For nearly 60 years, Hess Toy Trucks have brought smiles to children and adults up and down the East Coast. The iconic brand's history dates back to 1933 when Leon Hess founded the oil delivery business, which eventually led to the creation of the first Hess Toy Truck in 1964. The toy's innovative design and affordability made it a hit, and it became a holiday tradition for families to wait in line at gas stations to purchase the latest model. Today, the Hess Toy Truck is a beloved collectible item, with a dedicated fan base that includes celebrities and Olympic gold medalists. [... more]

Apollo 8 astronauts Frank Borman, Jim Lovell, and William Anders took off on a journey around the moon in 1968, reading from the book of Genesis on Christmas Eve to send a message of peace and love to the American people. [... more]

A children's choir's visit to a nursing home brings joy to the residents, especially one elderly woman who is about to pass away, and a chance encounter with Santa Claus has a profound impact on her life and the lives of those around her. [... more]

Irving Berlin's iconic song 'White Christmas' has become an American standard, with Bing Crosby's version remaining the most popular. The song's history and impact on holiday traditions are explored, highlighting its enduring popularity and Berlin's unique composition style. [... more]

Washington Irving's portrayal of Christmas in his book 'Old Christmas' helped shape the modern American Christmas, influencing Charles Dickens' work and the Victorian Christmas tradition. Irving's interpretation of Christmas, which didn't exactly reflect historical facts, became a seductive and fantastic vision of the holiday, informing the way Americans view Christmas today. [... more]

The Bible tells us that God's servant will be exalted to the highest place, but this exaltation comes through the deepest degradation, as Jesus Christ was despised and rejected by men. The servant's mission is one of purification, where he sprinkles many nations and kings shut their mouths because of him. This is a picture of ritual purification, where the servant's death offers a real and lasting cleansing, justifying the ungodly and sinners. [... more]

The birth of Jesus Christ is an indescribable gift, a wonderful counselor, mighty God, everlasting Father, and Prince of Peace. Isaiah's prophecy in chapter 9 describes Jesus' humanity and divinity, revealing his role as the ruler of eternity and the originator of peace. [... more]

Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol is often seen as a heartwarming tale of redemption, but it also contains a deeper message about economics and philosophy. Thomas Malthus' concept of surplus population is explored through the character of Ebenezer Scrooge, who represents a philosophy that is ultimately proven wrong. The story highlights the importance of generosity, private charity, and the value of human life, and serves as a reminder that God is generous, not stingy. [... more]

The baby in the manger is also the servant with a mission to open the eyes of the blind, free captives from prison, and release those who live in darkness. This servant comes to fulfill a mission, not to help those who are doing well, but to bring light into the dungeon of our enslavement and blindness. He is the one who saves sinners, opens blind eyes, and releases captives, bringing freedom and enjoyment and fulfillment. [... more]

The film It's a Wonderful Life, directed by Frank Capra, is a Christmas classic that incorporates biblical teachings, particularly the concept of unmerited favor, or grace. The story follows George Bailey, a man who learns to extend and accept grace, ultimately making Bedford Falls a better place to live. The film's timeless truth about life and human relationships is a reminder that in the midst of darkness, grace endures. [... more]

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays everyone We've had a pretty eventful here at No-Contest Wrestling and we wanted to celebrate by giving you all a Best of ' episode showcasing live episodes from WWE World Fanatics Fest Hosting ESPN's first ever Pre-Show to the Pre-Show before Wrestlepalooza and interviews with Superstars such as Roman Reigns Liv Morgan Jey Uso Bron Breakker Oba Femi Sean Waltman Roxanne Perez and much more Learn more about your ad choices Visit podcastchoices com adchoices [... more]

The prophet Isaiah sang songs about God's servant, and today we learn about the Messiah's character and mission, connecting the dots between the servant in Isaiah's Old Testament songs and the baby in the Christmas Nativity scene. [... more]

The true celebrity of Christmas is Jesus Christ, whose arrival changed history forever. Unlike human celebrities, Jesus' status does not wane with time or age, and his notoriety grows day by day. His person, passion, and praise make him a unique celebrity, and his birth, life, and death were all part of a plan to bring salvation to humanity. [... more]

God's self-revelation is not about humans searching for Him, but about God pursuing humanity with zeal and urgency. The Bible reveals God's identity as eternal, self-sustaining, and sovereign, with a purpose to be glorified in our lives and to bring us joy. [... more]

Christmas is rooted in Scripture and has always been about Christ, with the accounts of Jesus' birth in Matthew and Luke written in the first century. The date of Christmas may not have been chosen to coincide with pagan festivals, but rather calculated as Jesus' birthday based on the date of his conception and death. Christians can adopt and redeem some pagan traditions, such as decorated trees and yule logs, as long as they don't distract from the true meaning of Christmas. [... more]

A Starnes Country Christmas celebration featuring Franklin Graham, Karen Kingsbury, and other special guests discussing the true meaning of Christmas, Operation Christmas Child, and the importance of faith and family during the holiday season. [... more]

Taking time to slow down and be present in the holiday season with family and loved ones can bring meaningful moments and joyful experiences. [... more]

The prophet Isaiah's words in chapter 42 reveal the futility of worshiping idols, and the importance of seeking the true God. Alistair Begg explores how even good things can become objects of idolatrous worship, and how the Bible corrects us from the idols of the 21st century. He introduces God's servant, Jesus, who brings justice to the nations and fulfills the prophecies of Isaiah. [... more]

The Christian message revolves around the unique and complicated idea of God becoming a human, Jesus Christ, to provide redemption and adopt those who believe in him. This concept is central to Christianity and is rooted in the Bible, which describes Jesus as the only Savior who can cancel humanity's debt of sin and make people acceptable to God. [... more]

The Apostle Paul answers six questions vital to understanding the Christmas story in one powerful sentence. God is the originator of all things, and the Christmas story begins with Him. The birth of Jesus was not just a baby being born, but a son who would become perfectly obedient to His heavenly Father and give His life for the satisfaction of God's requirement for our sins. [... more]

The Bible is a book about Jesus, and its story is one of a people looking for God's promise of a messiah to be fulfilled. The prophet Isaiah's words of comfort in Isaiah 40 reveal God's sovereignty and gentle nature, pointing to the ultimate promise of God becoming visible in Jesus Christ. [... more]

A discussion about the significance of Christmas verses from the Bible, with guests sharing their favorite verses and their personal connections to them, highlighting the importance of faith and spirituality during the holiday season. [... more]

The history of Christmas traditions and the evolution of Santa Claus, from Saint Nicholas to the modern-day figure, is a fascinating story that spans centuries. Clement Clark Moore's poem 'A Visit from St. Nicholas,' also known as 'The Night Before Christmas,' helped popularize the idea of Santa Claus as a jolly, gift-giving figure. Thomas Nast's illustrations further solidified the image of Santa, and the Christmas tree, a variation of the ancient Norse custom, became a central part of the family-oriented American Christmas. Meanwhile, the symptoms of obstructive sleep apnea, a serious condition that affects millions, are often overlooked, and AI in business can be a double-edged sword, adding more complexity to an already overwhelming IT landscape. Pet insurance can provide peace of mind for pet owners, and holiday gifting can be a stressful but rewarding experience. [... more]

The concept of God as Creator, Sustainer, Ruler, Father, and Judge is explored, contrasting with the idea of idols and substitute gods that cannot provide fulfillment or freedom. The importance of recognizing God's sovereignty and mercy is emphasized, and the need to worship the true God is highlighted. [... more]

The Lumbee Tribe is closer to full federal recognition after the National Defense Authorization Act passed the US House, with the provision included in the bill granting the tribe full federal status and access to federal programs. Meanwhile, North Carolina's holiday shopping season is looking strong, with projected sales of $44 billion in November and December. The state's retail economy is also seeing growth, with one in four jobs tied to the retail industry. In other news, voter registration issues in North Carolina have led to a lawsuit, with the Democratic National Committee and the North Carolina Alliance for Retired Americans arguing that the settlement reached between the state and the Justice Department does not protect all voters. [... more]

A pastor recounts his struggles with finding the perfect Christmas tree, learning the value of patience and kindness in the process, and how it relates to his spiritual journey and family traditions. [... more]

Billie Mae Richards shares her story of voicing Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer, a classic Christmas special that has become a timeless classic. Meanwhile, experts discuss the symptoms of obstructive sleep apnea and the benefits of AI companions in storytelling. [... more]

Die Hard's status as a Christmas movie is debated, with some arguing it's a commercial product that doesn't fit the traditional Christmas movie mold, while others point to its numerous Christmassy elements, including 21 distinct Christmas elements and 99.2% more Christmas music than other films. Data analysis and user-generated lists on IMDb support the idea that Die Hard is now widely regarded as a Christmas movie, with a significant uptick in interest around the holiday season. [... more]

True impactful generosity requires wisdom, and God invites us to go beyond a one-time act of charity and into relationships that mirror his heart for renewal. Helping the poor this Christmas and long after requires a deeper kind of generosity that flows out of a relationship with Christ and the grace and love found present there. [... more]

Elvis Presley's Christmas album, recorded in 1971, was a huge success, thanks to the instincts of his manager, Colonel Tom Parker. The album, which included the song 'White Christmas,' was a departure from Elvis's usual style, but it ended up being one of his most popular records. Meanwhile, a new AI-powered companion, Miko Mini Plus, is turning curiosity into endless learning for children. And, in a different vein, the excitement of a HBCU football game is captured in a Coca-Cola commercial. [... more]

Alastair Begg shares his experiences visiting India and observing Hinduism, highlighting the dangers of pantheism and the importance of understanding the true nature of God. He emphasizes the need to declare the exclusive claims of Jesus Christ and warns against the growing loss of confidence in the Bible as the unerring word of God. [... more]

Stories behind the best-loved Christmas songs reveal fascinating histories and meanings, from 'Oh Holy Night' to 'Jingle Bells', while also highlighting the impact of Christmas carols on traditions and the lives of artists who wrote them. [... more]

The Bible makes it clear that God's gift of salvation is offered to everyone, but not everyone receives it. Simeon's song in Luke chapter 2 reveals the significance of salvation, which is the good news of what God did for us in the incarnate Christ, to save us from sin, the devil, and death. Salvation is not just a theme of the Bible, but a universal offer to all people, transcending racial, social, and cultural barriers. [... more]

A villager is not going to be prosecuted in an umbrella attack on her husband. Florida man leads police on a high-speed chase with a slow-moving semi. Rob Reiner's son stabbed him and his wife to death. A Stanford Medicine study shows that the mRNA vaccines can cause myocarditis. The Louvre is closing due to a staff strike. A secret government UFO program reveals paranormal events. [... more]

The message of Christmas is not just about a baby being born, but about the Son of God who came to take away our sins and offer us forgiveness. Jesus fulfilled hundreds of prophecies in the Bible, and his birth, death, and resurrection answer the question of whether there is life beyond the grave. We have a friend in heaven who understands us and has paid once and for all for our sins, giving us hope for a life beyond the grave. [... more]

Alastair Begg teaches from Luke chapter 1, explaining how Zachariah's song points to the comprehensive purposes of God, including redemption and mercy, and how understanding God's covenant with Abraham is crucial to grasping the significance of Jesus' birth. He emphasizes that God's goal for His people is to be redeemed, remembered, and revolutionized, and that salvation is all of God, requiring faith and the work of the Holy Spirit. [... more]

As caregivers, it's essential to prioritize our health and well-being, not just for ourselves but for our loved ones. Peter Rosenberger shares his personal journey of weight loss and nutrition, emphasizing the importance of accountability, stress eating, and self-care. He also discusses the impact of faith-based programs and prosthetic limb recycling, highlighting the transformative power of community and compassion. [... more]

As we get into the Advent season, it's time to reflect on our spiritual goals and how we can serve the Lord Jesus Christ. We must seek the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all other things will be added unto us. Praise and gratitude can change our lives, and seeking a personal relationship with Jesus Christ can bring us joy and happiness. [... more]

The message of Christmas is one of great joy, not found in material presents or commercialism, but in the presence of Christ. God's love and plan for our lives bring hope and redemption, especially during difficult times, reminding us that we are loved, needed, and wanted, and that a Savior has been born to save us from sin, hell, and judgment. [... more]

The significance of Jesus' incarnation is explored, particularly in the context of Galatians 4:4, where Paul writes that God sent his Son at the fullness of time. The passage sheds light on the concept of time and its relationship to God's plan, as well as the idea that salvation is a gift, not a reward to be earned. [... more]