The biggest faith and culture story of the past week was, without a doubt, Pope Francis’ decision to allow priests to bless same-sex couples. As The Washington Times’ Mark A. Kellner reports, the stunning approval sent shockwaves throughout the Catholic Church.

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“In a declaration titled ‘Fiducia Supplicans,’ the Vatican said Catholics seeking God’s mercy should not be subjected to ‘an exhaustive moral analysis’ to receive it,” Mr. Kellner writes. “The radical change comes after Francis said in a letter to five cardinals that pastoral ‘prudence must adequately discern whether there are forms of blessing, requested by one or several people, that do not transmit a wrong conception of marriage.’”

It was made clear the blessing shouldn’t be connected to a civil union ceremony. Despite the caveat, the move has unsurprisingly ignited debate in the U.S. and abroad. An archbishop in Kazakhstan was the first after the pope’s decision to forbid priests from performing the same-sex blessings.

Video: Jesus and Old Testament prophecy 

What does the Old Testament say about the coming Messiah — and what did biblical writers predict about Jesus hundreds of years before his birth?

Pastor Samuel Rodriguez joined Higher Ground to explain the most compelling prophecies he believes Jesus fulfilled, what Isaiah and other Old Testament writers predicted, and why the Christmas story truly is one of the most compelling events in human history. Watch the event here — and read more about Mr. Rodriguez’s comments here.

California governor’s (dis)honor

Meanwhile, California Gov. Gavin Newsom, a Democrat, was just delivered what Mr. Kellner called a “huge lump of coal” after the Becket Fund for Religious Liberty gave him the “2023 Ebenezer Award” for canceling a Christmas tree lighting and for passing over a Hanukkah menorah lighting this year.

“In canceling one of California’s most cherished holiday traditions and skipping another, Newsom can rightly be dubbed the Governor who stole Christmas and Hanukkah,” Becket President and CEO Mark Rienzi said in a statement. “We hope Governor’s heart will grow three sizes next year, so that Californians can once again celebrate their annual holidays with joy.”

Read more about the story here.

Americans’ views on Israel-Hamas chaos

As the Israel-Hamas war stretches on, American Christians favor a two-state solution, according to a recent poll. The majority also favor a defeat of Hamas as well as a negotiation leading to a two-state solution between Israelis and Palestinians. 

“In the Lifeway Research survey, 88% of respondents said lasting peace in the region will require a mutually agreed-upon political solution negotiated by Israel and the Palestinians,” Mr. Kellner writes. “About 81% said a two-state solution is one in which Israel and the Palestinians are self-governing with borders respected by all.”

The truth behind ‘A Charlie Brown Christmas’

In holiday-related news, did you know “A Charlie Brown Christmas” almost never came to be? Higher Ground’s Marissa Mayer cited some “miraculous” occurrences ensuring the popular special unfolded. As it turns out, the timeless duet of “Little Drummer Boy” between Bing Crosby and David Bowie also almost never came to be. 

“The fact is, back in 1965, producers simply did not think people were going to like ‘A Charlie Brown Christmas,’” she writes. “They were unsure about the animation, the use of children actors to voice the characters and there was behind-the-scenes drama around the pivotal scene that had Linus quoting the New Testament story of the birth of Christ, made the network want to scrap it altogether.” Here’s the whole story.

YouTube comedian’s transformation to Christianity

You may recognize J.P. Sears for his satirical and viral YouTube videos, but it’s his stance on freedom, free speech and living free from fear garnering even more attention. His new children’s book, “Chomp Chomp Chomp – The Snapfest Challenge,” published by Brave Books, chronicles Eva the hippopotamus as she faces hard choices while under peer pressure. 

Listen to his interview with Billy Hallowell of Higher Ground as he discusses his faith journey, new book and comedy.

New York’s Chick-fil-A drama

America’s favorite fast food restaurant would be open Sundays if New York politicians get their way. Chick-fil-A, which is famously closed every Sunday, is at the center of a new bill making its way through the New York State Assembly. 

According to The Times’ Victor Morton, the bill would “require some Chick-fil-A restaurants to open Sundays, calling those closings ‘inappropriate’ and a ‘disservice.’” Mr. Morton continues, “The bill’s page at the Assembly website says it ‘requires that food services at transportation facilities and rest areas owned and operated by certain public authorities remain open seven days a week.’” Read more here.

Parents sue over child’s gender transition

Two parents are suing a Michigan school district over the claim a middle school used male pronouns for their biological female daughter, but hid such accommodations from them.

Dan and Jennifer Mead said they found out about the situation in October 2022 “when a school psychologist failed to change their daughter’s masculine name in one section of an evaluation that was sent home,” according to The Times’ Valerie Richardson.

“The lawsuit seeks a ruling from the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Michigan that the Rockford Public School District’s policy violated the Meads’ First Amendment right to freedom of religion and parental rights under the 14th Amendment, as well as compensatory damages,” she writes.

The real story with Christian nationalism?

Moving on, a new study from Neighborly Faith Inc., a nonprofit, has found an interesting narrative when it comes to Christian nationalism, with Mr. Kellner noting the results might show people under this umbrella term are “not the demons that some claim.” 

“They’re highly likely to get involved in community service, interfaith issues and are not necessarily wed to the GOP,” he wrote. Read more about the study here.

In our opinion

Over on the opinion pages, Mr. Hallowell explores how the nativity story weaves together a beautiful tapestry of fascinating figures, themes and prophetic fulfillments.

“And as culture tends to focus on the broader, symbolic elements of the Nativity story during the Christmas season, it’s quite easy to overlook the captivating lessons embedded in the fine details — the timeless ideals affecting how we should engage with God over 2,000 years after Christ’s arrival,” Mr. Hallowell writes. Read his exploration of these powerful lessons.

Explaining LGBTQ opposition without faith

In Everett Piper’s “Ask Dr. E” column, he explored a pressing question: Can you use logic and reason, rather than religion, to explain why being LGBTQ is wrong? Here’s his powerful response.

Classic Christmas reviews

If you’re looking for a refresher on some of the Christmas classics, look no further than this insightful review. From movies such as “It’s A Wonderful Life” to “Home Alone,” you’ll get a recap of some movies you can watch today.