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Isaiah 9:6

For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

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Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

This Christmas, many of us will sing our favourite carols. But how often do we ask where they come from?

Very rarely, if ever.

Some of these songs trace back centuries, each with its own story to tell. Take “In the Bleak Midwinter,” for instance — Christina Rossetti’s 1872 masterpiece brings together winter’s chill, the arrival of Christ and a gentle portrayal of the nativity. It culminates in that poignant moment of quiet reflection: The poem-turned-carol invites a depth of contemplation that resonates long after the last note fades.

Here is the Apostle Paul’s version of the Christmas story:

But when the fullness of the time came, God sent forth His Son, born of a woman, born under the Law, so that He might redeem those who were under the Law, that we might receive the adoption as sons. (Gal. 4:4-5)

Immigration measures announced as part of Canada's border response to president-elect Donald Trump's 25 per cent tariff threat are starting to be implemented, beginning with a ban on what's known as "flagpoling."

This is when someone who was in Canada on a temporary visa leaves for the U.S. then quickly re-enters Canada to access immigration services at a port of entry. 

The restriction on providing work and study permits to flagpolers takes effect today.

Canada appears to be barrelling toward a spring election now that the NDP is vowing to vote down the government early next year — whether Prime Minister Justin Trudeau stays on or not.

Political watchers are abuzz over the possible scenarios that could play out in the coming year following last week's drama that rocked Trudeau's government, and a springtime national campaign is the one that's solidifying the fastest.

It's been a whirlwind month for the Smallbone family as they wrap up their Drummer Boy Christmas Live tour.  

This was an extra special tour, with several special guests joining their side including The Voice contestant Jaukeem Fortson and Luke's 10-year-old son, Phoenix.

Joel's wife, Moriah also joined the tour singing with her husband.

A young missionary who was violently killed while serving Jesus in Angola, Africa has officially been laid to rest. 

44-year-old Beau Shroyer was killed on Oct. 25, 2024. Since then, three people, including, Shroyer's wife, Jackie, and Bernardino Elias, who worked as a security guard and housekeeper for the family, have been arrested. A fourth suspect remains on the lam.

Agri-food exports are one of the most important sectors for Saskatchewan to expand its international trade, with the province recently focusing on one country's growth.

The United Arab Emirates saw growth in imports of Saskatchewan agri-food products of 19 per cent over 2024 compared to 2023, with a total trade value of $322 million.

Luke 2:16-20

So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. 17 When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told.

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Before you read again on the birth of Jesus, it might be best for you to lay it aside and start from scratch.

The Christmas story has been so sanitized and romanticized over the centuries that even Hollywood—as jaded a culture as can be found anywhere—fails to capture the gritty pathos that surrounded Jesus’ arrival. Truth be told, even some churches annually idealize the birth of our Saviour. Yet it was anything but ideal.