1. NC VALUES: We wish you a Merry Christmas!
From all of us at the NC Values Coalition, we wanted to wish you a very Merry Christmas!
“For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” (Isaiah 9:6)
2. STEPHEN XAVIER: Embracing the true meaning of the holiday as the White House dampens Christmas
"Maybe these shortages are a sign, and a timely one at that, to awaken us to reflect on what’s important, press us to examine our own excesses and outer expression, and instead, to look within. Perhaps it’s a time to get back to our roots, our true heritage of a Christ-centered way of thinking and living within our Judeo-Christian culture that others are intent on eroding and then destroying. Maybe it’s time to put down our smartphones, turn off the television with its hundreds of channels that show little, actual value, and positive contribution to our culture. Let’s plan a meal. Cook with our spouse, our kids, young or old, and let the smell of a home-cooked meal fill the air, tantalize our senses and bring us to the table to break bread, without interruption, and reconsider what’s really important, what really matters.
The only real shortages before us now is a shortage of quality time with those who matter most to us and, a shortage of the recognition of the real reason for the Season; Jesus."
Stephen Xavier is the Communications Director for the NC Values Coalition.
3. NC VALUES: 🏛 We're friends of the Court
Since 2016, we have occasionally sent you emails updating you about the latest amicus brief filed by our sister organization, the Institute for Faith & Family. You may have wondered, "What is an amicus brief, and why are we filing them?"
4. LISTEN: Tami Fitzgerald interview on the Family Research Council's Washington Watch
Earlier this week, "Tami Fitzgerald, Executive Director of the @NCValues Coalition, share[d] what’s happening in Wake County with Family Research Council after parents found over 100 books containing obscene content and filed criminal complaints against the Wake County School Board."
5. NC POLICY WATCH: What will happen in NC if the Supreme Court ends the constitutional right to an abortion?
"Advocates predict an influx of patients from other states if Roe vs. Wade falls, but that could change if the GOP expands its legislative majorities.
North Carolina is one of the states that might see an increased demand for abortion services if the U.S. Supreme Court weakens or overturns the landmark 1973 decision that established the constitutional right to abortion.
Conservatives hold a majority on the U.S. Supreme Court, which heard arguments this month over a Mississippi law that would make most abortions illegal after 15 weeks of pregnancy.
The court could decide to limit its ruling to upholding the Mississippi law, or it could overturn Roe vs. Wade and leave decisions about abortion up to the states."
WEEKLY PRAYER: CHRISTMAS
Father, on this day, we rejoice. May our hearts take the fullness of the virgin birth and its ramifications with overflowing gratitude. This day, and the next.
Amen.
Sincerely,
North Carolina Values Coalition
