Christmas linking around

While the President-elect enjoys the links in Hawaii, Glenn Reynolds hears from readers about reduced crowds at resorts. Can you imagine the conniptions the press would have having if McCain had won and took the exact same vacation Obama is currently taking while "people are freezing to death and Americans are stuck at home…"

I mean, I'm just sayin'.

Meanwhile, the pope's excellent address to the Roman Curia got scammed by Reuters, who played with the Holy Father's words and meaning.  The incorrect interpretation seems, as some bloggers have noted, intent on sowing discord just before Christmas, and of course, it gave a sounding board to those seeking attention. Unsurprisingly, the NY Times also completely misses the point. They hear want they want to hear and disregard the rest.

Not everyone fails to appreciate il Papa, though.

On better Christmas notes, Chathouse Cat has put together a carnival of Christmas  that is quite extensive.

This week's Catholic Carnival is also a Christmas-themed grabbag of Catholic writing on the 'net.

A small but positive item for which to give thanks.

Ann Althouse has a terrific piece up on Christmas and the non-religious.  Tolerance.  What a concept!

Rasmussen has a poll out reporting that 61% say the world would be better if more people acted like Christians. I haven’t read the poll yet, was it mostly Christians responding?

Need a little awesomeness in your life?  

If you're still not dropping your jaw in wonder, this story will do it for you.  It always does it for me!

Christmas returns to Bethlehem

My piece at Pajamas Media – it’s on how the Christmas narrative provides hope in hard times. I hope you’ll go read it, despite the awful title, which I did not create.

American Troops doing Christmas for Iraqi kids. God bless our troops. More here

Also, do read Happy Catholic on forgiveness and grace and follow her links. You’ll be glad you did.

More…Christmas Carols we could do without. I so agree. I say all radios should ban that Wham! song and replace it with The Roches singing We Three Kings, which is unique and masterful!

Crossposted here.