to treat him as a friend .
( Schulz need not use the word “ repentance ” when he displays it so well . )
They meet for the final scene and all is finally well .
Note , though , that Charlie Brown ’ s joy got there ahead of his circumstances .
Ours may have to as well .
His friends ’ joy improves noticeably @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Christ moved them to give him love .
This is the way Schulz always did it .
Funny , isn ’ t it , how much a cartoon can tell us about reality ?
Reality was hard in Charlie Brown ’ s comic world ; it ’ s hard here , too , in this world .
Why then did Linus ’ s Christmas message do so much good ?
Why has it touched so many hearts in real life ?
I ’ m convinced it ’ s because he was speaking real @ @ @ @ @ @ @ story of reality ; real reality , not legend , not myth , and obviously not cartoon .
So it really was and still is good news for all peoples .
There really was a Savior born in the City of David who was and is Christ the Lord .
There really is a heavenly realm with angels we rarely see , and never in the same glory the shepherds did ; which is probably just as well because we ’ d be “ sore afraid , ” too .
And just as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they really did carry a message from God , the King of the universe , who ’ d sent His Son to display His love and His salvation .
This , too , is reality .
If you think it strange how truly the cartoon conveyed it , it ’ s only because the human who wrote the story told it truly .
A Concluding Word From My Own Real World I think I should close with a word of honesty .
I started writing this a day or so ago , but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ This morning I knew I had to sit down and finish it .
That ’ s “ had to , ” as in , “ didn ’ t much feel like it.
” About a half dozen things had gone wrong in the first two or three hours of the day .
I was unhappy , I was annoyed , and I was seriously stuck , looking at the prospect of writing the rest of this piece .
But then I looked at what I ’ d already written .
I ’ m @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to remind me again of the message of Christ and of Christmas .
That truth — that reality — was all I needed to have turn my day around .
It can turn all of Christmas around , for those who know the message is real .
So Merry Christmas to you — even in 2020 !
A Charlie Brown Christmas is on Apple TV this year , streaming anytime .
A subscription may be required .
Tom Gilson ( @ TomGilsonAuthor ) is a senior editor with The Stream and the author @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the recently released Too Good To Be False : How Jesus ’ Incomparable Character Reveals His Reality .

My wife and I watched A Charlie Brown Christmas again the other day, as we do every year Christmas. Poor Charlie Brown. He can’t do anything right. His friends all laugh at him. Even his dog laughs at him. Then his friends put him in situations where he’s bound to do everything wrong all over again. We think we’re having a bad year; Charlie Brown was having a bad life.
I don’t mean to downplay the year we’ve had. Some of us have sobbed over someone or something we’ve lost this year; all of us are at least sighing over it. I’m not allowed to visit my 97-year-old dad, I don’t know if I’ll have another Christmas with him, and I’m missing him badly.
Charlie Brown and his friends had to dig down deep to make it a merry Christmas. I’m finding I have to do the same this year.
The Charles Behind Charlie Brown
Some of us remember how eagerly we anticipated “Peanuts” coming to TV. It was by far the most popular comic strip, and had been for years. It was easily the best, in my opinion.
Charles Schulz, the cartoonist, said in an interview once that he was a mediocre artist — if he were better he’d have been doing real art. Maybe so, but he was a genius with life and relationships and finding funny things to say about it all.
And he was a believer in Christ; possibly more of a theological moderate than a conservative, but definitely one who honored Christ. I used to have a copy of Robert L. Short’s book The Gospel According to Peanuts. Short didn’t have to force his points one bit.
Schulz didn’t force things, either. He had a gift for preaching without preaching, as in this strip. Charlie Brown and Linus are walking in the rain. Charlie Brown, ever the fatalist, says, “The rain falls on the just and the unjust.” Linus answers, “That’s a good system.”
The True Meaning of A Charlie Brown Christmas
It’s just four words, but enough to get us thinking first of all that it is a system, implying that it’s not accidental, and that it’s good, so there is goodness in the world in spite of appearances. From there the mind moves naturally to thinking about the God who made it so. Just brilliant.
Please Support The Stream : Equipping Christians to Think Clearly About the Political, Economic, and Moral Issues of Our Day.
When it came to making that special, though, Schulz insisted on some preaching after all, though again, he did it totally painlessly. It may be the most Christian half-hour of comedy in all TV history, yet also possibly the most popular. The video clip below picks it up at right after Charlie Brown’s biggest failure, with everyone dumping on him, laughing at him, mocking him.
“Isn’t there anyone who can tell me the true meaning of Christmas?!” he cries out. Linus answers, “Sure, Charlie Brown, I can tell you the true meaning of Christmas.” Earlier Linus had complained about having to memorize lines for the play they were practicing, but here he quotes perfectly from Luke 2:8-14. And then he closes it: “That’s what Christmas is all about, Charlie Brown.”
It Almost Didn’t Happen
Linus was right, of course. There’s a hidden story here, though. Executives at CBS, where it was first shown, worried that viewers wouldn’t like the jazz music Schulz wanted for the special. Since then the Linus and Lucy song has become iconic. (Here’s an extended version.)
The music almost didn’t happen, and somewhere, too, I recall questions raised about the voice actors. They’re very young. Often they’re very obviously reading from the page into the mic. Schulz insisted on children doing the parts, though, and it worked.
The worst part, though — the part that almost tanked the whole show — was Linus’s reading from Luke. The CBS execs all agreed, “You can’t read from the Bible on network television!” Schulz stood fast. It’s become a classic.
Charlie Brown Gets the Message
Charlie Brown stands fast, too. Through all his sadness, his failures, his hopelessness, he keeps on going. He keeps on with what I call no-matter-what strength, not only through this show but throughout the whole Peanuts comic strip run.
Christmastime 2020 is a time when a lot of us need no-matter-what strength. We can find it the same place Charlie Brown did: the message of Christ. Schulz handled that monologue beautifully, and he also did the right things with the scenes following it.
After Charlie Brown and his friends hear the message, he goes off by himself, his joy restored regardless of his friends. They stay behind and resolve to treat him as a friend. (Schulz need not use the word “repentance” when he displays it so well.) They meet for the final scene and all is finally well.
Note, though, that Charlie Brown’s joy got there ahead of his circumstances. Ours may have to as well. His friends’ joy improves noticeably, too, because the message of Christ moved them to give him love. This is the way Schulz always did it. Funny, isn’t it, how much a cartoon can tell us about reality?
Reality Is Still Good
Reality was hard in Charlie Brown’s comic world; it’s hard here, too, in this world. Why then did Linus’s Christmas message do so much good? Why has it touched so many hearts in real life? I’m convinced it’s because he was speaking real life.
It was and is a story of reality; real reality, not legend, not myth, and obviously not cartoon. So it really was and still is good news for all peoples. There really was a Savior born in the City of David who was and is Christ the Lord.
There really is a heavenly realm with angels we rarely see, and never in the same glory the shepherds did; which is probably just as well because we’d be “sore afraid,” too. And just as the word angel originally meant messenger, they really did carry a message from God, the King of the universe, who’d sent His Son to display His love and His salvation.
This, too, is reality. If you think it strange how truly the cartoon conveyed it, it’s only because the human who wrote the story told it truly.
A Concluding Word From My Own Real World
I think I should close with a word of honesty. I started writing this a day or so ago, but didn’t get very far. This morning I knew I had to sit down and finish it. That’s “had to,” as in, “didn’t much feel like it.” About a half dozen things had gone wrong in the first two or three hours of the day. I was unhappy, I was annoyed, and I was seriously stuck, looking at the prospect of writing the rest of this piece.
But then I looked at what I’d already written. I’m thankful to say there was enough there to remind me again of the message of Christ and of Christmas. That truth — that reality — was all I needed to turn my day around.
It can turn all of Christmas around, for those who know the message is real. So Merry Christmas to you — even in 2020!
A Charlie Brown Christmas is on Apple TV this year, streaming anytime. A subscription may be required.
Tom Gilson (@TomGilsonAuthor) is a senior editor with The Stream and the author or editor of six books, including the recently released Too Good To Be False: How Jesus’ Incomparable Character Reveals His Reality.


thestream--2020-12-18--Military Photo of the Day: Climbing the USS Constitution

A U.S. Air Force airman recently climbs the shroud of the USS Constitution , the world ’ s oldest commissioned @ @ @ @ @ , Massachusetts .

A U.S. Air Force airman recently climbs the shroud of the USS Constitution, the world’s oldest commissioned warship afloat, in Charlestown, Massachusetts.
Have a safe weekend, everyone!
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thestream--2020-12-18--Do Not Put Your Trust in Princes

Do Not Put Your Trust in Princes

What comes to mind when you hear that the title of one of my articles is , “ Don ’ t Put Your Trust in a Political Savior ” ?
For some of you , it is probably something like this : “ There goes Mike Brown again with his self-righteous posturing , lecturing those of us who are still standing with Donald Trump.
” But what if I told you that I wrote this article back in 2011 during the presidency of Barack Obama ?
And what if I told you that I began the article by speaking about @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that change things ?
Back in 1976 , as a fairly new , born-again follower of Jesus , I remember my excitement when I learned that this candidate from Georgia was also born-again .
And he wasn ’ t ashamed to say it !
Surely he would do an amazing job .
Four years later , after a very weak presidency , Carter was swept out of office by Ronald Reagan , who accomplished many significant things during his 8 years in the White House .
And it was during this time that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Yet , as I wrote in 2011 , “ Eight years later , despite the many good intentions of the Moral Majority , despite the clear voice Reagan provided on a number of important moral issues ( including abortion ) , and despite some of the very positive things Reagan accomplished ( nationally and internationally ) , America was still stuck in a deep moral quagmire and the abortion industry continued almost unabated .
In fact , according to the Alan Gutmacher Institute , there were at least 1.5 million abortions every @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Reagan presidency , showing increase rather than decrease.
” Not even Ronald Reagan could turn the moral and cultural tide of the nation , despite all the good that he did .
And who can forget the adulation surrounding the “ Chosen One , ” the rock star president , Barack Obama , in 2008 ?
He was anything but a political savior .
As for Obama ’ s political opponent in 2012 , Mitt Romney , very few differed with my June 2012 article , “ Mitt Romney Is Not the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ but with very little expectation of positive change , even if he was elected .
Our Human Nature is Looking for a Hero But the real issue has more to do with human nature and the nature of America than it has to do with Carter or Reagan or Obama or Romney or Trump .
As noted in my 2011 article , that ’ s because “ the American political system is both complicated and convoluted , totally different than , say , ancient Israel where the right king could bring about national @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his lifelong reign.
” Also , “ America is a nation of more than 300 million people , and much of the change we need must be grassroots change , from the bottom up more than from the top down .
In fact , it is hypocritical to criticize big government and its overreaching arm while at the same time looking to government to save us.
” Plus , “ our presidents are not superheroes , and once we get past the political panegyric , we are reminded of their humanity.
” To @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pleased when we make our leaders into superheroes , attributing to them almost mythical and mystical powers that really belong only to Him .
God Resists the Proud and He Does As He Wants With the Powerful That ’ s why the Lord cut down powerful kings who thought too highly of themselves , like Nebuchadnezzar , king of Babylon .
One day , he gazed out at his majestic city and said to himself , “ Is not this the great Babylon I have built as the royal residence , by my @ @ @ @ @ @ @ my majesty ?
” ( Daniel 4:30 ) “ Look at what I have done , ” he was saying .
“ Look at how great I am .
Praise be to me !
” For that , the Bible says , he lost his mind for a period of years , living with the wild animals until he came to his senses .
He had forgotten that the only legitimate power he had came from God .
( Elsewhere in the Bible , the Lord actually called him “ My servant Nebuchadnezzar @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to bring judgment on the people of Israel . )
Duly humbled , he said , “ His dominion is an eternal dominion ; His kingdom endures from generation to generation .
All the peoples of the earth are regarded as nothing .
He does as he pleases with the powers of heaven and the peoples of the earth .
No one can hold back His hand or say to Him : ‘ What have you done ?
’ ” ( Daniel 4:34-35 ) The biggest and most powerful king on the earth @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the King of all kings and the Lord of all lords .
He Knows Each Human Heart That ’ s also why God struck down King Herod and killed him .
When the people praised him as a god , wanting to court his favor , rather than reject their praises and give praise to God , he drank them in .
The only true God will not share His glory with His creation .
That ’ s also why , in the Gospels , Jesus was never overly impressed with people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or faithfulness , but He never overpraised them .
That ’ s because , as John records , “ He knew what was in each person ” ( see John 2:24-25 ) .
He knows what is in you and me .
Even the apostles recognized their own limitations .
As Paul wrote with reference to himself and his coworker Apollos , “ What , after all , is Apollos ?
And what is Paul ?
Only servants , through whom you came to believe—as the Lord has assigned to each his task @ @ @ @ @ @ @ watered it , but God has been making it grow .
So neither the one who plants nor the one who waters is anything , but only God , who makes things grow ” ( 1 Corinthians 3:5-7 , my emphasis ) .
That ’ s also why God spoke these words through the prophet Isaiah : “ Stop trusting in mere humans , who have but a breath in their nostrils .
Why hold them in esteem ?
” ( Isaiah 2:22 ) And that ’ s why the psalmist warned , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ princes , in human beings , who can not save ” ( Psalm 146:3 ) .
By all means , we should give proper honor to those in authority ( see Romans 13:1-5 ) .
And we should pray for their salvation and well-being ( see 1 Timothy 2:1-5 ) .
But by no means should we look to them as savior figures , as people of almost supernatural stature , somehow bigger than life .
Rather , as Isaiah declared , “ All people are like grass , and all their faithfulness @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The grass withers and the flowers fall , because the breath of the LORD blows on them .
Surely the people are grass .
The grass withers and the flowers fall , but the word of our God endures forever ” ( Isaiah 40:6–8 ) .
We do well to keep this in mind no matter who is in office .
Human beings , one way or another , will disappoint us .
Let ’ s keep our eyes fixed on Him .
Note : For another article , with a Christmas-flavored @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Trust God , Not the Herods of Our Day , ” from The Stream ‘ s Al Perrotta Dr. Michael Brown ( www.askdrbrown.org ) is the host of the nationally syndicated Line of Fire radio program .
His latest book is Evangelicals at the Crossroads : Will We Pass the Trump Test ?
Connect with him on Facebook , Twitter or YouTube .

What comes to mind when you hear that the title of one of my articles is, “Don’t Put Your Trust in a Political Savior”? For some of you, it is probably something like this: “There goes Mike Brown again with his self-righteous posturing, lecturing those of us who are still standing with Donald Trump.” But what if I told you that I wrote this article back in 2011 during the presidency of Barack Obama? And what if I told you that I began the article by speaking about President Jimmy Carter in 1976? Would that change things?
Back in 1976, as a fairly new, born-again follower of Jesus, I remember my excitement when I learned that this candidate from Georgia was also born-again. And he wasn’t ashamed to say it! Surely he would do an amazing job.
He Wasn’t the Answer
Four years later, after a very weak presidency, Carter was swept out of office by Ronald Reagan, who accomplished many significant things during his 8 years in the White House. And it was during this time that the Moral Majority also came into prominence.
Not even Ronald Reagan could turn the moral and cultural tide of the nation, despite all the good that he did.
Yet, as I wrote in 2011, “Eight years later, despite the many good intentions of the Moral Majority, despite the clear voice Reagan provided on a number of important moral issues (including abortion), and despite some of the very positive things Reagan accomplished (nationally and internationally), America was still stuck in a deep moral quagmire and the abortion industry continued almost unabated. In fact, according to the Alan Gutmacher Institute, there were at least 1.5 million abortions every year from 1980-1988, the years of the Reagan presidency, showing increase rather than decrease.”
Not even Ronald Reagan could turn the moral and cultural tide of the nation, despite all the good that he did.
And who can forget the adulation surrounding the “Chosen One,” the rock star president, Barack Obama, in 2008? He was anything but a political savior.
As for Obama’s political opponent in 2012, Mitt Romney, very few differed with my June 2012 article, “Mitt Romney Is Not the Answer.” I voted for him, but with very little expectation of positive change, even if he was elected.
Our Human Nature is Looking for a Hero
But the real issue has more to do with human nature and the nature of America than it has to do with Carter or Reagan or Obama or Romney or Trump.
As noted in my 2011 article, that’s because “the American political system is both complicated and convoluted, totally different than, say, ancient Israel where the right king could bring about national transformation, especially over the course of his lifelong reign.”
Also, “America is a nation of more than 300 million people, and much of the change we need must be grassroots change, from the bottom up more than from the top down. In fact, it is hypocritical to criticize big government and its overreaching arm while at the same time looking to government to save us.”
Plus, “our presidents are not superheroes, and once we get past the political panegyric, we are reminded of their humanity.”
To be perfectly blunt, God is not pleased when we make our leaders into superheroes, attributing to them almost mythical and mystical powers that really belong only to Him.
God Resists the Proud and He Does As He Wants With the Powerful
That’s why the Lord cut down powerful kings who thought too highly of themselves, like Nebuchadnezzar, king of Babylon.
One day, he gazed out at his majestic city and said to himself, “Is not this the great Babylon I have built as the royal residence, by my mighty power and for the glory of my majesty?” (Daniel 4:30)
“Look at what I have done,” he was saying. “Look at how great I am. Praise be to me!”
Please Support The Stream : Equipping Christians to Think Clearly About the Political, Economic, and Moral Issues of Our Day.
For that, the Bible says, he lost his mind for a period of years, living with the wild animals until he came to his senses. He had forgotten that the only legitimate power he had came from God. (Elsewhere in the Bible, the Lord actually called him “My servant Nebuchadnezzar,” even though he was used to bring judgment on the people of Israel.)
Duly humbled, he said, “His dominion is an eternal dominion; His kingdom endures from generation to generation. All the peoples of the earth are regarded as nothing. He does as he pleases with the powers of heaven and the peoples of the earth. No one can hold back His hand or say to Him: ‘What have you done?’” (Daniel 4:34-35)
The biggest and most powerful king on the earth is less than a worm when compared to the King of all kings and the Lord of all lords.
He Knows Each Human Heart
That’s also why God struck down King Herod and killed him. When the people praised him as a god, wanting to court his favor, rather than reject their praises and give praise to God, he drank them in. The only true God will not share His glory with His creation.
That’s also why, in the Gospels, Jesus was never overly impressed with people. He commended some for their faith or faithfulness, but He never overpraised them. That’s because, as John records, “He knew what was in each person” (see John 2:24-25). He knows what is in you and me.
Even the apostles recognized their own limitations.
As Paul wrote with reference to himself and his coworker Apollos, “What, after all, is Apollos? And what is Paul? Only servants, through whom you came to believe—as the Lord has assigned to each his task. I planted the seed, Apollos watered it, but God has been making it grow. So neither the one who plants nor the one who waters is anything, but only God, who makes things grow” (1 Corinthians 3:5-7, my emphasis).
Stop Trusting in Mere Humans
That’s also why God spoke these words through the prophet Isaiah: “Stop trusting in mere humans, who have but a breath in their nostrils. Why hold them in esteem?” (Isaiah 2:22) And that’s why the psalmist warned, “Do not put your trust in princes, in human beings, who cannot save” (Psalm 146:3).
By all means, we should give proper honor to those in authority (see Romans 13:1-5). And we should pray for their salvation and well-being (see 1 Timothy 2:1-5).
But by no means should we look to them as savior figures, as people of almost supernatural stature, somehow bigger than life.
Rather, as Isaiah declared, “All people are like grass, and all their faithfulness is like the flowers of the field. The grass withers and the flowers fall, because the breath of the LORD blows on them. Surely the people are grass. The grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of our God endures forever” (Isaiah 40:6–8).
We do well to keep this in mind no matter who is in office.
Human beings, one way or another, will disappoint us.
God never will.
Let’s keep our eyes fixed on Him.
Note: For another article, with a Christmas-flavored take on the theme, see “Trust God, Not the Herods of Our Day,” from The Stream‘s Al Perrotta
Dr. Michael Brown (www.askdrbrown.org) is the host of the nationally syndicated Line of Fire radio program. His latest book is Evangelicals at the Crossroads: Will We Pass the Trump Test? Connect with him on Facebook, Twitter or YouTube.


thestream--2020-12-18--This Week at War: Christmas in Combat

This Week at War: Christmas in Combat

With just one week to go until Christmas , thousands of American troops are still at war with terrorist groups across the Middle East .
In Syria , hundreds of brave U.S. troops are working closely with Syrian Democratic Forces to prevent the re-emergence of ISIS .
This week , a sleeper cell was raided near Deir al-Zour , resulting in the capture of a suspected terrorist .
As thousands of U.S. troops throughout the Middle East remain on high alert for possible attacks by Iran , American forces are also at war against ISIS in Iraq .
Even as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from Iraq under the Trump administration ’ s withdrawal plan , the valiant men and women in uniform left behind continue working side-by-side with the Iraqi military .
Operations include ensuring rapid response readiness for counterterrorism missions .
About 2,000 American troops are also coming home from America ’ s longest war in Afghanistan under orders recently given by President Trump .
Despite misleading media headlines proclaiming that the war in Afghanistan is “ over , ” it is not .
Even after approximately 2,000 U.S. troops come home from the battlefield by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Airstrikes against the Taliban , al Qaeda , ISIS and other terrorist groups continue , as do special operations missions .
To say the war is “ over ” as brave American warriors continue to risk their lives is disrespectful to their tremendous ongoing sacrifices being made while separated from their families .
This holiday season and beyond , we must keep praying for all American troops in harm ’ s way .
May God protect these warriors and comfort their loved ones .
For the first time , an active duty @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from coronavirus complications .
Stars and Stripes reports that Sgt .
Setariki Korovakaturaga died last week while being driven to a military hospital in Germany .
The 43-year-old soldier leaves behind a wife and family .
Please join The Stream in praying for them .
According to Department of Defense statistics as of Thursday afternoon , there have been 14 deaths and 878 hospitalizations in U.S. military ranks during the COVID-19 pandemic .
Out of 94,644 total cases , 57,590 have thankfully recovered from the disease .
There is hope , however , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ our military assist in distributing the new coronavirus vaccines to millions of Americans .
“ Our goal is every vaccine that goes out is safe and effective upon delivery , ” said U.S. Army Gen. Gus Perna , the chief operating officer of Operation Warp Speed .
“ And , we wanted to make sure that deliveries occurred in the places where people could receive them and then begin administering the vaccine to the American people.
” Thank you to the courageous heroes of our military for being on the front lines of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ beginning .
America will always be grateful .
Nothing is more heartwarming than seeing an American service member return from war to reunite with his or her family .
Earlier this week , a group of U.S. Air Force airmen arrived in Niagara Falls after spending the last four months supporting combat operations in the Middle East .
Welcome home , heroes !
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to you and your loved ones .
Tom Sileo is a contributing senior editor of The Stream .
He is co-author of Three Wise @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Courage and Fire in My Eyes .
Follow Tom on Twitter @ TSileo and The Stream at @ Streamdotorg .

Middle East
With just one week to go until Christmas, thousands of American troops are still at war with terrorist groups across the Middle East.
In Syria, hundreds of brave U.S. troops are working closely with Syrian Democratic Forces to prevent the re-emergence of ISIS. This week, a sleeper cell was raided near Deir al-Zour, resulting in the capture of a suspected terrorist.
The Coalition will continue to work side by side with the SDF to #defeatDaesh. Together, we are committed to continue to strengthen cooperation across all Coalition lines of effort in order to ensure that Daesh is unable to resurge. https://t.co/3yJFBMGqzw — Inherent Resolve (@CJTFOIR) December 17, 2020
As thousands of U.S. troops throughout the Middle East remain on high alert for possible attacks by Iran, American forces are also at war against ISIS in Iraq.
Even as approximately 500 U.S. service members return home from Iraq under the Trump administration’s withdrawal plan, the valiant men and women in uniform left behind continue working side-by-side with the Iraqi military. Operations include ensuring rapid response readiness for counterterrorism missions.
F-16 maintainers at Balad Air Base are hard at work making sure the Iraqi Air Force is always ready to take off. The Iraqi F-16s are a vital part of the success of the mission to #DefeatDaesh and the continued safeguarding of the sovereignty of Iraq. pic.twitter.com/9qFg3Q9S8P — Inherent Resolve (@CJTFOIR) December 15, 2020
About 2,000 American troops are also coming home from America’s longest war in Afghanistan under orders recently given by President Trump.
Elements of the Warrior Brigade redeployed to Fort Drum on December 10, 2020 from Afghanistan. Welcome home Warriors! #ClimbToGlory! pic.twitter.com/gsdhxG508l — 1BCT 10MTN (@1BCT10MTN) December 10, 2020
Despite misleading media headlines proclaiming that the war in Afghanistan is “over,” it is not. Even after approximately 2,000 U.S. troops come home from the battlefield by January 15, approximately 2,500 will remain.
Airstrikes against the Taliban, al Qaeda, ISIS and other terrorist groups continue, as do special operations missions. To say the war is “over” as brave American warriors continue to risk their lives is disrespectful to their tremendous ongoing sacrifices being made while separated from their families.
This holiday season and beyond, we must keep praying for all American troops in harm’s way. May God protect these warriors and comfort their loved ones.
Please Support The Stream : Equipping Christians to Think Clearly About the Political, Economic, and Moral Issues of Our Day.
COVID-19
For the first time, an active duty U.S. Army soldier has tragically passed away from coronavirus complications.
Stars and Stripes reports that Sgt. Setariki Korovakaturaga died last week while being driven to a military hospital in Germany. The 43-year-old soldier leaves behind a wife and family. Please join The Stream in praying for them.
.@USArmy Sgt. Setariki Korovakaturaga is the first active-duty soldier to die from the disease caused by the coronavirus. https://t.co/ZMm5yAvrwt — Stars and Stripes (@starsandstripes) December 16, 2020
According to Department of Defense statistics as of Thursday afternoon, there have been 14 deaths and 878 hospitalizations in U.S. military ranks during the COVID-19 pandemic. Out of 94,644 total cases, 57,590 have thankfully recovered from the disease.
There is hope, however, as the compassionate men and women of our military assist in distributing the new coronavirus vaccines to millions of Americans.
“Our goal is every vaccine that goes out is safe and effective upon delivery,” said U.S. Army Gen. Gus Perna, the chief operating officer of Operation Warp Speed. “And, we wanted to make sure that deliveries occurred in the places where people could receive them and then begin administering the vaccine to the American people.”
Thank you to the courageous heroes of our military for being on the front lines of the war on COVID-19 since the very beginning. America will always be grateful.
Home for the Holidays
Nothing is more heartwarming than seeing an American service member return from war to reunite with his or her family.
Earlier this week, a group of U.S. Air Force airmen arrived in Niagara Falls after spending the last four months supporting combat operations in the Middle East.
Welcome home, heroes! Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to you and your loved ones.
Tom Sileo is a contributing senior editor of The Stream. He is co-author of Three Wise Men, Brothers Forever, 8 Seconds of Courage and Fire in My Eyes. Follow Tom on Twitter @TSileo and The Stream at @Streamdotorg.


thestream--2020-12-19--Let the Great Jupiter-Saturn Conjunction of 2020 Remind You of Jesus and the Star of Bethlehem

This year a close conjunction between Jupiter and Saturn marks the start of the winter solstice , only four days before Christmas .
Although Jupiter and Saturn have a conjunction every 20 years , this one is the closest observable one since 1226 .
At their closest , visible to observers in Europe , the planets will appear about 1/5 of the moon ’ s diameter apart .
For observers in the continental U.S. , they will appear slightly farther apart .
This conjunction makes for two interesting visual effects .
First , on the evening of December 21 observers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the pair of planets as one bright star low in the southwest .
If you have good eyesight , you should be able to see them as separate points of light .
If you follow them for several evenings before and after the conjunction you can watch as they approach each other , “ merge , ” and then separate .
It is during rare close conjunctions like these that the motions of the planets in the sky are most evident .
Second , viewed through a small telescope at low power , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ their disks resolved .
With a telescope there is a tradeoff between magnification and field-of-view ; the higher the magnification , the smaller the field-of-view .
It is rare for these two planets to be close enough in the sky to fit them within the same field-of-view and also see details such as the bands on Jupiter and the rings around Saturn .
Connection to the Star of Bethlehem This time of year reminds us of the birth of Christ and the star that signaled His birth .
Scholars still debate the nature @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it can indeed be explained astronomically and not simply supernaturally .
Some say it was a comet , while others think a planetary conjunction is a better explanation .
The extremely close conjunction between Jupiter and Venus on June 17 , 2 B.C .
is a leading contender .
On that night these two planets came within one-hundredth of a degree of each other .
Even to the best observers they would have appeared as one star , indeed the brightest “ star ” ever seen , apart from novae and supernovae .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ August 27 , 2016 , which some commentators connected with the Star of Bethlehem .
As you enjoy this celestial planetary dance , let it be a reminder of the promised savior another celestial event signaled 2000 years ago , even if it wasn ’ t a planetary conjunction .
Guillermo Gonzalez is an astronomer in the Department of Physics and Astronomy at Ball State University in Muncie , Indiana .
Dr. Gonzalez is co-author of the second edition of Observational Astronomy , a widely used undergraduate textbook .
He is also co-author @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The Privileged Planet : How our Place in the Cosmos is Designed for Discovery .

This year a close conjunction between Jupiter and Saturn marks the start of the winter solstice, only four days before Christmas. Although Jupiter and Saturn have a conjunction every 20 years, this one is the closest observable one since 1226. At their closest, visible to observers in Europe, the planets will appear about 1/5 of the moon’s diameter apart. For observers in the continental U.S., they will appear slightly farther apart.
This conjunction makes for two interesting visual effects. First, on the evening of December 21 observers with below average visual acuity will see the pair of planets as one bright star low in the southwest. If you have good eyesight, you should be able to see them as separate points of light. If you follow them for several evenings before and after the conjunction you can watch as they approach each other, “merge,” and then separate. It is during rare close conjunctions like these that the motions of the planets in the sky are most evident.
(Image caption: Jupiter and Saturn as they will appear through a small telescope in the early evening from the continental U.S. The angular width of the field depicted is equal to the width of the full Moon. In other words, if you pointed your telescope on the Moon and zoomed in so that its width filled the frame of your view, and then pointed the telescope to Jupiter and Saturn without changing the zoom, this would be your view. Most of the stars in the image are actually moons of Jupiter and Saturn.)
Second, viewed through a small telescope at low power, the planets can be seen simultaneously with their disks resolved. With a telescope there is a tradeoff between magnification and field-of-view; the higher the magnification, the smaller the field-of-view. It is rare for these two planets to be close enough in the sky to fit them within the same field-of-view and also see details such as the bands on Jupiter and the rings around Saturn.
Connection to the Star of Bethlehem
This time of year reminds us of the birth of Christ and the star that signaled His birth. Scholars still debate the nature of the “star,” if it can indeed be explained astronomically and not simply supernaturally. Some say it was a comet, while others think a planetary conjunction is a better explanation. The extremely close conjunction between Jupiter and Venus on June 17, 2 B.C. is a leading contender.
Please Support The Stream : Equipping Christians to Think Clearly About the Political, Economic, and Moral Issues of Our Day.
On that night these two planets came within one-hundredth of a degree of each other. Even to the best observers they would have appeared as one star, indeed the brightest “star” ever seen, apart from novae and supernovae. A conjunction with similar circumstances occurred on August 27, 2016, which some commentators connected with the Star of Bethlehem.
As you enjoy this celestial planetary dance, let it be a reminder of the promised savior another celestial event signaled 2000 years ago, even if it wasn’t a planetary conjunction.
Guillermo Gonzalez is an astronomer and co-author of the second edition of Observational Astronomy, a widely used undergraduate textbook. He is also co-author, with Jay W. Richards, of The Privileged Planet: How our Place in the Cosmos is Designed for Discovery.