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My Christmas Message

December 25, 2012 by  

My Christmas Message
PHOTOS.COM

When Mr. Livingston told me that I’d be leading off Personal Liberty Digest™ on Christmas Day, the only suggestion he offered involved “something short and light.” Suitably forewarned, I mused on the idea of finding something short and light amid the chaos and anger that grip our Nation and our world. Eventually, I turned away from the keyboard; and in an almost ludicrous moment of serendipity, I glanced at the bookcase and spied my old copy of the Bible.

Feeling not a little sheepish at how long it had been since the last time I had even cracked the spine of the Good Book, I began leafing through for suitable Christmas inspiration. As visions of holiday cheer danced in my head, I turned to the most Christmasy passage I could think of: Luke 2:10-14.

And the angel said unto them, “Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign to you; You shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.” And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.”

I read it twice. And it occurred to me: I can’t say it any better than that; no one can.

Merry Christmas, and may God bless you in the coming year.

–Ben Crystal

Ben Crystal

is a 1993 graduate of Davidson College and has burned the better part of the last two decades getting over the damage done by modern-day higher education. He now lives in Savannah, Ga., where he has hosted an award-winning radio talk show and been featured as a political analyst for television. Currently a principal at Saltymoss Productions—a media company specializing in concept television and campaign production, speechwriting and media strategy—Ben has written numerous articles on the subjects of municipal authoritarianism, the economic fallacy of sin taxes and analyses of congressional abuses of power.

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  • http://wildeyguns.com The Christian American

    As we celebrate by giving gifts, my mind goes to Christ’s gift to us. Readers on this website are interested in their times and what’s happening around them. Anyone knowledgeable in the Prophecies or at least feeling in their body and soul that somethings got to give would have to wonder. The pieces of times puzzle are falling into place. Satan gets very active in his last days as prince of this world. The cloud of evil, Satan’s presence, becomes more pronounced. Nation will rise up against nation. Their will be wars and rumors of wars. Economically, the worlds been consuming with a lust but not producing what it’s real needs. Christ is going to make an appearance to the believers. Believers will depart and not have to take part in the coming carnage brought on by Satan. Christ will be seated on his throne to rule the world, reigning with his people. Satan will make his presence for another 1,000 years. Yes, the lion will feed with the lamb. At the end of the 1,000 years creation as we know it will be destroyed and replaced with a glorious one, one where true liberty will be the rule. Satan and those who chose to stay with him will be cast into the lake of fire to burn throughout all eternity. His presence will never again be felt. It has been said people will not look for cure until they realize they are sick. This world is sick with sin and Christ is coming to bring us the cure. HIMSELF, His Christmas present. Because man was given the right to make choices, he is charged to choose between Christ and Satan. I don’t know neither does anybody else when Christ’s return will occur. According to the bible, He doesn’t know either. Common sense dictates a sane person will read and believe John 3:16. Common tells what the signs of the times is all about.

    • Charlie

      T C A,,, How does John 3:5 tie in with John 3:16? How does John 3:22,23 tie in with John 3:16???…Now for this “rapture” thing ,that’s called out at 1 Thessalonians 4:14—18
      it’s going to happen as Peter calls out at 2 Peter 3:10–13… The True Christians will be taken off Earth while God cleans and rebuilds Earth… Read! The Bible in harmony with The Bible, to arrive at “Truth”… Meanwhile…………
      Praise King Jesus for Salvation and Healing…Acts 2:38 is salvation…

      Charlie Freedom

      • http://sk1951.wordpress.com sk1951

        Deer Man: I was reading your post again and I really like it. You asked me “As far as “separated and not one and the same” I’m unclear about what you speak. While I would contend that there are many “manifestations” of spirit and that there are many spirits and all a part of a Singular.” In the next sentence was the answer.

        I was speaking of the verse where God claims his “Spirit” is in man. To me Spirit is of its own and separate as I would also believe a God would be. The power of a God and the power in man is one in the same. Spirit. But a man must choose his singularity. It must be activated in him with realization or he lives alone and apart from Spirit. Even though it is in him all the time. Yep…confuses me too! I just do my best to explain that we must each find our Spirit that is inside us to become one with it. An example may be the man women thing. You have to accept a women into your life to become one with her. This has nothing to do with me or a man made god and of course I may be totally out of my mind. It is all between each of us and our Spirit. That is the separation I was attempting to explain.

    • Karolyn

      Have you guys ever read the “forbidden” books of the Bible? The ones that Nicea would not include? I can’t remember all of them, but Enoch, Jubilees and the Gnostic Bible are included. There really is no hell. There is much contradiction in the Bible, especially when the forbidden books are taken into account.

      • http://sk1951.wordpress.com sk1951

        Karolyn…you may also like following this theory:

        IN THE BEGINNING…THERE WAS ONLY SPIRIT:
        This from the Vulgate translation in Knox (I think Vulgate Knox written in 405 the best translation):
        Genesis 6:3But God said, This “spirit” of mine shall not endure in man forever…
        We see “God” speaking of the Spirit as an entity or power. They are separate and not one in the same. They are as one as we are as one with Spirit. But you can live and deny your Spirit as we see further on:

        From The Nag Hammadi: First lines first Book of the Egyptians:
        1. “The holy book of the Egyptians about the great invisible Spirit, the Father whose name cannot be uttered, he who came forth from the heights of the perfection, the light of the light of the aeons of light, the light of the silence of the providence the Father of the silence, the light of the word and the truth, the light of the incorruptions, the infinite light, the radiance from the aeons of light of the unrevealable, unmarked, ageless, unproclaimable Father, the aeon of the aeons, Autogenes, self-begotten, self-producing, alien, the really true aeon”.
        [In the first lines, there is no mention of God or anything other than “the great invisible Spirit”. The Spirit being called Father. Spirit power self-producing (Autogenes) its Spirit self. It also infers to other Gods then called Aeons.]

        2. Three powers came forth from him; they are the Father, the Mother, (and) the Son, from the living silence, what came forth from the incorruptible Father. These came forth from the silence of the unknown Father.
        [Is it possible that the one true Aeon or God was created by Spirit the Father of all things? The next line proclaims a linage from Spirit of three “POWERS” (not people). Thou they are talking of the living silence (Spirit power) they use the masculine inflection of Father and him and also infer gender to the other powers or Gods.]
        Nag Hammadi:
        “Jesus said, “If you bring forth what is within you, what you bring forth will save you. If you do not bring forth what is within you, what you do not bring forth will destroy you.”

        How can anyone not find this discovery exciting? What could it be that Jesus calls “is within you”? I truly believe it is Spirit he is talking about in this parable. I’m working to bring forth what is in me…my Spirit. I have felt the pain of being destroyed without it; it’s like being the angry walking dead. But who am I to translate to fit my meaning? I have always felt that my learning is just for me and no one else? This is just what I get out of this parable to share. It rings as if, what is in you will destroy you but who can say what the original words meant before the translation. To me, I realize it is “not bring forth” that will destroy you. Destroy and kill are not synonymous in this parable I don’t believe because Jesus was speaking of Spirit not of life. It is my Spirit living…not my earthly life, that will be destroyed. But this is just what I think and feel. Everything is an individual’s interpretation or acceptance of someone else’s. I think it best to rely on your own.

        Spirit IS. And that is all there is. Man took Spirit and created gods and then gods in his image. Then wrote books of religion to enslave with fear and dogma, the people. Religion has blocked man from his Spirit claiming a god is in control of it…or that god is actually Spirit. This is a horrible misconception but I think it is just an outlandish lie. Spirit is in us and is the creator of everything. The molecular Universe is an image of Spirit. Eternal life is that we are all of the same dust that the Universe is made of and will return to be born again over and over. In that there is no death only eternal life. Spirit is one and is all. It is inside each of us the same. Realization and acceptance is all that is needed for Spirit to assist you in your living.

        Life is assured but your living is not. Living is being at one with Spirit otherwise you are just a life form as are all life forms. Joy, peace, harmony, love, intuitive thinking, inspirational enlightenment…these things and more come from joining with the Universal Intelligence that is Spirit.

        There are hints of this in the bible and Jesus spoke of it. The “Father” was not a god but Spirit. I will leave these examples but there are many more.
        The story of Nag Hammadi and more translations are found at this wonderful web page.
        http://www.gnosis.org/naghamm/goseqypt.html

      • Karolyn

        Thanks, sk. I will definitely look into the site. I find it very unfortunate that so many refuse to even consider that there may be truth in other translations and interpretations. I had a friend who, I believe, stopped talking to me because I said I was no longer a Christian. She was the same one who instilled fear in me for reading alternate views. (Which, btw, was what turned me from Christianity.) I cannot believe in something that would have us turn from our own curious nature.

      • deerinwater

        “They are separate and not one in the same. They are as one as we are as one with Spirit. But you can live and deny your Spirit as we see further on:”

        Of course we can ! That is kinda where the rubber meets the road. ~ There are millions of people that have not yet reclaimed their divine spirit and some “appear” to manage rather well. ~While they were born with it, ~ while it is the physical world that people get lost in and so many lose touch with the spirit self.

        There are many words we can use to describe the “act” of surrendering to God.

        The “act of” willful surrender only offers “benefits” , Many people might enjoys these benefits IF they really understood what they were. We can sell “features” all day long but until a “buyer” understands the value and benefit of these “features” , it’s a tough sale.

        To live forever, sitting on a cloud, singing Gods praises and playing a harp has never been my idea of fun. ~ But if I were told that my life would be greatly enriched with love and abundance, it’s much more enticing to consider “surrendering” to the will of God.

        If I knew, that “fear” was something that I did not have to endure and that my “faith” would deliver me and see me though the worst of times, in my darkest hours ~ That is a “feature” I’d like to have.

        As far as “separated and not one and the same” I’m unclear about what you speak. While I would contend that there are many “manifestations” of spirit and that there are many spirits and all a part of a Singular.

        The process of subdividing and classifying is a characteristic of humankind for the purpose of rational thought and attempt to understand. ~~We do it! The smarter we get, the dumber we become it seems.

        I’d be interested in these omitted books, ~ but how can we know that they are genuine?

      • S.C.Murf

        Big K Merry Christmas. The books of Enoch and Jasher are 2 books that were left out because they give all of the names of the fallen angles and what exactly (their knowledge) they brought with them. Their knowledge included the art of makeup, jewelry, astrology, tattoo’s etc, all of the things God said were evil. We have been brainwashed and lied to for centuries, dig deep and search for the truth, it is out there.

        up the hill
        airborne

      • http://sk1951.wordpress.com sk1951

        Karolyn: You will find this most exciting. Tracing back knowledge and winsome we arrive at the Veda people. 5000 years ago (or more) they discovered mathematics and geometry. Einstein and Galileo studied the Vedic sciences. Their formulas are used today and there are some that have not yet been translated. The Veda’s envisioned our solar system, galaxy and the Universe. They went further to envision multiple Universes…5000 years ago! This wisdom was largely lost as was all other knowledge when the religious war of God vs. Knowledge started and all books and educators were murdered or burned. God religion is scarcely more than the worship of ignorance. Today… It is important to add a study of the Veda’s. These vid are a pretty good start.
        http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=maPAus_XnRc
        http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t0c2vMFbPrw

      • http://sk1951.wordpress.com sk1951

        Deerinwater: Heart felt question…how do we know? Humans are the most curious and overtly sexual creatures on earth. In true and real fact, religion does everything it can to berate belittle and make sinful our very nature and being. It makes knowledge and leaning an abomination as of course it should to protect a factual belief in the metaphysical. The knowing is found in your heart. Is a mythical god…a flying man in the sky that lives in a floating crystal and gold castle that hates the true nature of man, what you are to follow? Or is it your contact with the Universal Spirit of Love that created all? Morality Love and Peace are inherently human through our Spirit. We have to answer your question individually and not as a rampaging angry mob.

      • Frank Kahn

        Pure nonsense

    • nc

      Christian, an all powerful “god” who created all of this and knows and “sees” all doesn’t know when he is going to pull the plug? He can conquer Satan but can’t keep the school boards from “keeping him out of schools”??? Do you know the mind of “god” well enough to know EVERYTIME what he approves of?? If you don’t know EVERYTIME how can you be sure ANYTIME to the point you can condemn something as being against “god’s will”?? Be carful that you don’t get caught in that ” judge not” clause! I understand that it is as bad as not loving your Muslem brothers!

      • Anotherworldview

        Even if you don’t know it (or deliberately ignore it), you live by believing things that you don’t know or perceive, don’t you, nc?

      • http://sk1951.wordpress.com sk1951

        What I enjoy most about posts like this one is that it brings out all the God Apologists. They use to make me mad but now I find them most humorous. Just as long as I can see them coming with their cross held high and impalement poles!

      • Anotherworldview

        @sk1951: And your point is?…
        Just say it, instead of insinuating.

      • http://sk1951.wordpress.com sk1951

        Another…I have almost wrote a book in this string. What is it you want me to clarify?

    • deerinwater

      sk1951 says; ” . We have to answer your question individually and not as a rampaging angry mob.”

      Yes, sk1951, you are very correct ~It’s not a sales pitch. ~ we only need to hold our concerns with “self” , The knowledge is for self to know. ~ To enter this kingdom of knowledge requires great humility, (no ego, not proud ) one must walk by faith and not by sight, naked and unashamed. ~ which explains why so few arrive. Man finds it all but impossible to cope and contend in the physical world without self ego and hiding under an armor of clothing covering his insecurities.

      I enjoy such thoughts, ~ If ever we do understand what we truly are and what sustains us, all the pieces begin to come together and such a person will live a blessed life irregardless of many trials and tribulation or how long this life might be.

      And ~ Men do fly, ~ they fly like men and nothing like birds. Birds fly like birds.

      • http://sk1951.wordpress.com sk1951

        Thank You my brother. Your words are kind sweet and deliberate. I assume you have native heritage as do I. I enjoy the wisdom of the Hopi. “Since time immemorial the Hopi people have lived in Hopituskwa and have maintained our sacred covenant with Maasaw, the ancient caretaker of the earth, to live as peaceful and humble farmers respectful of the land and its resources.” Does not get any better than that!

  • Scott Mathis

    Hello and Merry Christmas you are absolutely right you could have never said better or added any valueTo our LORDS awesome words. Best wishes to you and thanks for
    Bringing the truth every day. Just a suggestion going forward or possibly an encouragement. Put the BOOK in a place close to you where you can open it
    And read a little each day. Your a business man and a great daily devotional for
    Business people is TGIF.org it stands for today GOD is first and Os Hillman each day gives a great short and sweet start to your day about what is really important. It has been a great blessing to me for years. Wish you the best for a great 2013. My name is Scotty Mathis and my number is 828-553-7868 if you would ever like to talk. Rock On, Scotty

  • JeffH

    To Mr. Livingston, the staff at PLD and all of my Constitutional Repuplic, freedom and liberty loving patriotic friends I would like to extend a heartfelt MERRY CHRISTMAS and a warm THANK YOU. Keep doing what you’re doing, stand fast and stay strong in your beliefs and convictions and keep up the good fight against tyranny for your GOD & your COUNTRY!

    MERRY CHRITMAS to all of you!

    • Bill

      JeffH
      I second that, Jeff. Thanks Bob and all of your group

  • Charlie

    Ben, You did a great job on the Scripture selection for The Celebration of The Birthday of The American Militia Leader , King of kings , Lord of lords, King Jesus Christ…

    Now, you need to plan on a follow up video Sermon on Luke 22:36 , because, The Prince of Peace is also a “”Warrior” , see Matthew 10:34 for that right from the mouth of King Jesus Himself… King Jesus Christ is also a perfect Lawyer , see His perfect Law Case at John 8 and perfect Law at Psalm 19:7…

    America is at war , right now! with the anti-Christ forces of darkness, these Forces are being led by the same power that Paul names at Ephesians 2:2 , the Satanic powers that be,,,BUT,,,the Devil and his group have already been beaten at The Cross by The Power of The Almighty God through His Son , King Jesus Christ,,,BUT,,,you MUST claim and proclaim that Victory in King Jesus with obedience to Acts 2:38 spoken by Peter because of what King Jesus said at Matthew 16:19 and what Peter said at 1 Peter 3:21 …

    Merry Christmas to all and thanks for allowing Me to communicate with you…

    Charlie Freedom

    • Frank Kahn

      TeeHeeHeee

      • Charlie

        Frank Kahn,,,you’ve been noticed …ha ha ha ha ha… Meanwhile………….
        Praise King Jesus for Salvation and Healing… Acts 2:38 is salvation…

        Charlie Freedom

  • Lawrence

    THANK YOU FOR YOUR TRUE MESSAGE OF THE BIRTH OF CHRIST. tHE BIBLE DOES’NT SINGLE OUT A SPECIAL DAY WHEN CHRIST WAS BORN,BUT IT ONLY MATTERS THAT HE WAS BORN OF A VIRGIN WHO WAS IMPREGNATED BY GOD THE HOLY SPIRIT MAKING HIM VERY GOD. aLLELUJIA![SP.]

  • Rickey

    Probably should look up the fact Christmas isn’t Jesus birthday. It was about the time of the feast of trumpets. We’re told animals still in feild which in December they aren’t. The other clues were inn was full great voyage for feast at that time would fill those inns. The pagan Xmas has been portrayed as Christian but I’m pretty sure it angers God. It’s tree adorning and offering gifts under tree which is out above us look at Jeremiah 10. Just like sungod day sabbath it’s also wrong named for pagan sungod but not my God. Saturday is sabbath many will be fooled from a lack if knowledge. Please seek the truth and you’ll be saved lying to children about satan claws gas nothing if God in it. Have a happy holiday but Xmas or holiday fits better all days belong to God almighty but there’s no scriptural significance of December 25 being birthday instead it offers a different time period but nothing exact. To follow a lie pagan one is far from true Godly things to lie about satan claws having power of Christ is worse to know who’s naughty and nice. Please make yourself knowledgeable and accountable from your own knowledge not the lies if devils and men.

  • Barbara Ann

    Merry Christmas and thank you for sharing joy all through the year

  • Dragon

    How about you guys get lost! So Obama can realy accomplish something.

    • Bill

      Baa HumBug

    • Norsesoutheastwest

      When the accomplishments Obama want are the destruction of the country and the Constitution, I’ll take gridlock any day instead!

    • Willard Dunn

      Dragon you are the one that is lost. We are going to pray for you that God finds you so for how I wish you a very merry Christmas.

    • Charlie

      Dragon,,, The Title to The Earth was taken at The Cross,,,can Obama hide from King Jesus Christ ??? Meanwhile………
      Praise King Jesus for Salvation and Healing… Acts 2:38 is salvation…

      Charlie Freedom

    • Combat seabee

      The only thing dragon about you, is your intellect!

  • deerinwater

    Excellent lead out for this day Mr. Crystal. Mr. Livingston choose wisely. Your liberal arts degree was money well spent and no apology required.

    I “work” to keep such words, thoughts and feeling all year, carry a little Christmas with me everyday. ~ I practice~! Christianity is 99% application, finding it helps avoid being so “overwhelmed” , not just with days like today but everyday. It becomes less work and easier to do with constant practice.

    Blessed are the caregivers and peacemakers

    Deerinwater

  • Bill

    Thanks, Ben
    And a Merry Christmas to you too

  • http://www.facebook.com/ray.davis.37017794 Ray Davis

    Each Christmas I reflect back well over 60 years ago, in a little town in Morgan County Georgia, when mom asked me to recite the Christmas story as found in Luke. I was only 8 at the time, and I was more than a little nervous in that small church on a cold snowy Christmas morn. Ever since that day, I do not remember much about the church, but I remember the message. I wonder how God caused His only Son to be born in the lowliest of lowlies. Even a feed box for cattle. The Shepherds left their flocks and hurried to that feed box and praised the Lord for making scripture penned over 500 years earlier, to come to pass. So at this season, I strongly encourage everyone to put aside the cares and problems of today just for the day, and consider just what that birth means.

    God Bless

    Ray
    Alachua, FL

  • mattzweck

    Have a merry Christmas and glory to God in the highest and lord oh and happy birthday Jesus our lord & savior. Have a good Christmas Ben and well said.

  • http://yahoo Charles

    The prudent see danger……… With that said merry Christmas and GOD blees each and everyone!!!!!!!!!!!! Charlie

    • Chester

      Charles, only the paranoid see danger behind every bush. The truly prudent don’t look for danger, but prepare as if something bad COULD happen. Only those with no other choice live life as if nothing bad is ever going to happen, although it seems Christ pretty much taught that lesson. Believe in Him and let HIM worry about the rest. Merry Christmas to all and I wish each and every one a happy and prosperous new year.

      • http://www.facebook.com/zalman.shalom.5 Zalman Shalom

        Yay though I walk through the Valley of the shadow of Death I will fear no evil. (For I know I’m the meanest son of a gun in the Valley-couldn’t resist).

  • Dale Penn

    I am so thankful that you were willing to quote Scripture in your Christmas message, and not worried what some will think or say. After all, Jesus is the “Reason for the Season”! Keep up the good and information flow, and I wish you and your family s Very Merry Christmas.

    • http://sk1951.wordpress.com sk1951

      The real reason was to crush the pagans.

      • Anotherworldview

        Is that something good or bad?

      • http://sk1951.wordpress.com sk1951

        *s* I assume it would depend on point of view and how delusional your belief system is.

      • Anotherworldview

        Is there only a relative good, one according to each human being? Careful: a “point of view” is giving always only a narrow prospective on any subject (after all, it’s just a “point”)

        We all live by beliefs too, not only by certainties, which means that each one of us has a belief system. I agree that a belief system can be delusional. That happens when it is narrowed to our individual “point of view”, disregarding other people’s belief systems. It becomes worse when a multitude of people have the same belief system that is delusional. As human beings of the 21st century, we have the privilege to look back in history and observe which belief system was delusional and which one was true.

        I found that believing in Jesus of Nazareth as the Son of God and the Son of Man (and thus a birthday can be celebrated each year) is the belief that is according to God’s world view, described in the Bible, and thus can not be delusional. The fact that God is always true is making us mad (pride and prejudice is leading us to such a feeling) and thus we try to dismiss Him from our belief system. The result is the belief system that the human being is god. And since we are about 7 billions alive today, there are exact the same number of gods in this world. Don’t you think this belief system is delusional?

      • http://sk1951.wordpress.com sk1951

        I believe that by its very definition any belief is self-induced delusion. It is the actions of the deluded that make if benign or violent. I adopted your theory many years ago about the number of gods and religions. That in itself makes the whole belief thing ludicrous and very delusional.

        “In the world of convoluted there can stand no challenger to religion.“

        “Belief is not knowing. However, you cannot “not know” if you believe.”
        Sk1951

  • “Homer”

    Amen, he got it right…”Glory to God in the Highest” that part of the verse is removed in all other newer, modern, easier reading, more clearly spoken, more updated etc (w/scarcasm) versions and they leave “Glory to God” OUT!! If it isn;t KJV…It just isn’t bible!! NEED PROOF….ask me!!

    • http://www.facebook.com/ray.davis.37017794 Ray Davis

      Homer, you are so right. When I prepare for a Sunday School class, I use the KJV, the RSV, and the NIV. All three have the Christmas story pretty much the same, and all three give credit to God. When a new “Bible” comes out, I read where the information came from. It they say it came from original scripture (There are really no original scriptures any more, as when the scribes penned copies, they then burned the older copies. Sad but true), I will look at it. However if the source pages say it has been “translated” to make it more understandable or politically correct, I do not see this as a Bible, but a novel and treat it as such.

      The Christmas story is one of the most favorite the Bible has. It only proves that scripture, no matter how far back it was written, it true. Many have tried to discredit scripture, however all fail when they look at the whole Bible rather than taking things out of context. I prefer to let God make His message clear to all in His time.

      Ray

      • independent thinker

        Ray, both the RSV and the NIV Bibles were published to make the Bible more understandable. I do agree you should look for translations that use the oldest available sources.

        Also be careful with blanket statements such as “… as when the scribes penned copies, they then burned the older copies. Sad but true.” because they did not always do that. Many times the copies were made for passing to others so if the originals were burned the scribes would be without a copy for themselves.

    • http://sk1951.wordpress.com sk1951

      The KJV has to be the absolute worst of all translations. Try the Vulgate translation in Knox

  • Paul Wells

    Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to all. Thanks Ben, for the wise Biblical selection!

  • hipshotpercusion

    Mary Christmas and Happy New Year to all.

  • hipshotpercusion

    “Praise the Lord and pass the ammunition!” Kay Kaiser and his Orchestra

    • http://www.facebook.com/zalman.shalom.5 Zalman Shalom

      hipshot do you know where that expression comes from? I’ll tell you. During the American Revolution the Continental Army ran out of paper for its cartridges. The soldiers started using pages from the Bible.

      • Bill

        Hi Zalman,
        You are just a wealth of information. Welcome to this post

      • Bill

        Hi Zalman,
        my family is a mixture of many religions. We celebrate Chanumas

      • jannyp

        Zalman, Yes, welcome. Your posts are beautifully written, like a breath of fresh air. I am looking forward to your posts. Welcome, indeed!

    • Robert Smith

      hipshot says:
      “Praise the Lord and Pass the Ammunition” is an American patriotic song written by Frank Loesser and published as sheet music in 1942 by Famous Music Corp. The song was a response to the attack on Pearl Harbor that marked United States involvement in World War II.

      The song describes a chaplain (“sky pilot”) being with some fighting men who are under attack from an enemy. He is asked to say a prayer for the men who were engaged in firing at the oncoming planes. The chaplain puts down his Bible, mans one of the ship’s gun turrets and begins firing back, saying, “Praise the Lord and pass the ammunition”.

      From: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Praise_the_Lord_and_Pass_the_Ammunition

      Rob

  • http://uncleteddysreeducationcamp.com teddy maher

    Thanks Ben …. perhaps you should spend a little more quality time with this timeless piece of literature that so many people profess to know what is said but never read it….It is book replete with history ,prophecy and instruction…. My own personal interest sends me to King Solomon who was a lover of women as well as a proponent of wisdom through suplication before the eternal…. he never attended church or watched Joel Osteen or Pat Robinson ,he just went before the eternal,aka All Mighty God and asked to be made smart or in other words possess wisdom…The King starts his book with a very profound statement ….” All is vanity” or every thing we do and say has its roots in vanity…

    • http://www.facebook.com/zalman.shalom.5 Zalman Shalom

      Teddy, as a devote Jew (Jesus also was a devote Jew) King Solomon observed and prayed at a Synagogue. Christianity didn’t really arrive until 200 years after Jesus’ death.That said, a Blessed Christmas(may God deliever another miracle on us soon) and peace in the New Year.

      • Charlie

        Zalman,,, King Jesus is a blood line Jew , from the Tribe of Judah , are you a blood line Jew?

    • http://www.facebook.com/zalman.shalom.5 Zalman Shalom

      Teddy, having lived in Israel for a while,my Hebrew name is Zalman. Shalom means Peace of course(and also hello and good bye). Believe it or not I was a shepherd on a Kibbutz for a few months. The sheep were for milk(5% milk fat) used to make yogurt. I was in charge of 1000 sheep, taking them into the field in the morning,bringing them home at night and milking them for the milk that was sold to the companies who produced the yogurt.There were no sheepdogs only me. I watched over 200 lambs being born.

  • FreedomFighter

    Merry Christmas

    Laus Deo
    Semper Fi

  • Nobody’s Fool

    Ben, thank you for using the story of Jesus’ birth for your column today. I pray that in 2013 you will dust off that old Bible and become very familiar with the wisdome therein. Maybe even Karolyn and the other commies that skulk on this site will be exposed to the Word and learn a little something. Merry Christmas.

    • http://sk1951.wordpress.com sk1951

      “No one hates the truth more than the faithful.”

      “If a loving God truly existed…hell truly would not.”

      http://sk1951.wordpress.com/

      • Karolyn

        Absolutely! God has no need for punishment because people exercise the free will he gave them. Just watched a show on the lost books of the Bible, and in some hell is discredited; however, the Council of Nicea would certainly not allow that in the final edition because they felt they would have lost control. The only reason for hell is to keep people in line, even though everyone has the truth in him and knows right from wrong. They goofed! Fear of punishment cannot make people behave!

      • http://sk1951.wordpress.com sk1951

        To me…the sadist thing is that the most powerful of all things is love. Love is the true creator of all things. Yet the church did not trust love enough and decided to rule through fear persecution and murder. This was not and continues to not be correct. Even with thousands of empirical testing the church will not capitulate to love…even thought that is what it professes. Twisted…faith.

      • Karolyn

        No, the church only trusted fear, and many still do.

  • Willard Dunn

    It seams this is the only time of the year or at Easter that people open the Holy Bible. The rest of the time they forget it is there to guide us in are every day life. I feel sorry for the ones that reject Him. God sent his Son into the world to forgive them of their sins. This the most wonderful gift of all. There was a message on the front of a church’s message board years ago it said. “Attend church now and avoid the Christmas and Easter rush”.

    There was a little while ago I saw a picture of of the three cross’s on a hill. the caption on the bottom said “Don’t forget the middle man”
    So let us not forget that Jesus is the reason for the season.

    • Rickey

      Probably should look up the fact Christmas isn’t Jesus birthday. It was about the time of the feast of trumpets. We’re told animals still in feild which in December they aren’t. The other clues were inn was full great voyage for feast at that time would fill those inns. The pagan Xmas has been portrayed as Christian but I’m pretty sure it angers God. It’s tree adorning and offering gifts under tree which is out above us look at Jeremiah 10. Just like sungod day sabbath it’s also wrong named for pagan sungod but not my God. Saturday is sabbath many will be fooled from a lack if knowledge. Please seek the truth and you’ll be saved lying to children about satan claws gas nothing if God in it. Have a happy holiday but Xmas or holiday fits better all days belong to God almighty but there’s no scriptural significance of December 25 being birthday instead it offers a different time period but nothing exact. To follow a lie pagan one is far from true Godly things to lie about satan claws having power of Christ is worse to know who’s naughty and nice. Please make yourself knowledgeable and accountable from your own knowledge not the lies if devils and men.

      • Robert Smith

        Awwwww Rickey: “To follow a lie pagan one is far from true Godly ”

        Actually the winter holiday was STOLEN from those who celebrated before.

        They celbrated the days getting longer and the time to plant crops to be closer. Something REAL and worthy of celebration.

        Rob

      • http://sk1951.wordpress.com sk1951

        It was the shortest darkest day that was reverenced. The “birth” of the new sun. But the religious still think life revolves around a mythological imaginary flying man in the sky and fully expect the rational mind to accept this. Sad really.

      • Vicki

        sk1951 says:
        “But the religious still think life revolves around a mythological imaginary flying man in the sky and fully expect the rational mind to accept this. Sad really.”

        As opposed to those who think that life revolves around a theoretical imaginary point in time ~13 billion years ago when nothing became everything in one impossibly small point in space. Directly violating the known laws of physics this point supposedly contained all the matter and energy in the universe yet it still somehow expanded into what we see as the known universe with all of the constants and relationships that govern everything.

        Sad really.

      • http://sk1951.wordpress.com sk1951

        Vicki: Autogenesis whether by a man God or by Spirit (as I believe) or simply nature…yes…it was created by nothing. But nothing is now known to comprise over 95% of all we cannot see…but has mass and energy. It is what is forcing the Universe to expand faster. Well…this is getting into science and that does not fair well with the religious that are not interested in knowledge.

        From The Nag Hammadi: First lines first Book of the Egyptians:
        1. “The holy book of the Egyptians about the great invisible Spirit, the Father whose name cannot be uttered, he who came forth from the heights of the perfection, the light of the light of the aeons of light, the light of the silence of the providence the Father of the silence, the light of the word and the truth, the light of the incorruptions, the infinite light, the radiance from the aeons of light of the unrevealable, unmarked, ageless, unproclaimable Father, the aeon of the aeons, Autogenes, self-begotten, self-producing, alien, the really true aeon”.

      • Frank Kahn

        I am not certain you understand the quote in your post but I will leave that for another time.

        You state:
        “But nothing is now known to comprise over 95% of all we cannot see…but has mass and energy. It is what is forcing the Universe to expand faster. Well…this is getting into science and that does not fair well with the religious that are not interested in knowledge. ”

        Now, sk1951, there are some obvious errors in that quote from your post.

        First, there is a grammatical problem that is produced by the lack of commas. Are you saying that “nothing is known about what comprises 95% of the Universe” or “it is known that there is nothing in 95% of the Universe”?

        Since you make the fallacious statement that it has mass and energy, neither of those can be true.

        By the way I am religious and I am about to cut your science to ribbons.

        I was happy that you claimed a scientific basis to your statement, although it is wrongly stated and incorrect in its assertion.

        There is, in fact, a theory of something called dark matter, which is hypothesized as a contributing factor to the orbital mechanics observable in spiral galaxies. Now for these galaxies to exhibit their shape in a constant behavior, there needs to be some hidden gravitational source which keeps them in place. Otherwise, the extreme speeds necessary, for the stars on the outer rim of the galaxy (like our sun in the milky way) to traverse the distance required to orbit the center, would result in them breaking free from the gravitational pull of the center of the galaxy (something known as escape velocity).

        Now, while little is known about this mysterious dark matter, it is generally agreed that it is a high gravitational matter which instead of accelerating the expansion, would slow it down. What is currently being discussed is whether or not there is enough dark matter in the universe to make it a closed Universe (expanding and contracting) or an open universe (continual expansion). I will have to recheck my sources to see if the 95% you state is consistent with ratio of visible to dark matter for a closed universe.

        Oh, and by the way, everything that has mass has energy, but your statement was false because you said we dont know about it. And you are obviously wrong that religious people have no use for science, and that we dont seek knowledge.

      • http://sk1951.wordpress.com sk1951

        No Frank I don’t claim to be a professional writer and with out spell check I would be lost. I don’t spend a lot of time attempting to perfect and edit each of my posts. I don’t aspire to be a great writer or theologian or the worlds best at anything. I just want to be left alone and at peace with the world but this will not happen in my life time. I also do not hold any degrees. I am an armature in many subjects but then every subject is open to interpretation and further study. Aside from my ignorance that I share with every human that does not suffer from a narcissistic critical mass ego…learning of the unseen truths and the seen of matter will never end. Each day a new paradoxical questions arise. Each answer only exploding into more questions. But the one thing I do know more than anything else is that religion has been the most horrific abomination that human kind has suffered in recorded history. You puff up your chest and are proud of the fact that you support this abomination and this I find sad and disturbing. Real truth has no chance standing up against religious delusional beliefs. You may enjoy this dark matter or “nothing” and autogenesis vid. I found it very interesting. You may want to check up on the latest Collider news on the “god particle” the Higgs Boson that is creating something from nothing and may even produce a new tiny Universe.

        How the Universe came from “Nothing”, Richard Dawkins and Lawrence Krauss
        http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CXGyesfHzew

      • Vicki

        sk1951 says:
        “But nothing is now known to comprise over 95% of all we cannot see…but has mass and energy.”

        Improper use of “nothing”.

        That which is THOUGHT to comprise over 95% of all we cannot see has a name.

        sk1951: ” Well…this is getting into science and that does not fair well with the religious that are not interested in knowledge.”

        Poorly concealed ad hominem.

        Lets actually go there and learn the name of this beast.

        http://science_nasa_gov/astrophysics/focus-areas/what-is-dark-energy/

      • Vicki

        In the above link I replaced the “.” between science and nasa and gov with “_” so that the system would let me post the comment. Bob Livingston may know why it was not allowed before.

      • http://sk1951.wordpress.com sk1951

        My use of nothing was proper in its context. I was not referring to dense black hole dark matter. I was speaking of the theoretical “nothing” or none existence of anything becoming something nothing. It makes no sense to apply logic and reason to this topic. This is the world of Spirit.

      • Frank Kahn

        First of all, dark matter and black holes are two different things, there might be dark matter in black holes but black holes are not the containers that are theorized.

        You are attempting to argue the non (not none) existence of something that exists. It is the exact same argument as God. If nothing exists, then God (Spirit) does not exist. You cannot have it both ways. It is a conceptual paradox which cannot be resolved using the terms exist or non existence. The word NOTHING represents a superlative meaning that there is a lack of anything.

        You are talking about God, you just give it another name.

      • http://sk1951.wordpress.com sk1951

        You don’t get it. I can only reiterate what I already said…logic will fail in understanding the two nothings. And since no man has nor will he ever answer this question it is illogical for you to attempt to explain to me the answer. This illogical nature opens the door for religion and delusional beliefs that you have chosen to adopt. I have no more theory to share with you. I wish I did but it is just dog flogging at this point. Thanks Frank. If you need to win…OK…you win.

      • Frank Kahn

        I am not trying to win anything, I am trying to get it straight. What you talk about is a riddle. I have even taken your suggestions on gathering information. The so called god particle is not god, it is a misnomer. The theory behind its existence and its effects on the universe are quite complex. Understanding is minimal at best, we will never know the unknowable. They make a strange statement that sort of goes along with you nothing statement but they are taking energy out of the equation. The boson binds (in effect) energy into matter giving it mass.

        The something out of nothing is very deceptive, it really does not pose anything as nothing and they use the mystery of it to debunk religion. I will assume it was that message you wanted me to hear.

        You said, to deer, that you have native American (whatever that is) heritage. You spoke of your Hopi religion / belief in a way that is somewhat reminiscent of the Gaea concept. However your belief seems to attribute it to father earth instead of mother earth.

        I am seeking understanding of your views and beliefs, I have only corrected you when you appeared to not understand my terms.

    • CHRISTOPHER ALLEN HORTON

      “Willard Dunn,”

      YOU TYPED 25 DECEMBER AND EASTER ARE THE ONLY TIMES PEOPLE OPEN THEIR Bibles.

      SO, “Mr. Dunn,” WHEN IT IS JULY AND Personal Libertarians ARE DISCUSSING A POLITICAL ISSUE WITH RELIGIOUS INJECTIONS, WHY ARE THE PEOPLE OF PIETY AVOIDING THE OPPORTUNITY TO RIDICULE THOSE SO-CALLED “Bible-Thumpers” [CONSERVATIVES], WHO DO NOT SEEM TO PRACTICE THEIR FAITH EVERY DAY OF THE YEAR?

  • Karolyn

    Even though I don’t like your facial hair, Ben, I still wish you a wonderful Christmas. Why not try fostering peace instead of fear in 2013?

    • DaveH

      Why not keep your hands out of other peoples’ pockets and quit trying to control their personal choices, Karolyn? Maybe then we can have some of that Peace.

      • Karolyn

        Dave – Your conservative friends are the ones trying to control people’s personal choices, not me at all. I totally believe in live and let live.

      • Karolyn

        PS – Peace and love have nothing to do with money, Dave.

      • DaveH

        Then you know nothing about real Conservatives, Karolyn. You are confusing Conservatives with NeoConservatives who are a class of Progressives.
        Your Liberal Progressives (which you promote) indeed try to control personal choices from choice of lightbulb to choice of healthcare (and many other personal choices).
        And you can live in denial all you want, Karolyn, but Property (money is property) and Personal Choices have everything to do Peace and Love. We can have neither while some people are usurping the basic rights of others.

        I have come to the conclusion that you are almost devoid of introspection, Karolyn. Contrary to what your Magic Mirror tells you, you are definitely not the fairest of them all.

      • jannyp

        DaveH, Please don’t upset yourself with the likes of Karolyn, eddie47d, flashman etc. I have been a follower of PL for a long time and though I don’t believe in passing judgement on other’s as they PRETEND NOT TO, their hypocracy is transparent. They have no meaningful insight here.
        Why not completely ignore them as I have done? You have better use of your time. Why they continue to post here other than to stir up the pot, is beyond imagination. Rise above it, my good man. Please enjoy the true meaning of Christmas and peace be with you. Thanks again, Ben for choosing this passage.

      • Robert Smith

        Let’s hear it from DaveH: “indeed try to control personal choices from choice of lightbulb to choice of healthcare (and many other personal choices).”

        Really???? You can still buy the healthcare you want Dave.

        BTW, “control” is a relative thing. Have you ever tried to sort out the “in plan” thing in today’s insurance business? What a mess, and one still doesn’t really have a choice who is going to be their doctor.

        Light bulbs! The CFLs are a great interum step to the LEDs of the future. We MUST get off the old tungston bulbs. In addition to the phosphores they have on the inside that are toxic the fuel (coal) releases several times as much mercury to the air as CFLs use in their manufacturing. Further, because of the reduced electricity there is far less mercury released into the air.

        I don’t think it’s your “right” to poison others because of the bulb you want to screw in.

        For some real, not the hysterical right wing variety, information about CFLs please go to: http://www.energystar.gov/…/change_light/downloads/Fact_Sheet_Mercury.pdf

        BTW, my christmas lights are LEDs.

        Rob

      • vicki

        Karolyn says:
        “Dave – Your conservative friends are the ones trying to control people’s personal choices, not me at all.”

        For our edification name (with specifics) which personal choices you think conservatives are trying to control. Just 3 will do for a start. Or even 1.

        Karolyn: “I totally believe in live and let live.”

        Yet you have time and again supported government taking money from others for your pet projects.

      • vicki

        jannyp says:
        “They have no meaningful insight here.
        Why not completely ignore them as I have done?”

        Because there are others who read here and might be taken in by their rhetoric. We speak out that others may see another point of view and, as in any debate, be able to form wiser opinions.

      • vicki

        Robert Smith says:
        December 25, 2012 at 2:21 pm

        Let’s hear it from DaveH: “indeed try to control personal choices from choice of lightbulb to choice of healthcare (and many other personal choices).”

        Really???? You can still buy the healthcare you want Dave.”

        Personal choice includes the RIGHT to NOT buy healthcare without being penalized by government.

        Robert Smith writes: “BTW, my christmas lights are LEDs.”

        Good choice. Most of my gifts to family this year were LED bulbs to replace the CFLs they currently use. Oh and there are other dangers with CFL use besides when they break. http://chicago.cbslocal.com/2012/09/17/cfl-bulbs-conserve-energy-but-are-they-dangerous/

      • Vicki

        BTW Robert Smith. Your link doesn’t seem to work for me. Do you have an alternate link?

      • Karolyn

        Well, maybe it is neo-cons, Dave. I don’t care what they are because i hate labels really. All I know is that there are people purporting to be conservatives who post here who are pro drug war, anti-abortion and anti-gay, which I believe fit into the personal freedoms category. I have repeatedly supported other personal freedoms. You only choose to take from my posts what suits your agenda.

      • Karolyn

        Yes, Vicki, I believe the government should help to insure the general welfare by supporting nonprofit organizations that work to try to help people, thereby making it a better world. Without government funding, many worthy nonprofits would not be able to provide the services they provide. Without them, there would be more crime, more poverty and less assistance to those who truly need it. I am most certainly not for all programs the gov. supports.

      • JeffH

        AS usual Karolyn’s hypocricy preceeds her…she hates(clearly liberal speak) labels yet freely critisizes “coservatives”.

        Yes Karolyn, although you won’t admit you’re a hypocrit, your “hate” and “labeling” give you up.

      • Karolyn

        PS, janny – Are you saying that we are stirring the pot of devisiveness by disagreeing with others’s beliefs and opinions? That’s rather narrow; don’t you think?

      • Karolyn

        Jeff – The people I speak of label themselves “conservative.”

      • JeffH

        Karolyn, you are a liar! Oh BTW…excuses are for losers!

      • Vicki

        Karolyn says:
        “Yes, Vicki, I believe the government should help to insure the general welfare by supporting nonprofit organizations that work to try to help people, thereby making it a better world.”

        Thank you for admitting that you freely support taking money (at gunpoint) from people to give to your favorite nonprofit organizations. How is this different from armed robbery again?

        Karolyn: “Without government funding, many worthy nonprofits would not be able to provide the services they provide.”

        Explains why profit organizations can pay their employees so much better and those employees have more wealth that they can, of their own free choice, donate to their pet causes. http://www.newsmax.com/ThomasSowell/Conservatives-Donate-Liberals-compassion/2012/09/10/id/451295

        You seem upset that they are not donating to your (failed) pet causes.

        Karolyn: “Without them, there would be more crime, more poverty and less assistance to those who truly need it.”

        Good for promoting fear (of increased crime and poverty) though. Oh and when were you going to take the advice you gave Ben?

      • Gordon

        Karolyn, you are such a ……. hypocrite.

    • Flashy

      Happy Winter Festival season everyone ! Hope y’all enjoy the festival events, celebrations and observances in your area !

      • momo

        Just can’t bring yourself tosay Merry Christmas, can you flashman?

      • Flashy

        Momo…from Hanukkah through to New Year Day, we have Hanukkah, Winter Solstice, Festivus, XMas, Boxing Day, Kwannza and New Year’s. That is three weeks of holidays, every one a different holiday for different peoples. It is a Winter Festival season building in the last week culminating in New Year Day.

        Now if you look at the above list of “holidays”, the one with the most tenuous grasp is XMas. Generally acknowledged of not being JCs birth day (now settled as Springtime), it came into being when the Pope decided to usurp pagan winter festivals surrounding the solstice. Heck, the Puritans outlawed XMas as it was blasphemous.

        I thought taking the christian holiday and sending out greetings was appropriate and non controversial. Obviously the hate, fear and ignorance of some cannot accept the idea that people aren’t out to get them.

        In any event…enjoy the rest of your Winter Festival season !

      • Merry Christmas

        Merry Christmas!
        Just remember Jesus is the reason for the season. He came into this world once before, and He’s coming back again.

      • DaveH

        Flashman, being his usual dishonest self, says — “I thought taking the christian holiday and sending out greetings was appropriate and non controversial”.

        No, Flashman, in your usual inimitable fashion, you are simply trying to stir the pot.

      • eddie47d

        You stir the pot everyday too Dave so what is really your point. Now head to the kitchen and eat a POT of Christmas porridge!

      • Buster the Anatolian

        “No, Flashman, in your usual inimitable fashion, you are simply trying to stir the pot.”

        My thoughts exactly you just beat me to the post DaveH.

      • jannyp

        Flashy, THREE PEAS IN A POD,. ” You, Karolyn and eddie47d.” You are the reason(s) we cannot expect world peace. Keep stirring the pot of divisivness!

      • Robert Smith

        Marry says: “He came into this world once before, and He’s coming back again.”

        Yup and then everyone dies but only his chosen get into their version of heaven.

        That’s my definition of a very brutal god.

        Rob

      • Robert Smith

        jannyp posted: “You, Karolyn and eddie47d.” ”

        I’m so sad… You left me out.

        BTW, how can you really consider a kid being born to be tortured to death something to celebrate? I don’t get it.

        Rob

      • 45caliber

        Actually, jannyp, the three you mentioned are perfectly willing to give you what you want … as long as you want what they tell you that you want and let them be in charge.

      • Merry Christmas

        Because John 3:16 says: “For God so loved the world that He sent His only begotten Son that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.”

      • http://sk1951.wordpress.com sk1951

        Thanks Flash man:
        TRIVIA: CHRISTMAS STARTED IN 400CE
        Rome adopted Christianity around 300CE. The convergence from the Pagan religions to Christianity included inventing Christian Holidays to coincide with Pagan holidays. Christmas was one of these inventions. At first, both holidays were celebrated as one to avert war and civil unrest. The church had Christmas mass and the Saturnalia was celebrated at home.
        With the invention of a God man Jesus came the religious invention of his birth day. Because there is no record of his birth day in the two different stories in Mathew and Luke it was decided that the Pagan day of December 25 would be used to over shadow the Pagan Dec. 25 holiday.
        With time the church religion through sheer force, violence, threats and death, pushed out the Pagan holidays all together leaving only the Christian holidays. The term “pagan” was adopted to mean “godless” or “heathen” by the Christians and of course they had to convert or be exterminated.
        Not that marry of a Christmas for the peace loving pagans of past or present of their winter solstice holiday “Sol Invictus” “Birthday of the Unconquerable Sun,” on darkest day of December 25.

      • CHRISTOPHER ALLEN HORTON

        “momo,”

        SAYING THE PHRASE, “Merry Christmas,” WOULD BE HYPOCRISY FOR ATHEISTS.

        AT Personal Liberty Digest, I AM UTILIZING “Yuletide Greetings” BECAUSE THERE ARE SOME SENIORS HERE WHOM I CARE ABOUT; SO, I WANT TO RESPECT THEIR VALUES.

        IN MY REAL LIFE I SAY, “Happy Holidays.”

    • Mikey

      Ben’s job (as well as the other contributing authors to PLD) is to foster TRUTH, not fear. If you fear the truth, perhaps you should reconsider your position on the topics involved.

      • nc

        Mikey, you haven’t been paying attention here at PL! Their TRUTH is Fear! Read the columns! FEAR what’s coming! View the videos! Fear when they you show you only the negative with no mention that you are living in the greatest nation in the history of the world that got here and stayed here! Why ?? WE got here and stayed here without one true conservative!! Liberal progressives have their faults as do all folks BUT THEY HAVE NEVER LEAD US TO DEFEAT!! WE HAVE LEAD!! THE LIBERTERIANS JUST WISH THEY HAD!! THE REPUBLICANS HAVE JUMPED IN WITH THEIR TRICKLE DOWN POLICY SEVERAL TIMES AND EACH TIME THE BOTTOM HAS FALLEN OUT OF THE ECONOMY! THAT POLICY CANNOT SURVIVE WHEN BIG BUSINESS DECIDES TO POCKET THE TAXBREAKS AND SUBSIDIES AND DO THEIR BUSINESS OFF SHORE!
        WHEN “TRICKLE DOWN” STOPS IT TRICKLE BEFORE IT REACHES A POINT OF AIDING ALL TAXPAYERS( MIDDLE CLASS AND THE LESS PRIVLEGED) IT HAS BECOME A MISTAKE IN FISCAL POLICY WHEN ONLY THOSE PEOPLE SUFFER!!!!!! SEE 2007-2008

      • Vicki

        nc says:
        “Mikey, you haven’t been paying attention here at PL! Their TRUTH is Fear! Read the columns! FEAR what’s coming! View the videos!”

        Perhaps you should take your own advice and ACTUALLY read the columns. If they were wanting us to fear what is coming they would not bother to give us information including how to PREPARE. Now if YOU choose to fear especially fear rather than prepare then go ahead but please don’t tell us to fear.

        We prepare so that we don’t fear.

        nc: “Fear when they you show you only the negative with no mention that you are living in the greatest nation in the history of the world that got here and stayed here! ”

        As opposed to the “positive” liberal messages like this one?
        http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/08/16/paul-ryan-ad-wisconsin_n_1792380.html

      • Mikey

        nc, I am informed and prepared. Therefore, I have no need to fear. I know the logic of this escapes you, unlike the patriots who frequent this site.
        And as far as the economy goes, the tax and spend politicians (on both sides of the aisle), are what’s ruining this country. They and their puppet masters are killing the middle class by using big government as their tool of choice. I’m not sure why I would tell you this, many have before and you still don’t get it. I guess some people are simply unteachable.

      • Karolyn

        My, my Janny, aren’t we sensitive. I said nothing derogatory, rather I wished Ben a Merry Christmas and asked if he would work at promoting peace rather than disharmony and was subsequently attacked for it. Because I said something about his facial hair? Lighten up!

      • Vicki

        Karolyn. what you were called on was ” Why not try fostering peace instead of fear in 2013?” which is pretty much the same as saying “Karolyn. why not try talking to your spouse instead of screaming at him in 2013″.

        Both statements lead the reader to believe that the 2nd part is true.

    • eddie47d

      That’s the message I heard in church last night Karolyn to keep searching for peace in the world and in our personal lives. Continual fear keeps you on edge! Merry Christmas to all!

    • Bill

      Good Comments, DaveH
      We can always count on you to bring some common sense to the chaos

    • jannyp

      Karolyn, You can’t even give it a rest for one day out of the year? You had to again, inflect your
      personal views on another? What happened to peace and goodwill towards men on one of the most beautiful days of the year? I won’t allow you usual pettiness to distract from my day!
      Merry Christmas to ALL and thank you Ben, for your wisdom and insight. This is the most PERFECT message you could have chosen.

  • Harold Olsen

    Right now, I’m at work and I just logged onto my laptop. As I’m reading this I’m listening to “A Christmas Carol” from1938 from “Campbell’s Playhouse,” starring Orson Welles and his Mercury Theatre Group. He began this with the above Bible passage, but started a few verses earlier. When I was growing up, we used to have a Christmas show at school and that Bible passage, known as the “Christmas Story” was recited each year. These days it is forbidden. It’s a Bible passage I try to make a point of reading each Christmas. Merry Christmas all!

    • Robert Smith

      RadioClassics are great on the open road.

      Spice and Playboy are also entertaining.

      Playboy particularly does interviews with folks like Jessie Ventura that you just don’t hear anywhere else.

      Howard Stern does some great stuff too.

      Rob

      • CHRISTOPHER ALLEN HORTON

        IN A MINUTE, “Robert Smith,” THEY WILL CALL YOU “Mr. Scrooge.”

    • JANET MARSH

      THATS WHATS WRONG WITH THE WORLD TODAY THEY TOOK THE BIBLE OUT OF SCHOOL. IT GAVE VALUE TO THINGS AND UNDERSTANDING TO HOW TO TREAT EVERYONE WITH VALUES AND LOVE. WE NEED TO BRING THE BIBLE BACK TO THE SCHOOLS CAUSE ITS THE MOST CRUCIAL TIMES IN A CHILDS LEARNING. THINGS WERE BRTTER WHEN WE HAD A MORNING DEVOTIONALS,

    • http://www.facebook.com/benjamin.fox.98892 Benjamin Fox

      Harold, the same people who kicked God out of school are the first idiots to ask where He was when these children died, they need to look in the mirror and ask their god self to forgive them, since they think they are gods.

  • independant thinker

    Thank you Ben for a most timely and appropriate passage from the Good Book. I wish you, Mr. Livingston, and the rest of the staff at PLD a very Merry Christmas. And, to my fellow posters here I also wish you a Merry Christmas.

    • http://BACKTOSCHOOLWITHGOD JGM

      BACK TO SCHOOL WITH “GOD” !!!

      • http://www.facebook.com/benjamin.fox.98892 Benjamin Fox

        Amen to that JGM, He can protect our children even better then we can. God Bless, Merry Christmas to all and have a God filled New Year, even to those who hate me and my God.

      • Robert Smith

        Posted: “BACK TO SCHOOL WITH “GOD” !!!”

        Aren’t you glad those kids from Newtown are with your god now? Wouldn’t he have protected them if he didn’t want them with him?

        Rob

      • vicki

        May God forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us.

        http://www.biblebc.com/ask_a_question/corresponding_with_a_bitter_man.htm

      • http://sk1951.wordpress.com sk1951

        TRIVIA: CHRISTMAS STARTED IN 400CE
        Rome adopted Christianity around 300CE. The convergence from the Pagan religions to Christianity included inventing Christian Holidays to coincide with Pagan holidays. Christmas was one of these inventions. At first, both holidays were celebrated as one to avert war and civil unrest. The church had Christmas mass and the Saturnalia was celebrated at home.
        With the invention of a God man Jesus came the religious invention of his birth day. Because there is no record of his birth day in the two different stories in Mathew and Luke it was decided that the Pagan day of December 25 would be used to over shadow the Pagan Dec. 25 holiday.
        With time the church religion through sheer force, violence, threats and death, pushed out the Pagan holidays all together leaving only the Christian holidays. The term “pagan” was adopted to mean “godless” or “heathen” by the Christians and of course they had to convert or be exterminated.
        Not that marry of a Christmas for the peace loving pagans of past or present of their winter solstice holiday “Sol Invictus” “Birthday of the Unconquerable Sun,” on darkest day of December 25.

      • 45caliber

        Rob:

        God isn’t allowed into our schools any more so he couldn’t do anything about the CT school. Sorry. It’s people like you who have forced him out.

      • Combat seabee

        Dear God,
        Why do you allow such violence in our schools?
        Signed,
        A concerned student

        Concerned Student,
        I’m not allowed in schools.

        Signed,
        GOD!!!!

      • JeffH

        Combat seabee, two thumbs up! :)

      • CHRISTOPHER ALLEN HORTON

        “Benjamin Fox,”

        WE ATHEISTS WANT YOU CHRISTIANS TO ENJOY YOUR HOLIDAY WITH YOUR FAMILIES WITH BEST WISHES.

        THINGS WILL BE BACK-TO-NORMAL ON TOMORROW.

      • CHRISTOPHER ALLEN HORTON

        “45caliber” AND “Robert Smith,”

        FIRST, “45caliber” – YULETIDE GREETINGS, SIR; BEST WISHES FOR 2013.

        NOW, “45caliber” AND “Robert Smith” [Happy Holidays, "Mr. Smith"] – I REMEMBER READING SOMETHING IN The Bible WHICH SAID [sic], ” A child who is disobedient to his parents will have shortened days.”

        SO “45caliber,” SIR, HOW CAN YOU TELL “Mr. Smith” IT IS PEOPLE LIKE HIM WHO FORCED “god” FROM SCHOOLS? WE KNOW NOTHING OF THE NEWTON CHILDREN’S PERSONAL LIVES WITH THEIR PARENTS.

      • John J.

        SK1951, you are perfectly describing the Roman Catholic Church. However, you are mistaken about one thing. Catholic is not now, nor ever has been, Christian which is why the Vatican murdered over 50 million Christians in the Spanish Inquisition for having Bibles or parts of Bibles. The Vatican also had true Christians murdered in the Crusades. Today, the murdering isn’t done openly and the preferred method of conquest is through infiltration. Roman Catholicism, like all other false religions, is good works and membership based. Satan always has his counterfeits and Roman Catholicism is probably the biggest counterfeit Christian organization there is.

      • Vicki

        CAH writes:
        “SO “45caliber,” SIR, HOW CAN YOU TELL “Mr. Smith” IT IS PEOPLE LIKE HIM WHO FORCED “god” FROM SCHOOLS? WE KNOW NOTHING OF THE NEWTON CHILDREN’S PERSONAL LIVES WITH THEIR PARENTS.”

        We don’t know much of the personal lives of the parents or children but we DO know who forced God from the public schools.

        School Zones. Godless and Gun Free.

      • CHRISTOPHER ALLEN HORTON

        “Vicki,” HAPPY HOLIDAYS.

        Madelyn Murray-O’Hair IS DEAD!

        Governor Mike Huckabee (R-AR) AND HIS “ILK” NEED TO KNOW PRAYER IN SCHOOLS WILL NEVER RETURN. WE LIVE IN AN AGE OF GRANDPARENTS WHO ARE IN THEIR THIRTIES. SCHOOL IS A TEMPORARY PLAYGROUND DESIGNED FOR MANY WHO ARE WAITING FOR THE GOVERNMENT-MANDATED “CUT-OFF” AGE OF SEVENTEEN.

        SO, “Vicki,” HOW CAN A CHILD PRAY WHEN “GRANDMA” IS WEARING MINI-SKIRTS AND STILETTOS?

      • Gordon

        Robert Smith: Your comment proves that YOU sir are one sick individual, and that you are part of the problem, not part of any answer.

      • http://sk1951.wordpress.com sk1951

        John: Thanks for your corrections and understanding of the issues I am attempting to bring to light.

      • http://sk1951.wordpress.com sk1951

        Gordon: Robert comment: Ignorance on both sides does not truth make.

      • deerinwater

        Open prayer in a government funded school has been restricted , not God.

        If your God is as you wish to believe , God should be with you always, no matter where you go or how long you are gone.

        If God is not with you, ~ that is your problem, a problem that you are attempting lay onto someone else in a feeble attempt to hide your on personal failures and efforts in understanding and practicing Christianity and teaching it at home and church to your children.

        Are you attempting to tell us that your God does not exist unless you pray inside every 8 hour period of time? That seems to be what you are saying.

        ” I pledge allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America, and to the Republic for which it stands, one Nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.”

        Has this pledge been removed from schools?

        “The Nebraska Board of Education on Friday unanimously voted to approve a rule change that will make it mandatory for the state’s public schools to set aside time daily for the Pledge of Allegiance.”

        Condensing a whole lot of history and legal wrangling for readers;

        ” On November 12, 2010, in a unanimous decision,[39] the United States Court of Appeals for the First Circuit in Boston affirmed a ruling by a New Hampshire lower federal court which found that the pledge’s reference to God doesn’t violate students’ rights.[40] A United States Supreme Court appeal of this decision was denied on June 13, 2011.[41][42]
        About one-half of the states require the pledge as part of the school day and several others recommend it”

        So just how many gallon of Holy Water does school children need in a 8 hour period? Are they being offered that much at home? I seriously doubt it.

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