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Wednesday, December 25, 2024

Merry Christmas and Happy Hanukkah! On this day in 1914, World War I soldiers participated in the Christmas Truce, a series of unofficial ceasefires along the eastern and western fronts during which opposing forces exchanged greetings, gifts, and food and even played soccer.

We hope you're having a happy and fulfilling Christmas day or first night of Hanukkah! Our editions today and the rest of this week will be shorter than usual to allow us time to spend with our families, but we hope you enjoy them!

Today's sponsor is the Voice of the Martyrs, who are helping provide aid to Christians in hostile territories.

Airlift: Operation Christmas Drop

Seven nations' air forces collaborated in Operation Christmas Drop 2024, delivering over 77,000 pounds of humanitarian aid to remote Pacific islands in the Department of Defense's longest-running airlift mission.

The operation, led by the 374th Airlift Wing from Yokota Air Base, involved 300 personnel conducting airdrops at 58 sites during 224 flight hours from Dec. 8 to 14.

The mission concluded with a traditional "elephant walk" of seven C-130 aircraft at Andersen Air Force Base in Guam, followed by a joint training flight that emphasized the operation's dual humanitarian and strategic importance.

NFL Debuts Today on Netflix

Netflix is set to broadcast two NFL games today, marking the first time the streaming giant will air professional football after signing a three-year contract in May to carry games on Christmas Day.

The holiday doubleheader features the Kansas City Chiefs against the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Baltimore Ravens against the Houston Texans. Mariah Carey will also perform her classic holiday song All I Want for Christmas Is You, while Beyoncé headlines the Ravens-Texans halftime show.

The NFL has averaged nearly 29 million viewers for Christmas games over the past three years, and analysts predict that Netflix will generate at least $150 million in advertising revenue.

This is Netflix's first significant test since numerous technological glitches disrupted its boxing showcase featuring Mike Tyson and Jake Paul, leaving many concerned about today's games.

Flying together with our sponsor

A Year-End Blessing for the Persecuted

As 2024 draws to a close, your gift will help and encourage our persecuted brothers and sisters in Christ who share the gospel at any cost.

Your gift today will help meet the needs of our persecuted brothers and sisters in Christ and let them know they are not forgotten. It will also help provide a voice for them among the global body of Christ.

Your gift will be used in the following ways:

Responding to the immediate and ongoing needs of persecuted Christians
Equipping front-line workers with much-needed ministry tools
Providing Bibles to Christians in hostile areas and restricted nations
Encourage and equip believers to remain steadfast in their faith

Get your Prayer Calendar today!

Today's Holiday section is brought to you by:

A Georgia woman received a surprise trip to Paris for Christmas from her son after he discovered she had been studying French. (See Surprise)

Hanukkah begins this evening, offering interfaith families a rare opportunity to celebrate "Chrismukkah," a combination of traditions from both holidays. (More)

Christmas Island, an Australian territory near Java, offers a unique holiday escape with opportunities to swim with whale sharks and witness the famous crab migration. (More)

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Get a FREE Prayer Calendar

With any gift, receive a free copy of VOM's 2025 Prayer Calendar, which will help keep you in fellowship with the persecuted through daily prayer requests and inspiring full-color photos.

Your gift today will help meet the needs of our persecuted brothers and sisters in Christ and let them know they are not forgotten. In addition, it will help provide a voice for them among the global body of Christ.

Get your Prayer Calendar today!

➤ Italy's Feast of the Seven Fishes and Poland's 12-course meal are some of the Christmas dinners found on this list of global Christmas Dinner traditions. (See List)

➤ Researchers in South Korea have developed a lightweight wearable "Iron Man" robot to help paraplegic users in walking and climbing stairs. (See Photo)

➤ Everyone has a favorite Christmas cookie, and often it varies by geography. Here's a list of the most popular Christmas cookies in each of the 50 states. (See List)

➤ Animated features, holiday classics, and new favorites are among this list of family movies to enjoy throughout Christmas Day. (See List)

➤ Here's a list of 19 top destinations for New Year's Eve, perfect for those planning to celebrate the new year away from home. (See List)

➤ U.S. News considered attractions, accommodations, and dining options and put together this list of best places to visit in the U.S. for 2025. (See List)

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