We're in our Dump Cake era. READ MORE...

Grandma's back at it again with the best Amazon finds! READ MORE...

Just a few minutes can make a big difference. READ MORE...

The countdown to Christmas is tick-tocking away‚ but have you ever wondered about the fascinating history behind Santa Claus‚ a real Christian hero? As we eagerly anticipate the arrival of Christmas‚ the season brims with talk about the legendary figure of jolly old Saint Nicholas. Whether you’ve taken your children to meet the mall Santa‚ shared stories of his gift-giving prowess‚ or are preparing to leave out milk and cookies‚ Santa Claus is undeniably a central figure in festive celebrations. RELATED: Here's A Look At The History And True Meaning Of The Christmas Tree As we gear up for the most wonderful time of the year‚ let’s unwrap the jolly tales of the man in the red suit who sleighs the gift-giving game–Santa Claus. Picture this: you’ve taken your little elves to the local mall for a ‘claus' encounter with the big man himself. Whether your kids are on the nice list‚ the naughty list‚ or somewhere in the ‘elf'-between‚ there’s no denying the joy of a Santa snapshot. Maybe you’ve been busy sharing stories about Santa’s midnight gift deliveries or preparing to leave out milk and cookies for the ultimate sleigh-bell-ringing‚ chimney-sliding‚ ho-ho-ho-ing gift giver. And if your little sugar plums have started questioning the existence of the one and only Kris Kringle‚ worry not-Santa’s got a bag full of surprises. Now‚ let’s dash through the snow and unwrap some ‘claus'-ic facts about the real Saint Nicholas‚ the man behind the beard‚ the legend behind the laughs‚ and the inspiration for our favorite ho-ho-holiday icon. History Behind Santa Claus Saint Nicholas was born in the late third century AD in what’s now modern-day Turkey. He was more than just a bishop-he was the original ‘saint-ational' Christmas cheerleader. Despite facing Roman government persecution for his faith in Christ that ‘snowball'-ed during his youth‚ Nicholas rose through the ranks faster than Rudolph’s red nose lighting up the night sky. Fast forward to the Council of Nicaea in AD 325‚ where Nicholas found himself in the middle of a theological “snow”-storm. In a “claus”-hanging moment‚ he decided to settle the dispute not with milk and cookies but with a good ol’ face fist fight‚ proving that even saints can pack a punch when it comes to defending our heavenly Father. But it wasn’t all about fisticuffs for Saint Nicholas-his generosity was the stuff of legendary tales. Picture this: three young girls saved from servitude with a bag of money he left on their doorstep in the middle of the night. It was also believed he sprung three young men from wrongful imprisonment and sailors shouting‚ ‘Saint Nicholas‚ help us!' even when he was nowhere near the sea. Talk about a sleigh ride of miracles! A Christmas Legend Officially canonized in the 10th century‚ Saint Nicholas became a sensational figure‚ surviving the period of saint veneration during the Protestant Reformation. Even in the face of changing times‚ his popularity endured like a timeless Christmas carol. This history behind Santa Claus is certainly inspiring! So‚ as we sleigh ride into the holiday season‚ let’s not forget the real gift Saint Nicholas left behind-a legacy of compassion‚ a conviction in the love of our Savior‚ and a reminder that Christmas is about more than presents under the tree. The next time you feel conflicted about the popularity of Santa at Christmas‚ you'll be at ease knowing reflected Christ and was passionate about helping the poor‚ aiding those in need‚ and loving Christ with all of his heart‚ mind‚ and soul. YOU MAY ALSO LIKE: The Story Behind Christmas Spider and Tinsel on Your Tree As we count down the days until Christmas day‚ we know all about the grace and truth of the season‚ ho-ho-hoping for joy and spreading cheer far and wide. After all‚ ’tis the season to be jolly‚ and Santa’s sleigh ride of joy is the gift that keeps on giving! "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son‚ that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life‚" John 3:16. LISTEN: Here’s the Fascinating Story Behind Santa Claus‚ a Real Christian Hero h/t: Life Audio Image credit: Getty Images/Louisa Vallon Fumi The post Here’s the Fascinating History Behind Santa Claus‚ a Real Christian Hero appeared first on GodUpdates.

Andrea and Virginia Bocelli sound absolutely amazing as they team up to sing a beautiful ‘Hallelujah’ duet on a popular British program‚ Strictly Come Dancing. While long-running television programs like American Idol‚ America's Got Talent‚ The Voice and Dancing with the Stars remain popular despite their lengthy run‚ they still want to increase viewership. RELATED: Andrea Bocelli And Daughter Singing ‘Hallelujah' By Candlelight Is Breathtakingly Beautiful So‚ to accomplish this task‚ those shows often use gimmicks like theme nights and bring other‚ more widely recognized performers on to sing‚ dance and even guest judge. As it turns out‚ The United States of America isn't the only country in the world where citizens tune in to watch other people ballroom dance. The Brits also apparently enjoy this type of television programming. But instead of Disney or Taylor Swift-themed nights‚ one British program went in a decidedly different and much better direction to try and increase viewership. RELATED: Andrea Bocelli Opens Up About His Singing Family In a clip posted on YouTube‚ Italian musician Andrea Bocelli and his daughter Virginia appeared on an episode of Strictly Come Dancing – a show very much like Dancing with the Stars. Andrea And Virginia Bocelli Sing Stunning Duet The father-daughter duo appeared on the British program and performed the classic and beloved 1984 hit "Hallelujah." As expected‚ it's a lovely performance featuring two talented musicians. The duet begins with young Virginia singing the opening lyrics. Her world-famous father sits next to her‚ strumming along on the guitar. "Now‚ I've heard there was a secret chord That David played‚ and it pleased the Lord But you don't really care for music‚ do you? It goes like this‚ the fourth‚ the fifth" After singing the opening verse herself‚ Andrea joins his daughter by singing the tune's simple but memorable chorus. But the highlight of their entire performance is when Andrea begins singing in Italian about a minute into the clip. It’s such an unexpected but welcomed twist‚ helping to make for a dazzling performance. The sound is beautiful despite likely not many in the audience or those watching at home understanding a word of Italian. YOU MAY ALSO LIKE: Matteo‚ Andrea And Virginia Bocelli Team Up For A Stunning Version Of ‘Over The Rainbow' Ephesians 5:19 "Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs‚ singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord;" WATCH: Andrea And Virginia Bocelli Sing ‘Hallelujah’  LISTEN: Great-Grandma with Cane Fends Off Purse Snatcher | Farmers Rallied Together‚ and the ‘Loneliest' Sheep Was Rescued h/t: Godtube Featured Image Credit: YouTube The post Andrea and Virginia Bocelli Stun with a Beautiful Rendition of ‘Hallelujah’ appeared first on GodUpdates.

Pope Francis has officially approved priests’ blessing of same-sex marriages. The controversial new approval of same-sex marriages has sparked recent debates among Catholics. More conservative Catholics believe that Pope Francis is actively contradicting the word of the bible‚ while others are happy that same-sex couples can be saved through God. BREAKING REPORT: Pope officially approves Priests blessing SAME-SEX UNIONS‚ claims requests should not be subject to moral analysis.. THOUGHTS? Pope Francis has officially endorsed the blessing of same-sex couples by priests‚ marking a significant shift in Vatican policy.… pic.twitter.com/cq0eiFy84F — Chuck Callesto (@ChuckCallesto) December 18‚ 2023 Fox News shares more on the story: Same-sex couples can now be blessed by Catholic priests‚ following formal approval from Pope Francis. A new document explaining the change in Vatican policy was released Monday‚ saying that “people seeking God’s love and mercy shouldn’t be subject to ‘an exhaustive moral analysis’ to receive it‚” the Associated Press reported. Francis sent a letter to two conservative cardinals in October‚ suggesting that such blessings could be offered under some circumstances if those receiving the blessing did not confuse the ritual with the sacrament of marriage. The church stands firm in its stance that marriage is a lifelong sacrament between a man and a woman‚ and that blessings should not be given at the same time as a civil union‚ using set rituals or even with other actions or clothing related to weddings. More and more Catholics are losing faith in the Vatican. It is no secret that Pope Francis is a historically liberal Pope‚ siding with many left-leaning ideologies. Pope Francis is now allowing priests to bless same sex unions. He says such unions should not be subject to “exhaustive moral analysis” and that anyone seeking God‘s love and mercy should receive it. Millions of lives will be released from judgement by this‚ many families… — Marianne Williamson (@marwilliamson) December 18‚ 2023 Additionally‚ Pope Francis also spoke against Israel and said their attacks in defense against Hamas are “terrorism.” POPE FRANCIS CALLS OUT ISRAEL FOR TERRORISM This is related to Israel attacking the Catholic Parish in Gaza‚ where 2 Christians were assassinated Pope Francis said “IT IS TERRORISM” pic.twitter.com/HPPemkyDxH — Sulaiman Ahmed (@ShaykhSulaiman) December 17‚ 2023 CNN has more on the story: “When people ask for a blessing‚ an exhaustive moral analysis should not be placed as a precondition for conferring it‚” the declaration‚ authored by Cardinal Fernandez and another official‚ states. “The grace of God works in the lives of those who do not claim to be righteous but who acknowledge themselves humbly as sinners‚ like everyone else.” The new ruling says it is opening “the possibility of blessings for couples in irregular situations and for couples of the same sex” although says it is leaving decisions to “the prudent and fatherly discernment of ordained ministers.” James Martin‚ a Jesuit priest who ministers to gay Catholics‚ described the latest move as a “major step forward in the church’s ministry to LGBTQ people‚” writing on X that it “recognizes the deep desire in many Catholic same-sex couples for God’s presence in their loving relationships.” The pope’s attempts to shift the church’s approach to LGBTQ Catholics began in 2013‚ when‚ in reply to a reporter’s question about gay clergy‚ he said: “Who am I to judge?” Of course‚ CNN’s reporting is mainly supportive of Pope Francis’ approval of same-sex approval. Let me know what you guys think in the comments. Is Pope Francis over stepping his authority? Or is this something that needs to happen?

The Washington Post just released newly-resurfaced audio tapes in which Joe Biden’s brother‚ James‚ is caught engaging in influence peddling as part of an FBI probe into unrelated bribery scheme. The audio recordings are from a 2007 FBI investigation‚ not into Joe Biden or his brother‚ but into attorney Richard “Dickie” Scruggs‚ who was jailed for trying to bribe a Mississippi judge. Scruggs was a well-known attorney who was trying to get a big tobacco settlement through Congress in the late 90s. Back then‚ he approached James Biden’s consultancy firm‚ which James ran with his wife Sara‚ with the intention of getting Joe Biden‚ a senator at the time‚ to lobby for the settlement – and‚ apparently paid him $100K for these “consultancy services.” CORRUPTION: Newly discovered FBI recordings caught James Biden on wiretaps negotiating with law firm ensnared in bribery scheme. The firm had paid him $100K to lobby Joe Biden to vote for a bill (Joe did). At the time he was trying to start a joint venture with the firm. pic.twitter.com/Fc7fXOE5yl — @amuse (@amuse) December 17‚ 2023 Now‚ this sounds like typical D.C. corruption‚ but it’s not where the story ends. As part of the 2007 investigation into Scruggs for bribing a judge‚ audio captured Scruggs’ associate Tim Balducci speaking to James Biden‚ whom he was about to partner with in a “consultancy group.” In the clip‚ Balducci was says to Biden‚ “I told him about the real Washington presence‚ that this was not going to be a bullshit‚ you know‚ a shingle hung somewhere in the window. That this was a real deal‚ that Sara was coming on‚ you know‚ as a named partner‚ an equity share in the venture‚ that we were changing the name of the firm to include her. … Hunter was going to be involved‚ and you were going to be involved.” Listen for yourself: Listen: James Biden’s dealmaking caught on FBI tapes. In the article‚ WAPO is accusing Joe Biden‚ James Biden‚ and his wife‚ Sara Biden‚ of being involved in influence peddling: “What emerges is a tale of money‚ politics and influence‚ stretching from Mississippi to the… pic.twitter.com/K0466W0LRq — Eddie (@ICU1010) December 17‚ 2023 A separate recording picked up James Biden himself speaking to‚ presumably Balducci‚ about his potential role as consultant for the chief of the Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians who wanted to use tribal land to open a casino‚ “You know my hesitancy to be a‚ you know‚ an opportunist if everybody is jumping on…There’s nothing wrong with opportunist. Sara just rolled her eyes at me. So‚ but being a whore about it‚ OK‚ you know‚ like everybody just jumping in‚ like‚ ‘Let me do your insurance‚ let me do your legal.’” Here’s what the original Washington Post report had to say: Five weeks after the Oxford fundraiser‚ James Biden was on the phone with Balducci discussing the final details about the firm’s creation‚ according to court records. That same day‚ Balducci had handed an envelope containing the first of two $20‚000 payments to a Mississippi judge who was slated to rule in a case involving Scruggs‚ according to court records. The filings say $26.5 million in legal fees was at stake‚ and Scruggs wanted the judge to give him a favorable settlement. “Lord have mercy‚” said the judge‚ Henry Lackey‚ as he took the envelope‚ according to court records. Balducci did not know that Lackey was working with the FBI. Weeks earlier‚ Balducci had floated the idea of Lackey’s being hired after retirement as “of counsel” to Balducci’s law firm‚ according to the judge’s statement to federal officials. Lackey viewed that offer as a quid pro quo to get him to favorably settle the Scruggs suit‚ leading him to contact the FBI and the U.S. attorney’s office‚ according to court records. The tip led the FBI to begin recording Balducci’s phone calls‚ including some with James Biden; the tapes provide insight into how James and his wife explored business opportunities. After handing off the cash‚ Balducci drove to Scruggs’s office‚ where he sought support from the trial lawyer for the new consulting firm Balducci was trying to form with Patterson and Sara Biden. Afterward‚ Balducci called James Biden to say how well the meeting with Scruggs had gone‚ laying out how the consulting firm would have not only Sara Biden as a named partner‚ but also would have the involvement of James Biden and Hunter Biden‚ the senator’s son. “I told him we had formalized our relationship with you guys‚” Balducci told James Biden‚ according to the FBI recording reviewed by The Post. “I told him about the real Washington presence‚ that this was not going to be a bullshit‚ you know‚ a shingle hung somewhere in the window. That this was a real deal‚ that Sara was coming on‚ you know‚ as a named partner‚ an equity share in the venture‚ that we were changing the name of the firm to include her. … Hunter was going to be involved‚ and you were going to be involved.” Balducci told James Biden that Scruggs was enthusiastic‚ quoting the trial lawyer as saying‚ “With the political connections you guys are putting together now‚ I know you’re going to do really‚ really well.” In another call later that day‚ James Biden told Balducci that he had just concluded a “great conversation” with Scruggs. Biden said he told Scruggs that he was “really excited” that Scruggs was involved‚ and recounted that the trial lawyer told him‚ “I think you can make a lot of money.” Scruggs said in the interview with the The Post that while he agreed to speak positively about the venture to help give it a boost‚ he never planned to be part of it or invest in it. A lawyer for Hunter Biden did not respond to a request for comment. Lackey‚ the judge‚ has since died‚ but Patterson said in an interview that he did not think Lackey “could have conceivably known” about Balducci’s interactions with James Biden. James Biden can be heard on subsequent tapes discussing a number of possible deals. One idea was to work for the chief of the Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians‚ which had filed an application with the federal Bureau of Indian Affairs to use 100 acres for a $375 million casino‚ which needed state and federal approval. James Biden said it seemed to be an ideal opportunity. “You know my hesitancy to be a‚ you know‚ an opportunist if everybody is jumping on him‚” James Biden said on tape on Oct. 15‚ 2007‚ referring to the tribal leader. “There’s nothing wrong with opportunist. Sara just rolled her eyes at me. So‚ but being a whore about it‚ okay‚ you know‚ like everybody just jumping in‚ like‚ ‘Let me do your insurance‚ let me do your legal.’” He said the tribe had been “used and abused‚” and the “beauty” of his proposed arrangement was that he could work through people who are “not scumbags” and who would vouch for him. Fishman‚ the lawyer for James Biden‚ said his client “was discussing a potential opportunity to sell insurance to the Choctaw tribe‚ but he never pursued that business.” Just as the plan for the Patterson‚ Balducci and Biden firm was about to be publicly unveiled‚ Balducci was confronted by the FBI about the payment to the judge. He promptly agreed to flip‚ according to court records. The FBI sent Balducci‚ wearing a wire‚ to Scruggs’s office‚ where their conversations were recorded. A few weeks later‚ the FBI raided Scruggs’s office and seized some computer hard drives. The next day‚ Scruggs and his son‚ Zach‚ agreed to surrender at the federal courthouse‚ just a few blocks away. The New York Post also commented on the recently resurfaced recordings: President Biden’s brother James was secretly recorded by the FBI during a bribery investigation into a Mississippi trial attorney who shelled out $100‚000 to his consulting firm in the late 1990s‚ a report said on Sunday. Richard Scruggs‚ the trial attorney‚ hired James and Sara Biden’s DC consulting firm while seeking to gin up support for tobacco legislation being contemplated by Congress in 1998‚ the Washington Post reported. Neither James‚ 74‚ nor his brother President Joe Biden‚ 81‚ were implicated in any major criminal wrongdoing in the case. But the revelation comes amid an impeachment probe into alleged influence-peddling by the president’s family members. “I probably wouldn’t have hired him if he wasn’t the senator’s brother‚” Scruggs told the Washington Post about why he forked over cash to James Biden’s firm. “Jim was never untoward about his influence‚” he added. “He didn’t brag about it or talk about it. He didn’t have to. He was the man’s brother.” Scruggs‚ who was later sent to prison over a separate bribery scheme‚ had been closing in on a deal to push the tobacco companies to cough up billions of dollars in a lawsuit alleging they withheld information that their products were addictive. The evidence of Biden Family corruption (that Lindsey Graham says is not there‚ by the way…) just keeps piling up. What do you make of this? BREAKING FROM WPOST: “James Biden’s dealmaking caught on FBI tapes in unrelated bribery probe.” “Unrelated”! Then-Senator Joe Biden changed position on tobacco settlement legislation after corrupt trial lawyer beneficiary of said legislation paid his brother $100k. “The White… — Tom Fitton (@TomFitton) December 17‚ 2023