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Scripture told us to expect a Jewish return to the land before a national turning to Messiah. That “return in unbelief” can help evangelicals resist the new antisemitism, avoid romanticizing any government, and pray more biblically for Israel and her neighbors. Not long ago, a secular Israeli friend tried to explain why, after building a successful life in North America, he was still thinking about going “back home” to Israel. He is not religious. He is not part of a settler movement. He is weary of war and politics. Yet he told me, almost apologetically, “I don’t even know why....

Daily Readings from the USCCBWhen they came on the eighth day to circumcise the child, they were going to call him Zechariah after his father, but his mother said in reply, “No. He will be called John.” But they answered her, “There is no one among your relatives who has this name.” So they made signs, asking his father what he wished him to be called. He asked for a tablet and wrote, “John is his name,” and all were amazed. Luke 1:59–63At the time of John the Baptist’s birth, it was customary for family, neighbors, and others within the...

CHRISTMAS BIBLE-ART EPISODE #11 of 33 SHOULD JOSEPH MARRY MARY? M A T T H E W CHAPTER 1 This is how the birth of Jesus Christ came about: His mother Mary was pledged to be married to Joseph, but before they came together, she was found to be with child through the Holy Spirit. Because Joseph her husband was a righteous man and did not want to expose her to public disgrace, he had in mind to divorce her quietly. But after he had considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and...

🇺🇸Pray For The Peace of Jerusalem 🇮🇱(12/23/25)[Prayer]Countdown To ChristmasLuke 1:26-38The Birth of Jesus Foretold 26 In the sixth month of Elizabeth’s pregnancy, God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a town in Galilee, 27 to a virgin pledged to be married to a man named Joseph, a descendant of David. The virgin’s name was Mary. 28 The angel went to her and said, “Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you.” 29 Mary was greatly troubled at his words and wondered what kind of greeting this might be. 30 But the angel said to her, “Do not...

Tuesday 23 December 2025 23 December (optional commemoration of Saint John of Kęty, Priest) Chicago, ILReadings at MassLiturgical Colour: Violet. Year: A(II).First readingMalachi 3:1-4,23-24Before my day comes, I will send you Elijah my prophetThe Lord God says this: Look, I am going to send my messenger to prepare a way before me. And the Lord you are seeking will suddenly enter his Temple; and the angel of the covenant whom you are longing for, yes, he is coming, says the Lord of Hosts. Who will be able to resist the day of his coming? Who will remain standing when he...

During this Christmas season, it’s good to take a look at what the true meaning of the birth of Christ was. It was not only God being born on earth, although it certainly was that. The birth of Jesus, in fact, was the restoration of the divine Kingdom on earth, with the King of Kings renewing the line of King David and King Solomon. This is important to know, since there are a lot of people in the world today who think that Jesus will only establish His kingdom at His Second Coming. In fact, it was established 2,000 years...

“‘The kingdom of heaven is like a treasure hidden in the field’” (Matthew 13:44). The treasure of salvation is not evident to unregenerate people, which is why they don’t naturally seek it. They don’t understand why believers prize God’s saving kingdom so much and why they willingly give up so much—their self-sufficiency, sinful pleasures, and expensive worldly goods and social status—to gain what appears to be so insignificant and barely visible. Kingdom living is too narrow and unattractive to the unsaved, and that’s why so few find this life or desire to walk it (Matt. 7:14)—in reality, most of the...

Join with fellow FREEPERS to pray for AMERICA: For those in Authority in Government, Family, Military, Business, Agri-Business; End to Sex Slavery; Healthcare, Education, Churches, and the Media. This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us. (1 John 5:14) I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone: for kings and all those in authority that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. ~ 1 Timothy 2:1-2 Religion Forum Threads labeled [Prayer] are closed to...

Dozens of NFL players urge Trump, Congress to protect Nigerian Christians from persecutionMore than 60 current and former NFL players are calling on Washington leaders to take action against anti-Christian terrorism in Nigeria, including Tony Dungy, Kirk Cousins, and others.In an era where professional athletes have too often succumbed to amplifying woke ideology and promoting leftist causes, it is refreshing to see NFL players channel their religious beliefs and courageously stand up for initiatives that make a difference for Christ.Earlier this week 60 high-profile current and former NFL players and coaches co-signed a letter calling on leaders in Washington, D.C....

[Catholic Caucus] Diocese of Charlotte will require seminarians to spend extra ‘pastoral year’ teaching, living as laityCHARLOTTE, North Carolina (LifeSiteNews) — The Diocese of Charlotte under Bishop Michael Martin, OFM, plans to add an extra “pastoral year” to its seminary formation that will require seminarians to work in Catholic schools full-time while largely living as ordinary laymen, beginning the next academic year.The changes to priestly formation, announced in a December 15 email memo obtained by The Pillar, will require seminarians to spend an additional “pastoral year” in between their required philosophy and theological studies, teaching full-time at local middle or...

1. Israel brought back a second time (Isaiah 11:11) It shall come to pass in that day That the Lord shall set His hand again the second time To recover the remnant of His people who are left, From Assyria and Egypt, From Pathros and Cush, From Elam and Shinar, From Hamath and the islands of the sea. Isaiah 11:11 Isaiah foretold a second regathering of Israel distinct from the return from Babylon. The first scattering occurred from 605 to 586BC by the Babylonians The first regathering happened after the Babylonian captivity, beginning in 538-37BC The second scattering occurred in...

(The inspiration for posting this information today came by way of Daniel Greenfield: Canada's Euthanasia Kills 96% White People)The money quote, the grand "G" word:Once you start giving people free health care, it's hard to stop them from making use of it unless you also use the same system to kill them.It's a good day to out the name of the guilty party because it's all in there --the bad news buffet and the "unlimited" free socialist manna that kills people en masse. Overwhelmed and demoralized, the abused and abandoned lose hope. And right on cue, along comes the system...

This song is the personal testimony of Anna the prophetess, the daughter of Penhanuel, of the tribe of Aser, of the people of Israel (Luke 2:36-38)! It is in the time of great Roman oppression and Anna has experienced and observed the despair of her people and the mighty oppressive power of Rome and her armies for many years. Notice in the lyrics of this song that Almighty God; her Lord and Savior; is ALWAYS observing her and taking care of her! She is ALWAYS in His ETERNAL presence and watchful eye. He always is hearing her prayers and sees...

Why does Europe hate its Christians?Europe is witnessing a stark rise in anti Christian hatred and violence, with thousands of incidents targeting Christians, churches and other expressions of faith, according to a new study.The latest report from the Observatory on Intolerance and Discrimination against Christians in Europe, published by the European Centre for Law and Justice, compiles official police records, independent research and data from international bodies. It records 2,211 anti Christian hate incidents in 2024, including 274 physical assaults. While the overall number of recorded incidents fell slightly compared with the previous year, the report notes that this was...

This week Chile elected the devout Catholic and father of nine José Antonio Kast to serve as the country’s 35th president. He will take office on 11 March 2026 after a decisive run off victory that has redrawn the country’s political map. He won the second round on 14 December with 58.16 per cent of the vote, defeating Jeannette Jara and reversing his first round placing a month earlier. Kast framed the election as a national turning point, telling supporters in Santiago during his election speech: “It’s a special day. It’s a day that stays with us, a day that...

Daily Readings from the USCCBMary said: “My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord; my spirit rejoices in God my savior… He has cast down the mighty from their thrones and has lifted up the lowly. He has filled the hungry with good things, and the rich he has sent away empty.” Luke 1:46; 52–53The last two sentences quoted from our Blessed Mother’s song of praise give us much to ponder. She, who is the Mother of God and full of grace, rejoiced that God “cast the mighty down from their thrones” and “the rich he sent away empty.” It’s...

CHRISTMAS BIBLE-ART EPISODE #10 of 33 SHOULD JOSEPH MARRY MARY? M A T T H E W CHAPTER 1 This is how the birth of Jesus Christ came about: His mother Mary was pledged to be married to Joseph, but before they came together, she was found to be with child through the Holy Spirit. Because Joseph her husband was a righteous man and did not want to expose her to public disgrace, he had in mind to divorce her quietly. 1 JAMES TISSOT "The Anxiety of Saint Joseph" But after he had considered this, an angel of the...

🇺🇸Pray For The Peace of Jerusalem 🇮🇱(12/22/25)[Prayer]Countdown To ChristmasLuke 1:5-25The Birth of John the Baptist Foretold 5 In the time of Herod king of Judea there was a priest named Zechariah, who belonged to the priestly division of Abijah; his wife Elizabeth was also a descendant of Aaron. 6 Both of them were righteous in the sight of God, observing all the Lord’s commands and decrees blamelessly. 7 But they were childless because Elizabeth was not able to conceive, and they were both very old. 8 Once when Zechariah’s division was on duty and he was serving as priest before...

“‘. . . finding one pearl of great value’” (Matthew 13:46). Job’s ancient description of humanity’s relentless quest for wealth sounds amazingly up-to-date: Man puts an end to darkness, and to the farthest limit he searches out the rock in gloom and deep shadow. He sinks a shaft far from habitation, forgotten by the foot; they hang and swing to and fro far from men . . . Its rocks are the source of sapphires, and its dust contains gold. . . . He hews out channels through the rocks, and his eye sees anything precious. (Job 28:3–4, 6, 10)...

Monday 22 December 202522 December Mother Cabrini Church, Manhattan Readings at MassLiturgical Colour: Violet. Year: A(II).First reading1 Samuel 1:24-28This is the child I prayed for: he is made over to the Lord.When Hannah had weaned the infant Samuel, she took him up with her together with a three-year-old bull, an ephah of flour and a skin of wine, and she brought him to the temple of the Lord at Shiloh; and the child was with them. They slaughtered the bull and the child’s mother came to Eli. She said, ‘If you please, my lord. As you live, my lord, I...