The stockings were hung by the chimney with care 🎅🏻

We Aren’t Posting on Social Media as Much Anymore. Will We Ever? - WSJ

The reasons are varied: People say they feel they can’t control the content they see. They have become more protective about sharing their lives online. They also say the fun of social media has fizzled.

Thanks, ads.

First day of winter. ❄️

Conservative Bishops Push Back Against Pope Francis on Same-Sex Blessings - WSJ

Francis didn’t mention the policy on blessings, but called for vigilance “against rigid ideological positions that often, under the guise of good intentions, separate us from reality and prevent us from moving forward.”

The smartest guy in the room. Smarter than Aquinas, Ambrose, and Gregory… combined!

“Here in the Archdiocese of Chicago, we welcome this declaration, which will help many more in our community feel the closeness and compassion of God.”

The Archdiocese will also offer pastoral blessings for street gangs that they may be protected by God’s hand from a hail of bullets as they gun down their rivals on the streets of Chicago.

Statement of USCCB on Vatican’s Document Addressing Pastoral Blessings - USCCB

“The Declaration issued today by the Vatican’s Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith (DDF) articulated a distinction between liturgical (sacramental) blessings, and pastoral blessings, which may be given to persons who desire God’s loving grace in their lives. The Church’s teaching on marriage has not changed, and this declaration affirms that, while also making an effort to accompany people through the imparting of pastoral blessings because each of us needs God’s healing love and mercy in our lives.”

Inane.

I love the look of contrails at sunrise.

Vatican Issues Guidelines for Same-Sex Blessings - WSJ

The pope’s letter and Monday’s guidelines supersede a 2021 Vatican statement that prohibited blessings for gay couples on the grounds that God “cannot bless sin.”

God is always changing His mind on what is sinful and what isn’t.

Catholic clergy may “join in the prayer of those persons who, although in a union that cannot be compared in any way to a marriage, desire to entrust themselves to the Lord and his mercy, to invoke his help, and to be guided to a greater understanding of his plan of love and of truth,” said the document, signed by Cardinal Victor Manuel Fernandez, head of the doctrinal office.

The big lie.

Decoration station. 🎄

There’s something magical about reading a contract in its entirety. Reading can save you a lot of money. 💵

Best Christmas Gifts For Christians Of Each Denomination - Babylon Bee

Catholics: A bumper sticker that says “Miss me yet?” with a picture of Pope Benedict.

‘It’s A Great Time To Buy A House,’ Says Realtor Who Gets Paid If You Buy A House - Babylon Bee

“Not only is it a perfect starter home, it just suits you and your family’s needs perfectly! There’s great schools nearby and no crime. Also, this could easily be turned into your dream home with a little TLC. Did I mention that it’s a great time to buy a house right now?”

Also a quote by me, selling my house.

A photo has been removed — can I still use it? - Unsplash

Please keep in mind our photos are provided on an “as is” basis, so any liability for continued use of a removed photo remains with you.

And that’s why you can’t trust Unsplash.

Markets are Rallying. How to Make the Most of Them. - WSJ

Stocks have erased almost all their losses since the beginning of 2022, when the Federal Reserve began its campaign of interest-rate increases.

PSA

He’s Wanted for Wirecard’s Missing $2 Billion. He’s Now Suspected of Being a Russian Spy. - WSJ

While running Wirecard, Marsalek helped the GRU, Russia’s military intelligence agency, and the SVR, its main overseas spying organization, pay intelligence officers and informants and funnel money into conflict zones in the Middle East and Africa, according to the officials. At the same time, these Western officials suspect Marsalek was gathering information on other customers of Munich-based Wirecard, most notably Germany’s main BND intelligence agency and the Federal Criminal Office, the country’s equivalent of the FBI, and handing it over to Moscow.

Better than fiction.

Soft morning light.