Happy Friday!
There’s just two weeks before Christmas Eve but don’t worry, we’re here to get your sleigh across the shopping finish line even with shipping delays.
Check out our Christmas Gift Guide!
It’s got 20 items made by our readers and sponsors starting at just $9.99.
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QUOTE OF THE DAY
“If your goal is purity of heart, be prepared to be thought very odd.”
Elisabeth Elliot
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COVID-19
Omicron Optimism
Pfizer and BioNTech say their vaccines work against Omicron… but only if you give them a boost.
The companies say that three doses of their vaccine provide 25x more anti-Omicron antibodies than two doses do and that they’re working on developing an Omicron-specific booster that could be available in March.
- Disclaimer: these results aren’t peer-reviewed and, for Pfizer, more shots = more money
Early data out of South Africa is also fueling Omicron optimism; the epicenter recorded 20,000 new cases on Wednesday but only 36 deaths. Health experts are cautioning people to remember this early data is, well, early. Deaths have always lagged case count and it's too soon to say anything definitively.
There are roughly 40 known cases of omicron in the U.S., nearly all with mild symptoms.
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ETERNAL PERSPECTIVE
Our hope is never contingent on a public health outcome, it’s much more secure than that. Regardless of whether things get worse or better during your lifetime, everything eventually ends well for followers of Christ.
“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. Because of his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead and into an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you.”
1 Peter 1:3-4 (CSB)
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INTERNATIONAL
Snowballing Boycott
President Biden kicked off his Summit for Democracy yesterday, gathering over 100 world leaders to “ bolster democracies around the world.” Notably not invited: China and Russia, who continue to make headlines (see our last update on the Eurasian neighbors).
The diplomatic boycott of the Beijing Winter Olympics in criticism of China’s ongoing human rights abuses now includes Australia, the U.K., and Canada. Wednesday, the U.S. House passed legislation (by an overwhelming 428-1) banning the importation of goods produced by forced labor in China’s Muslim Uyghur internment camps.
Meanwhile, Ukraine, worried about the Russian troops at their border, put out feelers for Western troops - a prospect which President Biden said is off the table. However, both Biden and Germany have promised consequences for Russia should they overstep.
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SPONSORED
Fresh Streaming Fun
Being a Christian parent is hard, especially when screens are everywhere for our kids. But there’s one streaming service where we always feel okay pressing play… Minno.
Minno has familiar faces like VeggieTales' Bob and Larry, plus brand new Bible-inspired shows like Micah's Super Vlog! and Cocoa Talk. It'll bring some much-needed fresh fun to your library of Christian shows.
Start your free trial this December and get Minno’s Laugh and Grow Bible for free! It’ll help your family journey through the Bible in one year with 52 stories that are informative, heartfelt, and, dare we say, quite funny.
It’s a limited-time offer, so start your 7-day free trial (and claim your free Bible) today!
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ECONOMY
You Have No Idea How High I Can Fly
The U.S. Bureau of Labor and Statistics released some new numbers:
- 184,000 people filed for unemployment last week, a 52-year low
- A historically high 4.2 million people quit their jobs in October (chart)
- Job openings increased to a near-record 11 million (chart)
All of this adds up to restaurant service remaining slow.
Of course, not everyone is hiring. The CEO of online mortgage company Better.com laid off 900 employees (15% of its workforce) in an impromptu Zoom call last week, which was recorded… and went viral.
Facing backlash for being unempathetic on the mass call, the CEO made a series of posts accusing the laid-off employees of “stealing” by being unproductive… which also went viral. Now, other execs have resigned in protest and the CEO is apologizing.
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BE DOERS
Regardless of whether the broader economy is struggling or thriving, Christians should seek to give generously of our time, talents, and resources to those in greater need. Reach out to your local church to see where help is needed.
“Let us not get tired of doing good, for we will reap at the proper time if we don’t give up. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us work for the good of all, especially for those who belong to the household of faith.”
Galatians 6:9-10 (CSB)
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Jussie Smollett, the former Empire actor, was found guilty of falsely reporting to police that he was the victim of a racist and homophobic assault in 2019. Smollett took the stand this week, testifying that he never lied to police and denied orchestrating the attack for publicity; the 12-person jury disagreed.
The Frappuccino franchise is 0.01% unionized. The National Labor Relations Board announced yesterday that workers at a Starbucks in Buffalo, NY, voted 19-8 in favor of a union despite corporate leadership dumping venti ice waters on the idea for months.
Former White House Chief of Staff Mark Meadows had been cooperating with the House panel investigating the January 6th attack on the Capitol, but abruptly reversed course this week, citing concerns over executive privilege. Meadows is now suing to block subpoenas issued by the committee.
Auf Wiedersehen, Angela Merkel. Germany’s first woman chancellor stepped down after 16 years on Wednesday, handing the reins to Olaf Scholz. Merkel remained remarkably popular throughout her tenure that saw her work with four U.S. presidents and countless European leaders through many significant crises.
New Zealand is planning to ban people born after 2008 from buying cigarettes. Ever. It’s part of a sweeping crackdown by the health ministry to phase out smoking and is expected to be voted into law next year. The bill has many supporters, but critics worry it’ll simply create a black market for tobacco. |
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What We’re Using
I’ve completely redone my morning coffee routine after being introduced to Don Pablo. They’re family-owned, roast specialty grade (top 2%) coffee that tastes amazing, and are absolutely wonderful to work with.
And now, they’ve even let me handpick my favorites for this special Christmas deal:
- Their sleek matte black pour over set (duh)
- A sampler pack of their best coffees
Usually $65… now under $39.99 with code TPO. Get the perfect gift for any coffee drinker!*
Matt Whipple | Writer
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What We’re Reading
I (like most every other Christian I’ve met) wish that I:
- Read the Bible more often
- Prayed more frequently
That’s why I love the Psalms in 30 Days prayer guide our partners at CSB have released!
It was compiled by author and teacher Trevin Wax and helps guide me through the centuries-old practice of praying the Psalms throughout the day. It’s extremely well done and has helped me slow down and dive deeper in my devotions.
It’s amazingly beautiful and one of the nicest stocking stuffers I could find for around $10. Give the gift of a deep devotional life!*
Anthony Pierri | Writer, Podcast Host
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*This is a sponsored post
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