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Lauren Diagle Dropped From “New Years  Rockin’ Eve”

Popular Christian pop star Lauren Daigle, has been removed from the lineup of “Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve,” the musical countdown to the New Year. In early November, Daigle performed at a “Let Us Worship” rally in New Orleans which was held in response to pandemic restrictions on churches. Because of which, New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell, wrote a letter to Dick Clark productions saying she could not “in good conscience” support Daigle’s involvement in the broadcast. Read more about Diagle’s removal here.

Joel Osteen Defends Receiving Government PPE Money For Church

Multimillionaire televangelist Joel Osteen’s Lakewood Church in Texas netted $4.4 million in bailouts. And now the pastor is defending the move. Lakewood’s PPP check went to 368 full- and part-time employees, spokesman Donald Iloff told the Houston Business Journal. The paper added that about 1,500 religious organizations in the Houston area were approved for PPP loans, with 20 receiving loans of more than $1 million. Read more about the controversy here.

Christian Man Acquitted Of Blasphemy In Pakistan

A Christian man in Pakistan has been acquitted of blasphemy and released from prison after serving 10 years of a life sentence. Imran Ghafur Masih, is now in hiding with his family due to potential threats from extremists. Masih was arrested after a neighbor falsely accused him of burning a Quran. His release was a surprise for Imran’s family who said, “It is a day of resurrection for us. God has heard our cry and we are very thankful to him. It’s a Christmas gift for us.” Read more of his arrest and release here. 

Cancer Ward Sets Up Wedding For cancer Patient

Due to the pandemic, those wanting to get married had to change their wedding plans. But when nurses at Banner Thunderbird Medical Center in Glendale saw cancer patient Samantha Preston’s engagement ring, they went into action. In only three days, the staff arranged a wedding in an area at the hospital traditionally used as a gathering spot for families into a beautiful venue for the couple to tie the knot. Read more about the touching ceremony here.

Mohler endorses Covid-19 Vaccines

How do you feel about taking the Covid-19 vaccine? Are you eager or afraid? President of the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville, Kentucky, Albert Mohler, says he’ll be the first in line when the covid-19 vaccine is available in his area. On his website, Mohler lists seven moral principles for Christians to consider when studying the usage of vaccines, including doing it for the good of society. Read more of his reasoning here.

Anti Trafficking Ministry Wins Victory

In an age when pornography is readily available, even to minors, the anti-trafficking ministry, Exodus Cry, is celebrating significant progress in its fight to take down the world’s largest porn site, Pornhub. Videos of assault involving underage girls, rape, and other exploitative content continue to be posted and reposted on the user-generated porn site, and the ministry was able to get the site to remove a majority of these heinous videos. Read more about their efforts here.

Beth Moore Caught Up In Trump Controversy

Popular evangelical Bible teacher Beth Moore is drawing both flak and praise after delivering a stern warning to Christians against Trumpism, which she called “astonishingly seductive & dangerous.” The “Living Proof” evangelist took to Twitter Sunday to write that she had never seen anything in the United states more dangerous. The tweets were met with some criticism, with one user writing, “Lots of empty words in this thread. Sorry Beth but Trump has been the most pro-Christian president in history.” Read more about her tweets here.

Gunman Killed After Shooting At Christmas Concert

A choir that had just finished Christmas caroling at the Cathedral of St. John the Divine was standing on the cathedral steps when a gunman who had two handguns, approached the church doors and opened fire into the air, police said. Thankfully no one was hurt, but the gunman was shot and killed by responding police officers. Witnesses told police the man was yelling “kill me” as he fired. Read more about the shooting here.

Joe Biden’s Son Under Investigation By Department Of Justice

President-elect Joe Biden’s son revealed last week that the Justice Department is investigating his taxes, but a subpoena seeking documents from Biden asked for information related to more than two dozen entities. The investigation started in 2018, and president Trump has blasted Attorney General Bill Barr for keeping the investigation under wraps during the recent Presidential campaign. Read more about the investigation here.

First Doses Of Covid-19 Vaccine leaves Michigan

Trucks carrying the first shipment of covid-19 vaccines left early Sunday morning from Portage carrying 1.95 million doses of the vaccine. Each vial of the vaccine includes five doses, the company said. And 975 vials fit in each of its insulated boxes. A total of 400 boxes were loaded onto those trucks. Health care workers and those in nursing homes will be the first to receive the vaccine. Read more about this important step in fighting covid here.

Good Samaritan pays off 65,000 Dollars worth of Walmart Layaway

In a wonderful display of Christmas spirit, customers of the Bristol Tennessee Walmart had tears of joy after finding out their layaway was paid in full. The anonymous donor was reported as saying, “Please tell them Merry Christmas and I love them.” After asking the store manager the amount due in layaway items, the good Samaritan later returned with the full 65, 000 dollars owed by customers in cash. Read more about his generosity here.

First Person Receives Covid-19 Vaccine

U.K’s, Margaret Keenan, was the first person to receive the new covd-19 vaccine. The 90 year old was quoted as saying, “I feel so privileged to be the first person vaccinated against Covid-19. It’s the best early birthday present I could wish for because it means I can finally look forward to spending time with my family and friends in the new year, after being on my own for most of the year.” Read more about the vaccine and Margaret here.

Christmas Star To Appear On December 21st

For the first time in nearly 800 years, a rare Christmas star will light up the sky at the start of this month’s winter solstice. The two largest planets in our solar system, Jupiter and Saturn, will align on Dec. 21 to create what’s sometimes referred to as the “Christmas Star” or the “Star of Bethlehem.” The best time to witness this year’s Christmas Star will be to look southwest as the sun sets. Read more about this exciting even there.

Sidewalk Prophets Host Christmas Tour  

Award-winning contemporary Christian band, Sidewalk Prophets, have partnered with Bethany Christian Services to put on a  virtual Christmas tour to raise awareness and funds to help orphans. Though the cost of admission to watch the “Great Big Family Christmas” livestream is simply to “pay what you can,” with a free option also available, paid access includes an exclusive virtual Christmas devotional with the band. Read more about the concert here.

Bake Off Between Dads Results In 15,000 Cookies Delivered To Essential Workers

Pennsylvania dads 58-year-old Scott McKenzie and his buddy 42-year-old Jeremy Uhrich started a cookie war between them resulting in a major positive impact on their community at large. When they got a positive response for dropping off their baked goods to essential workers, they decided to start, “Cookies for Caregivers”. Many joined in delivering homemade cookies to workers throughout the state. Read more about their efforts here.

Bible Knowledge Is Fading Away

While many people call Christianity their faith, a recent study shows that less people are actually reading their Bibles. Dr. Thomas Schirrmacher, the newly elected secretary-general of World Evangelical Alliance, believes that biblical illiteracy is a growing, troubling trend in the global evangelical church today. He says that not knowing what the word of God says leads Christians into believing false gospels. Read more of the study here.

Fire Destroys Historic Church

A massive fire, which erupted early Saturday in a vacant building in New York City’s East Village, spread to and destroyed one of the city’s oldest churches that is home to New York’s Liberty Bell, among other structures, including a women’s shelter. Although the fire gutted the church, parishioners vowed that services would continue, and are thankful no one was hurt in the blaze. Read more about this historic church here.

Mercy Me Releases New Song

Popular Christian Artists, MercyMe, have released a new song called, “Say I Won’t”. The song highlights the personal experience of  Gary Miracle, who was the first merchandising representative and bus driver for the band 25 years ago, and lost both arms and legs in January after falling into septic shock. Miracle is in the video for the song showing his struggle with coming back after receiving prosthetic limbs. Watch the music video here.

Lord Of The Rings Cast Buying J.R.R. Tolkien House

Attention all Middle Earth fans. Actors from the Hobbit films including Ian McKellen and Martin Freeman along with other celebrity fans, have organized a crowdfunding campaign to purchase J.R.R. Tolkiens’s house. The organizer’s want the house to be a place where fans of the writer can go and get a glimpse inside his life. The goal is to raise 6 million dollars for the purchase and renovations to the home. Read more about their efforts here.

The Most Read Bible Verse Of 2020

In a year filled with fear and anxiety, more people than ever are searching for comfort in the Bible. One popular Bible app saw searches increase by 80 percent in 2020, totaling nearly 600 million worldwide. The most popular verse? Isaiah 41:10, “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” Read more popular verses here.

Christian Group Puts On Live Nativity Scene In Washington DC

A live nativity scene put on by Christian organization, Faith & Liberty, was seen going around the Supreme Court building and the U.S. Capitol Building. The nativity included Mary, Joseph, baby Jesus, and three wise men. The group put the scene on as a testament to Christianity and the Gospel story. In addition to standing between the two buildings, the actors sang, prayed, and read the Christmas Story from the Gospel of Matthew. Read more about the nativity scene here.

Most Americans Say Covid-19 Will Change Christmas

Covid-19 has changed the way Americans plan to celebrate this holiday season. Data collected by LifeWay Research reports an online survey of 1,200 Americans, conducted Sept. 9-23, using a national pre-recruited panel, shows that 65% Americans will make at least one change to their Christmas plans as a result of the pandemic. Whether it be buying less gifts, canceling family get togethers, or attending church services, people say their focus will be instead on God. Read more of the study’s results here.

Carrie Underwood And Son Sing Christmas Carol

Carrie Underwood is one of my favorites, so when she released her version of The Little Drummer Boy with her five year old son, Isaiah, my heart melted. The sweet duet is part of her new HBO Max special called, My Gift: A Christmas Special From Carrie Underwood. The singer is quoted as saying, “So happy we captured the sweetest voice in this special moment in time.” Read more about the Christmas special here.

Bethlehem’s inns Empty this Christmas

In 2020 Mary and Joseph would have no problem finding lodging. The coronavirus has halted Christmas celebrations in Bethlehem, all but shutting down the biblical town revered as Jesus’ birthplace at the height of the normally cheery holiday season. Many hotels usually filled to capacity during the holiday season have been forced to close, and the famous Christmas tree lighting ceremony has been scaled down to include only a few people. Read more about the impact the virus is making on this small biblical town here.

More North Korean’s Having Access To Bible

Despite the persecution of Christians in North Korea, the annual White Paper on Religious Freedom in North Korea from The Database Center for North Korean Human Rights found that the number of North Koreans who responded that “they have an experience of seeing the Bible” increased by 4% each year since 2000. Pastor Eric Foley of Voice of the Martyrs Korea, said that despite the crackdown on religion, “God is finding ways to get Bibles into North Korea.” Read more about these Korean Christians here.

Franklin Graham Says 1.7 Million Accepted Christ Through This Years BGEA Efforts

In a year filled with bad news, its wonderful to hear about those who receive Christ as their savior and turn their lives over to the Lord. Evangelist Franklin Graham, the president and CEO of the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association and Samaritan’s Purse (BGEA) reported that 1.7 million people gave their lives to Christ in 2020 through their online ministries – over twice as many as last year. Read more about their efforts to share the Gospel here.

Michael Jordon Donate 2 Million Dollars To Feed Hungry

Known as a basketball icon, Michael Jordon also hjas a heart of charity. Donating proceeds from the hit documentary “The Last Dance” to Feeding America, to Feeding America, the nation’s largest hunger-relief organization. Jordon is quoted as saying, “In these challenging times and in a year of unimaginable difficulty due to Covid-19, it’s more important than ever to pause and give thanks. I am proud to be donating to food banks in the Carolinas and Chicago to help feed America’s hungry.” Read more about his generosity here.

Supreme Court Blocks Covid Restrictions On Churches

A victory was won by those who want to practice their faith in New York. The Supreme Court ruled on Wednesday in favor of a Catholic diocese and an Orthodox Jewish group, temporarily blocking New York’s COVID-19 restrictions on houses of worship. The high court was cited as saying even in a pandemic, the Constitution cannot be put away and forgotten. Read more of the ruling here.

Christian Psychotherapist Explains How Gratitude Impacts Your Health

In a year where finding gratitude is more difficult, psychotherapist and licensed mental health counselor Dr. Scott Bush believes gratitude can play a major role in our mental and spiritual health. He claims the greater our thankfulness, the happier we’ll be. And Bush says taking the time to look at what we can be grateful for “can change the whole dynamic of our life and our attitude.” Read more about his thoughts on gratitude and happiness here.

Starbucks Fires Barista For Refusing To Wear “Pride” Shirt

New Jersey resident, Betsy Fresse, a Christian from Newark, was fired for refusing to wear a shirt that went against her Christian beliefs. After stating she believed marriage to be between one man and one woman, Fresse refused to wear a “Pride” shirt which shows supports for homosexuality. Claiming she was let go shortly thereafter, Fresse has filed suit against the company for discrimination. Read more about her lawsuit here.

Couple Uses Deposit From Cancelled Wedding To Feed Others

When Illinois residents, Emily Bugg and Billy Lewis had to cancel their wedding ceremony due to covid restrictions, they didn’t let it get them down. Instead they chose to get married at city hall and use the money they would have spent on the reception to help others. The couple purchased 200 Thanksgiving dinners for clients of Thresholds, a nonprofit mental health provider dedicated to helping people with serious mental illnesses and substance use conditions. Read more about their generosity here. 

Christian Medical Group Urges Churches To Close

In some states where churches remained closed yet bars and strip clubs are allowed to stay open, a prominent association of Christian doctors is urging churches to stop in person gatherings. Christian Medical and Dental Associations says the recommendation is about loving one another and minimizing risk to the vulnerable around us. Read more about their reasoning here. 

ALS Ice Bucket Challenge Co-Creator Dies

Remember the ice bucket challenge when everyone was dumping cold water over their heads? The challenge was started to raise money and awareness for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease. One of the co-creators, Patrick Quinn, died after a seven long year battle with the disease. Read about this disease and how the awareness continues here.

Housing Boom In The Middle Of Pandemic

Paralyzed Gymnast Starts Tea Company

On track at the time as an Olympic hopeful, Taylor Lindsay-Noel, saw her dreams as an athlete end when she became a quadriplegic. But instead of defeat, she turned things around by starting her own company. Called, Cup of Té, Noel went on to create her own line of organic tea blends and tea accessories. Read more about this inspiring young lady here.