A suspect in attempted pipe bombings in Washington, D.C., has been arrested after remaining at large for nearly five years as an investigation into his motives continues.

United States Attorney General Pam Bondi discussed the details during a press conference at the U.S. Department of Justice headquarters Thursday alongside FBI Director Kash Patel, U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia Jeanine Pirro and other law enforcement officials to announce that Brian Cole Jr. was arrested early Thursday morning in connection with the placement of pipe bombs near the headquarters of the Democratic National Committee and the Republican National Committee in January 2021.

“We were going to track this person to the end of the Earth,” said FBI Deputy Director Dan Bongino. “We didn’t have to track him to the end of the Earth” because “he wound up in Woodbridge, Virginia.”

Woodbridge is located 23 miles from Washington, D.C.

“He has been charged with violating 18 USC 844, which is use of an explosive device,” Bondi said. Pirro clarified that Cole was arrested for “transporting an explosive device in interstate commerce” and “the attempted malicious destruction by means of explosive materials.” If convicted under the statute mentioned by Bondi, Cole could face up to 10 years in prison on the former charge and between five and 20 years behind bars for the latter charge.

Continued below.

Three Language Groups Will Soon Have Bibles

Front-line workers in Nepal report that three language groups will soon have Bibles available in print for the first time. Praise the Lord for the years of faithful translation work that have been completed and for the culmination of this work. Pray for the next steps of the printing and distribution of God’s Word to people who have long waited to have it in their own languages. Finally, pray that every Bible produced in these new translations will reach fertile ground and lead to spiritual maturity and church growth among all of Nepal’s people

Call For Unity

Front-line workers request prayer for unity amonG Kyrgyz Christian communities, especially those including Muslim-background believers. Converts from Islam are often beaten, and the small Christian minority is generally oppressed by society. Due to this constant pressure, church groups often have trouble trusting each other and working together. “Pray for the unity of the persecuted body there,” a front-line worker requested, adding that unity among Christians will help to advance God’s kingdom.

Emotional Healing For Survivors

Kemi, her husband and several others were abducted in 2017 by radical Islamists. The militants killed most of the Christians, including Kemi’s husband, but spared Kemi. Instead, they marched her into the forest and abused her. For nine months she prayed that God would rescue her. One day, while fetching water, she was able to escape her captors. After living on wild fruit for three weeks, she finally stumbled onto a road, describing it as a miracle. Later she learned she was pregnant, and her community rejected her and the baby. Kemi became depressed, and she had trouble sleeping and taking care of herself and her child. With the help of VOM and a local counseling ministry, Kemi has received spiritual and emotional care. She can now sleep, work and serve in her local church. Front-line workers requested prayer for spiritual and emotional care for others like Kemi who have suffered for their faith.

Plans proposed by the K-12 school were denied by a Hoover zoning commission.

In a statement, the Academy said objections to their plan were “…unrelated to zoning criteria and instead reflected harmful stereotypes and conspiracy theories about Muslims and Islamic institutions.”

[Article provides ample evidence of the harmful stereotypes and conspiracy theories]

“We really just don’t have a place for such here,” said Rep. Butler. “Where you’re screaming ‘kill the infidel, death to America.’ That’s just not welcome here. There are plenty of Muslim countries that would welcome that.”

“What they’re doing is going against our Constitution,” said Sen. Tommy Tuberville (R-AL) in an interview with Breanna Morella on Infowars, speaking out against the Academy. “I mean, you can’t preach hate, you can’t preach death. ‘Kill all infidels. Kill all Christians.’ You can’t do that.”

Everyday, something new and mean stuff is coming from American online. For example that unemployed people drain the system. That's how I understand it from you. Now it's like your dream of a society where everyone works will never happen, a kind of utopia. The reason I'm writing is because my mother worked in a factory for 32 years or something, and got a medal, and my father has worked for about 30 years also in different places, woke up to the same alarm every day for 30 years, yet they are treated degradingly when we are out because they "just" go there.

Its fun to be mean perhaps, I never understand it, but americans have to kinda weirdos to put all this nonsense out there. I'm always treated well because I've sung so much, but I think it's a bit the opposite of what it should be, maybe then, I've learned a lot on my own, worked hard, but I think 30 years in a factory is tougher

Armed Muslim bandits attacked Ejiba, a community in Yagba West Local Government Area of Kogi state, on Sunday morning, abducting a pastor, his wife, and several worshippers during a church service.

The incident occurred at a newly established Cherubim and Seraphim Church, where congregants had gathered for worship before the gunmen stormed the building.

Eyewitnesses shared on the Egbe Mekun Platform that the attackers surrounded the small church shortly after the service began. The worshippers were forced to flee in different directions as the gunmen entered the sanctuary. Adegboyega Oguns, who was present when the attack occurred, said the pastor, known as Orlando, was seized along with his wife and multiple members of the congregation. He described the moment as chaotic, with people running into the nearby bushes to escape.

Continued below.

The Vatican published on Dec. 4 the summary of the work carried out by the commissions studying the possibility of admitting women to the diaconate, presented to Pope Leo XIV by Cardinal Giuseppe Petrocchi.

Petrocchi, the president of the Study Commission on the Female Diaconate created by Pope Francis, stated that — with seven votes in favor and one against — the possibility of admitting women to the diaconate as a degree of the sacrament of holy orders is ruled out.

However, he emphasized that for the moment it is not possible “to formulate a definitive judgment, as in the case of priestly ordination.”

Historical investigation into so-called ‘deaconesses’​

This second working session — following the one held in 2021 — ended last February, and the conclusions were presented on Sept. 18 to Pope Leo XIV, who ordered that they be made public on Dec. 4.

In a seven-page document, the cardinal stated that, based on a historical investigation, the commissions agree that the so-called “deaconesses” existed in the history of the Church but with diverse functions and not equivalent to the male diaconate.

Petrocchi emphasized that this question cannot be resolved solely with historical data and that, ultimately, it is up to the magisterium to issue a doctrinal judgment.

Continued below.

Seattle Seahawks linebacker Ernest Jones is rejoicing now that he's gotten his “Lord and Savior Jesus Christ back,” and suggested that his recommitment to Christianity has played a role in his team’s athletic success.

The Seahawks posted a video on the team’s X account Sunday featuring Jones' locker room speech from the linebacker. Jones detailed how he had “been through a lot this year” and revealed that he “found myself feeling stuck.”

“I found myself feeling like I was missing something, and what I was missing was God,” he added. “I got back on my knees, I started back praying.”

Jones also shared his belief that his newfound embrace of Christianity was having an impact on the team’s athletic success: “Just look at what we got, man. Look at what’s real.”

As Jones’ teammates erupted into applause, the athlete remarked, “It’s bigger than this interception. I got my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ back, and I’m with my boys.”

Continued below.

An appeals court panel has ruled that efforts to stop pro-life pregnancy centers in New York from informing patients about abortion pill reversal are unconstitutional, as such organizations find themselves increasingly subject to investigations from Democratic politicians.

In an opinion on Monday, a three-judge panel of the United States Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit unanimously upheld a lower court ruling siding with two pro-life pregnancy centers, Gianna’s House and Options Care Center.

The pro-life pregnancy centers filed a preemptive lawsuit against Democratic New York Attorney General Letitia James after she sued 11 similarly situated pro-life organizations, alleging fraud for promoting abortion pill reversal.

Continued below.

Critics say changes could lead to silencing 'offensive' speech

Canadian legislators are on the cusp of eliminating key religious protections from the nation's hate speech statutes, potentially paving the way for prosecutions over biblical teachings on marriage, sexuality and other faith-based views.

Under a reported bipartisan deal between the ruling Liberal Party and the Bloc Québécois, religious exemptions from Canadian hate speech laws would be eliminated in order to advance support for Bill C-9, which would criminalize the display of the Nazi swastika and other antisemitic expressions.

Canadian law currently exempts any hateful or antisemitic speech "expressed or attempted to establish by an argument an opinion on a religious subject or an opinion based on a belief in a religious text." Such speech is also exempted when it is "intended to point out, for the purpose of removal, matters producing or tending to produce feelings of hatred toward an identifiable group in Canada" or if "they expressed or attempted to establish by an argument an opinion on a religious subject or an opinion based on a belief in a religious text."

Continued below.

Christian humanitarian group 'did not serve as sponsor' but doesn't rule out providing 'services'


The Evangelical aid charity World Relief says it “cannot confirm” if it assisted in the resettlement of an Afghan national to the U.S. who later shot two National Guard members, killing one.

A spokesperson for the Christian humanitarian organization, which partners with both local churches and the U.S. government under its official title, World Relief Corporation of the National Association of Evangelicals, said it was “shocked and devastated” by the shooting of two members of the West Virginia National Guard in Washington, D.C., last week.

The shooter, 29-year-old Afghan national Rahmanullah Lakanwal, entered the U.S. in 2021, following the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan under "Operation Allies Welcome," which allowed him to live and work in the U.S. for two years while he applied for permanent status.

Continued below.

Palantir CEO Says Making War Crimes Constitutional Would Be Good for Business​

A Samaritan's Purse plane carrying aid to South Sudan was hijacked earlier this week. A suspect has been detained, and no serious injuries are being reported.

The Evangelical international humanitarian organization announcedWednesday that the plane, a Cessna Grand Caravan that operated exclusively in Africa, "was involved in a hijacking incident on Tuesday."

At the time, the plane was en route to Maiwut, South Sudan, to deliver medicine to a mobile medical unit operated by the Charlotte, North Carolina-based charity.

An armed hijacker snuck onto the plane, which also carried a pilot and one Samaritan's Purse staff member on board. The pilot eventually landed the plane in the Wau, South Sudan.

The National Security Service of South Sudan took the hijacker into custody after the plane landed in Wau.

"We praise God that no one was seriously injured, and we are grateful to the security forces for their support and swift action on the ground to resolve the situation and bring a safe outcome," stated Samaritan's Purse.

Continued below.

12/04/25 Day 1

O St. Lucy, whose name proclaims the radiance of light, we approach you with humble confidence to seek your holy intercession. Obtain for us, through your prayers, that sacred illumination which guides our souls away from the shadows of sin and leads us toward the brightness of virtue.

Obtain for us also these petitions which we offer to you in this novena:

[Mention your petitions now]

We beseech you, St. Lucy, through your powerful advocacy before the throne of the Lamb, the protection of our eye sight, and for the grace to employ our eyes always in service of God’s glory and never for that which offends His divine majesty.

Help us to perceive with clarity the truths of our faith and the needs of our neighbor, that we may walk steadfastly in the light of Christ and labor earnestly for the salvation of souls.

Pray for us, St. Lucy, that having honored you as our advocate in this earthly pilgrimage, we may one day behold with you the eternal splendor of the Lamb of God, Jesus Christ our Lord, in whose divine light all shadows flee away forever. Amen.

The Eyes of St. Lucy

Young men are going to church in increasing numbers, according to recent data, and women in the same age bracket are increasingly irreligious, which is a markedly unusual demographic shift.

So, why is this, and what is happening? What kind of churches are these men flocking to, and why are they going? Those are interesting questions, and there are several layers to explore.

But among some young men, the Holy Spirit indeed appears to be moving powerfully.

Various narratives are swirling today about disaffected and demoralized young men, but what seems clear is that many of them are yearning for something more, and they’ve found the broader culture to be empty. In May, The Wall Street Journal published a moving story about how churches are ministering to struggling boys and young men who are seeking a godly sense of manhood to inhabit. For these young men, I rejoice and pray that they encounter God, that they continue to deepen their faith, and be transformed.

Concurrently, I’m burdened for many young women, many of whom have thrown their hands up, exasperated and wounded, and they can’t be a part of churches anymore.

And before anyone calls me a virtue-signaling “white knight,” I’ll readily acknowledge that women sin as much as men, and many virtuous men struggle to confront particular sins toward which women are more often inclined. I’m sure some women are leaving churches for self-centered reasons. And as for female false teachers, bloggers, podcasters and authors? Like their male counterparts, they must be resisted as the sheep-devouring wolves they are.

Continued below.

Pray that India's political leaders & bureaucrats do Not prop up wicked authoritarian dictators of other nations:

Now the Scribes and the Pharisees were known for being hypocrites, and this is just one example of their hypocrisy. But is it wrong to correct sinful behaviors in others who profess faith in the one and only true God – Father, Son Jesus Christ, and Holy Spirit? No, it is not wrong, if it is being done with the right motives, and in biblical love and truth, and not in hypocrisy, and with the intent to save lives, and not to destroy them. For we are instructed in the Scriptures that we are to help our fellow Christians to victory over sin.

[Philippians 2:1-8; Romans 12:3-8; Ephesians 4:1-16; Ephesians 5:15-21; Colossians 3:16; Hebrews 3:13; Hebrews 10:23-25; Galatians 6:1; James 5:19-20; Matthew 28:18-20; Matthew 5:13-16; Acts 26:18; 1 Peter 2:9]

But the Scribes and the Pharisees cared nothing about this woman. They were just using her as a pawn for their own purposes to try to trip up Jesus with his words, so that they would have cause to accuse him. And they didn’t really care about the law, either, unless using it served their purposes when they wanted to claim, “the law says,” but while they were those who broke the commands of God habitually, for they did not practice what they preached, but instead were full of wicked deeds, greed, and self-indulgence.

Now, the Scriptures do not teach us what Jesus wrote in the ground with his finger, which led the Scribes and the Pharisees to back off and to depart. But I have always suspected that he named names, perhaps names of harlots with whom they had committed adultery, so that they knew that Jesus knew their secret acts of sin, and that he had the power to expose their deep dark secrets, and to stand them in front of a “firing squad,” too. For they were too prideful to back down based on his spoken words alone. They needed more.

And when they had all departed, then Jesus spoke to the woman with kindness. And he could see what was in her heart. And I believe he could see that she was sorrowful and repentant. For then he said to her, “I do not condemn you, either. Go. From now on sin no more.” And that is Jesus’ message to all of us who are sorrowful and repentant over our sins, when he forgives us. For forgiveness is never permission granted to keep on in sin, but it is for the purpose that we will “go, and sin no more.” Amen!

For Jesus Christ taught that to come to him we must deny self, take up our cross daily (die daily to sin), and follow (obey) him. For if we hold on to living in sin and for self, we will lose our lives for eternity. But if we deny self, die daily to sin, by the Spirit, and we walk in obedience to our Lord and to his commands, in his power, then we have eternal life with God. For not everyone who calls him “Lord” will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one DOING (obeying) the will of God (see Luke 9:23-26; Matthew 7:21-23).

For by God-gifted faith in Jesus Christ, which is not of our own doing, we are crucified with Christ in death to sin and raised with Christ to walk in newness of life in him, no longer to live as slaves to sin but as slaves to righteousness in walks of obedience to God’s commands. We are no longer to permit sin to reign in our mortal bodies to make us obey its desires. For if sin is what we obey, it results in death. But if obedience to God is what we obey, it results in sanctification, and its end is eternal life with God (see Romans 6:1-23).

[Matthew 7:13-14,21-23; Luke 9:23-26; John 10:27-30; Acts 26:18; Romans 1:18-32; Romans 2:5-10; Romans 3:23; Romans 6:1-23; Romans 8:1-14; 1 Corinthians 10:1-22; Galatians 5:16-24; Ephesians 2:8-10; Ephesians 4:17-32; Ephesians 5:3-6; Titus 2:11-14; Hebrews 3:1-19; Hebrews 4:1-13; Hebrews 10:19-39; Hebrews 12:1-2; 1 Peter 2:24; 1 John 1:1-10; 1 John 2:3-6; 1 John 3:4-10; Revelation 2:1-29; Revelation 3:1-22]

Broken and Contrite

An Original Work / May 13, 2012
Christ’s Free Servant, Sue J Love

I come before You, Lord, my Savior,
With humble heart and crushed in spirit.
I bow before You, I implore You,
Heal my broken heart, I pray.
Love You, Jesus, Lord, my master,
You are the King of my heart.
Lord, purify my heart within me;
Sanctify me, whole within.

Oh, Lord, I long to obey fully
The words You’ve spoken through Your Spirit.
I pray You give me grace and mercy,
Strength and wisdom to obey.
Father God, my heart’s desire,
Won’t You set my heart on fire?
Lord, cleanse my heart of all that hinders
My walk with You, now I pray.

Oh, Jesus, Savior, full of mercy,
My heart cries out for understanding.
I want to follow You in all ways,
Never straying from Your truth.
Holy Spirit, come in power,
Fill me with Your love today.
Lord, mold and make me;
Your hands formed me;
Live Your life through me, I pray.

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Go, and Sin No More
An Original Work / December 4, 2025
Christ’s Free Servant, Sue J Love

President Donald Trump's Cabinet sang his praises during a televised meeting on Tuesday, Dec. 2
As the president appeared to be frequently closing his eyes, his secretaries showered him with compliments on everything from his sacrifices for the American people to his apparent influence on the weather.
"Sir, you made it through hurricane season without a hurricane," Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem said, as Trump quietly said, "Yeah."
"Even you kept the hurricanes away. We appreciate that," she continued.

https://people.com/kristi-noem-tells-donald-trump-he-kept-hurricanes-away-11860541

The helpful website, gotquestions.org, has over 10,000 answers to frequently asked Bible questions, such as this one: "Do Christians have to obey the Old Testament law?"

After briefly explaining some of the laws that were given to God's people, (Ten Commandments, civil, ceremonial) their website states, "None of the Old Testament law is binding on Christians today."

Do you see any problem with their answer?

While it is true that God does not expect believers today to follow the Old Testament laws regarding the sacrificial system, food and clothing rules, etc., it is unwise in my view to claim that the Ten Commandments are not "binding on Christians today."

After all, examine the New Testament instructions given to Christians in the words of Jesus, and the writings of Paul, Peter and James. While Scripture makes it clear that Christians "are not under law, but under grace," (Romans 6:14) followers of Christ are presented with many rules for holy living in the New Testament. And these godly instructions line up beautifully with the Ten Commandments.

Continued below.

President Donald Trump on Tuesday said at the White House that his administration is looking into an Australian-style retirement program.

“We’re looking at it very seriously,” Trump said. “It’s a good plan. It’s worked out very well.”

Superannuation, or “super” for short, is Australia’s flagship retirement savings program.

Employers are required to fund employees’ savings accounts, which are invested in select funds — known as super funds — that are locked up until retirement. The employer-funded contributions are made on top of paying employees their regular income. Employees can also contribute to their own savings account.

Employers must contribute the equivalent of 12% of an employee’s income into these super funds.

There is also a government pension program that serves as a safety net for people who need additional support. However, “super” is increasingly the primary retirement savings vehicle.

--

An interesting idea, sort of a mandatory 401k, but of course we need a lot more details to see how this would actually work, and who the winners and losers are compared to existing Social Security. And exactly how the transition would be made.

The 12% is similar to the 12.4% paid into Social Security. Of course with Social Security it's split evenly between employer and employee, whereas this would fall all on the employer.

The main problem (as I see it) is that one's balance is directly proportional to income, and so the benefits will be as well. For Social Security, as I understand it, there is a formula used to help spread the pool out -- aiding lower income people. [On the flip side, the very wealthy only pay Social Security tax on the first $176K of salary.]

The main problem (as corporations see it) is that it (on paper anyway) shifts the entire burden onto them.

The arrest marks the first time investigators have settled on a suspect in an act that had long vexed law enforcement, spawned a multitude of conspiracy theories and remained an enduring mystery in the shadow of the dark chapter of American history that is the violent Capitol siege.

No details other than that it's a man.

Jesus was baptized at about thirty years of age: “Then cometh Jesus from Galilee to Jordan unto John, to be baptized of him. But John forbad him, saying, I have need to be baptized of thee, and comest thou to me? And Jesus answering said unto him, Suffer it to be so now: for thus it becometh us to fulfil all righteousness. Then he suffered him.
And Jesus, when he was baptized, went up straightway out of the water: and, lo, the heavens were opened unto him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove, and lighting upon him:
And lo a voice from heaven, saying, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.” (Matt. 3:13–17).
“And Jesus himself began to be about thirty years of age…” (Luke 3:23).

The disciples followed the example of their Master: “After these things came Jesus and his disciples into the land of Judaea; and there he tarried with them, and baptized.
And John also was baptizing in AEnon near to Salim, because there was much water there: and they came, and were baptized… And they came unto John, and said unto him, Rabbi, he that was with thee beyond Jordan, to whom thou barest witness, behold, the same baptizeth, and all men come to him.” (John 3:22–26).
Thus much water was needed for baptism so that a person could be baptized entirely. Partially wetting a person is not sufficient for baptism. The meaning of the original word baptidzein (baptism) is “to immerse under water.”

John 4:1–2 gives further detail about the baptism performed by the disciples, which therefore took place before the giving of the missionary/baptism command: “When therefore the Lord knew how the Pharisees had heard that Jesus made and baptized more disciples than John, (Though Jesus himself baptized not, but his disciples,)…”
The disciples thus baptized one another, as well as many other people, more than John the Baptist. The followers of Jesus have always desired to act according to the example of their Master:
“And all the people that heard him, and the publicans, justified God, being baptized with the baptism of John. But the Pharisees and lawyers rejected the counsel of God against themselves, being not baptized of him.” (Luke 7:29–30).
The plan of God, beginning from the giving of the missionary command after the work of the cross, has been that all who have come to faith are to be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ after their conversion. For this reason, in the early congregation there were no unbaptized, except in some cases for a few hours or days until a place of baptism was found. “…be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ…” (Acts 2:38, 41; 10:48). To remain unbaptized for three days was called delaying (Acts 9:9 / 22:16). Baptism has therefore belonged to “the principles of the doctrine of Christ” for about 2000 years (Heb. 6:2). It is an expression of obedience and honor toward God.
“In flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ.” (2 Thess. 1:8). “He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life…” (John 3:36).

The church practice of infant baptism has made void the plan that God has for all people. Peter exhorted thus:

“…Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ…” (Acts 2:38).​

“Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls. And they continued stedfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers…” (Acts 2:41–42).
Thus the congregation founded at the cross began to function. The congregation, ekklesia (Eng. congregation), means those people who have received the risen Jesus. WE are the congregation. The work of the cross, the blood sacrifice and death of Jesus amidst sufferings, is the foundation of our eternal life. We have received the forgiveness of our sins through the merit of His substitutionary sacrifice.
There is no teaching or example in the Bible of the baptism of infants in arms. Nor is there any of belonging to a church. Therefore, it is good to resign from the church before baptism. This belongs to repentance.

The Bible knows no practice in which someone who has come to faith could remain unbaptized. Jesus gave the missionary/baptism command about forty days after the work of the cross (Acts 1:2–3, 9). This remains in force until the end:
“And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature. He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.” (Mark 16:15–16).
First, therefore, the hearing of the message of salvation and coming to faith, then baptism by immersion in water in the name of Jesus Christ. This is the unambiguous teaching and example of Jesus and of the early congregation. To this also refers the teaching in Eph. 4:5, “One Lord, one faith, ONE BAPTISM.” If someone has not been baptized after coming to faith with this only biblical baptism, he is unbaptized, even if he had been “baptized” many times with other kinds of “baptisms.”

Give therefore your life to Jesus, and come to baptism. This is the good will of God: “And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord.” (Acts 10:48). Thus the blessing of Heaven may fill your life.
“And now why tarriest thou? arise, and be baptized, and wash away thy sins, calling on the name of the Lord.” (Acts 22:16).

Blessings,
Weijo Lindroos, from the Turku Congregation
Email: weijo.lindroos@pp.inet.fi

Time is running short; The Great Judgment is at hand.
All souls that fail to meet the standard will be destroyed, for this judgment is a prelude to Christ's Final Judgment.
Any soul that has participated in cult sacrifices or worshipped demon will be destroyed.
Any soul of a pastor who has used the name of God to illegally reap wealth will be destroyed.
Any soul that is maliciously involved in the LGBTQ movement will be destroyed.
What is the destruction of a soul?
To suffer forever and ever in the eternal fires of hell.

God's explained to me, many times, that this Church, this 'religion', is rooted in the meaning of Life. I am going to take the OCIA here within a month or two. I just am in the middle of moving, but it all seems good to go. I know this will sound stupid to people, maybe, but I was in the hospital and this Priest came, and he gave me a Rosary. I can't lose that thing. It just, shows up. Same as this daily Bible journal book from years ago. We would move and move, and I'd find that book. Anyways, God bless. I've got a Catholic Bible through Amazon. And some Church history. I'm just excited, talking on and on. But God so loved the World, He gave us Roman Catholicism.

I’ve always struggled with feeling God’s presence. It’s hard having faith in something I can’t feel or haven’t really EXPERIENCED in the way I hear stories about. It makes me scared that my faith isn’t genuine or if I’m doing something wrong.

I’ve been a Christian since I was 4. Yes, this has haunted me for awhile because I feel like that was way too young, but I feel as if I’ve had enough faith since then (and panic prayers) that at some point it really did become genuine. Plus I read “Stop Asking Jesus into Your Heart” by JD Grear to help with some of my fears.

But now, I don’t know if I’m just backsliding or if it’s something more serious.

I’ve never been good at prayer or Bible reading. I get distracted. I get busy. I have really good phases where I do it daily and then I drop off and have trouble getting back on it. But even then, it feels more like studying and learning information instead of meditating and sitting with God. I read, do a quick prayer, and go about my day. I’ve tried to sit with Him more, but then my thoughts just wander, and I don’t ever hear Him or feel Him.

I keep trying to pray for God to reveal Himself to me. To ease my anxiety. To give me some kind of answer. But I hear nothing. And then I just become less motivated to read the Bible or pray. I’ve never been good at praying anyway.

I don’t know what to do at this point. Has anyone else experienced this? Is this normal for Christians to just feel distant? I feel like most of my “encounters” with God have just been vicariously through others. I know all the answers to questions at church, am very familiar with the Bible, and serve regularly, but it just feels like I’m following obligation and not living by faith.

It feels like I’m just forcing everything, and I don’t know how to make it feel real.

The story of Santa Claus has a dark origin in the legends of Saint Nicholas, who is said to have resurrected three boys murdered and pickled by an evil innkeeper. This gruesome tale was a part of his mythos in medieval Europe and contributed to his being associated with dark companions like Krampus or Père Fouettard, who punish naughty children. Over time, the modern, cheerful Santa Claus image emerged, largely through Clement C. Moore's poem and Thomas Nast's illustrations, which downplayed or ignored these darker origins.

And don't forget what the name 'Santa' is an anagram of.

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Was Jesus really born on December 25th when the sheep were lying low ?

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