Free Republic

Seven people – including one minor – were busted as pro-Palestinian protesters descended on the streets surrounding the Rockefeller Center Christmas tree lighting, clashing with cops trying to keep the demonstration under control, police said Thursday. The adults arrested range in age from 20 to 54 and live around New York and in New Jersey, according to police. One person was charged with a felony, five people were hit with misdemeanor raps and one juvenile was cuffed as the enormous crowd gathered along Sixth Avenue where hordes of tourists were waiting in line to see the iconic ceremony on Wednesday...

The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not overcome it (John 1:5). The world settles into winter, at least in the northern hemisphere, and life to many seems increasingly bleak. Foreclosures, layoffs, government bailouts and financial failures, continuing war on two fronts, terrorist attacks, murders of some identified only by their faith -- this world is in abundant need of light. We know light that is not overcome by darkness, for God has come among us in human flesh. Born in poverty to a homeless couple, to a people long under occupation, Jesus is human and divine...

T. ALBANS (AP) - It looks like Jesus has made it for Christmas after all. Days after a flurry of news reports on the Nativity scene here that lacked a representation of Jesus, town officials have put the infant in the manger. St. Albans Mayor Dick Callaway said he got e-mails from as far away as South Korea about the display, which is one of 350 light exhibits as part of the town's annual Festival of Lights. The manger scene at the festival had included shepherds, camels and a guiding star, but no Jesus, Mary or Joseph. Now, though, Jesus...

PSALM 110:3 ... in the brightness of the saints: from the womb before the day star I begot thee    Matthew 2:2 -  Where is he that is born king of the Jews? For we have seen his star in the East, and are come to adore him. ISAIAS 9:6 For a CHILD IS BORN to us, and a son is given to us, and the government is upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, God the Mighty, the Father of the world to come, the Prince of Peace.       MICAH 5: 2-4...

Can any of the FReepers ever remember a case in which the ACLU was on the right side of things? I am having some trouble. After seeing how hard they are going after Christians and Christmas this season, this thought just popped into my head so I figured I would as the best source of information on the net, the good people of Free Republic.

PENTAGON chiefs have pinpointed a six-week "window of opportunity" in which to launch a war against Iraq. Officials are now openly brief-ing diplomats that they "want to light the blue touchpaper". If a blitz is authorised, all the signs point to a December 16 start—with the "window" stretching beyond Christmas until the end of January. Cool clear weather and long winter nights would be ideally suited for a hi-tech bombing campaign...