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U.S. NEWS

Pardon Me?

President Biden’s pardon of his son Hunter is drawing criticism from both sides of the aisle. 

The announcement came after months of Biden insisting he wouldn’t use executive powers to intervene in Hunter’s federal gun and tax evasion cases; both carried potentially lengthy prison sentences and were scheduled for sentencing later this month. The sweeping pardon shields Hunter from all federal crimes “he committed or may have committed” between January 1, 2014, and December 1, 2024.

Some Democrats said #46’s flip-flop “erodes Americans’ faith” in a fair justice system and damages the party’s “no one is above the law” message. Others support the President’s decision, saying that Hunter was investigated solely because of his last name. 

President-elect Trump called the pardon “an abuse and miscarriage of justice,” a sentiment echoed by other Republicans.

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CHRISTIAN PERSPECTIVE
Being peaceable, gentle, and open to reason in the face of culturally hot topics is a sign of God’s wisdom in us. Believing you’re right is not an excuse to be harsh or disrespectful.

“But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peace-loving, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, unwavering, without pretense.” 
James 3:17 (CSB) (read full passage)

WORLD NEWS

Chaos out East

South Korea went for a wild ride Tuesday night.

President Yoon Suk Yeol declared martial law—when the military rules temporarily in a time of emergency—but reversed course after parliament unanimously rejected the declaration less than three hours later. 

Here’s what you missed: Yoon has been at odds with parliament since the opposition party won the last election in a landslide. Yoon’s opponents have been moving to slash the government’s budget and investigate corruption allegations against the first lady… so Yoon went big, claiming martial law would restore order from “anti-state forces” trying to paralyze the country. 

Large crowds of protesters gathered outside parliament, chanting “no martial law” as helicopters and law enforcement swarmed the area. With 190 of 300 members present, South Korea’s parliament quickly and unanimously moved to lift Yoon’s “illegal, unconstitutional” order.

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ETERNAL PERSPECTIVE
Christians live as strangers and exiles in our home countries, whether that temporary home is peaceful, disorderly, or somewhere in between. Seek the good of the land you’re passing through while eagerly anticipating the advent of your permanent home.

“This is what the Lord of Armies, the God of Israel, says to all the exiles I deported from Jerusalem to Babylon: ‘Build houses and live in them. Plant gardens and eat their produce… Pursue the well-being of the city I have deported you to. Pray to the Lord on its behalf, for when it thrives, you will thrive.’”
Jeremiah 29:4-7 (CSB) (read full passage)

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ECONOMY

Spending Spree

It was a lucrative Cyber Week for Uncle Sam.

Shoppers were feeling festive, dropping a record $10.8 billion online on Black Friday (up 10% from last year) and another estimated $13.2 billion on Cyber Monday (up 6%). The biggest loser was in-store shopping (down 8%), while the biggest winners were retail behemoths Walmart and Amazon (obviously).

But they’ve got competition. TikTok shop is not-so-secretly eyeing Amazon’s throne, winning over sellers by offering lower fees and catching customers through livestream shopping events offering fashion, beauty, and lifestyle products to the possibly-banned-soon platform’s 170 million users.

Meanwhile, in a theater near you, sales defied gravity. Alongside “Glicked” (“Wicked” + “Gladiator II”), “Moana II” sales sailed $100 million past expectations, contributing to a record-shattering $420 million Thanksgiving weekend for box offices.
 
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Verse to consider when you’re fighting an insatiable desire for more… “I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I find myself. I know how to make do with little, and I know how to make do with a lot. In any and all circumstances I have learned the secret of being content—whether well fed or hungry, whether in abundance or in need. I am able to do all things through him who strengthens me.”
Philippians 4:11-13 (CSB) (read full passage)

Elon Musk lost a request to have his $56 billion 2018 pay package reinstated. The same judge who blocked Musk’s payday earlier this year denied Tesla’s appeal, saying the approval process for the largest compensation package in history was “deeply flawed.” Musk, whose net worth is north of $300B without the pay package, called the ruling “absolute corruption.”
 

Violent protests continued for a fifth night in the capital of Georgia (the country, not the Peach State) after the ruling party paused its bid to join the E.U. Protesters accuse the government of abandoning its European future in favor of ties with Russia. Police report that 100 officers have been injured; lawyers claim detained protestors have endured beatings.
 

California is proactively lawyering up. Governor Newsom (D-CA) convened a special legislative session, asking state legislators to prepare for four years of hostility with President-elect Trump’s second administration. Newsom is requesting a $25M litigation fund to help "defend California from unconstitutional federal overreach, challenge illegal federal actions in court, and take administrative actions to reduce potential harm."
 

President-elect Trump warned there would be serious repercussions in the Middle East if hostages in Gaza were not released prior to his inauguration in January. This follows the announcement that American-Israeli hostage Omer Neutra, who had been serving in the Israeli military, was killed by Hamas on Oct. 7, 2023. His body is still being held in Gaza.
 

Five years after a devastating fire, Notre Dame est magnifique. French President Macron toured the painstakingly restored 12th-century Gothic cathedral last week ahead of its December 8th reopening (see photos of hand-hewn ceiling beams and decontaminated stonework). Macron praised restorers for healing a “wound for the nation” and said its reopening would be a “shock of hope” for the world.

WHIPPED CREAM ON TOP

When you realize you’re super tough, and smile…

What We’re Highlighting This Christmas
Everything, with Mr. Pen*

You know how, when you have a good pen, you just want to handwrite everything? And when you’ve got a new favorite highlighter, suddenly everything you read feels suuuuper important? 

That perfectly describes Mr. Pen. 

Their smooth-as-butter pens and vibrant highlighters are top-notch and perfect for gifting (or keeping for yourself––no judgment). Plus, when you buy 3 packs, you get 1 free and a free gift! Shipping is ALWAYS free on orders over $25!

Affordable, practical, and ready to wrap––that’s what we like to hear amidst the Christmas shopping chaos. See what the Mr. Pen hype is about!

How We’re Sharing the Reason for the Season
With the Signs of Christmas Devotional from Billy Graham Evangelistic Association*

One of the most spiritually significant seasons of the year is also the most distracting: urgent deals, frequent travel, constant events, feasts to be cooked…

It’s a major challenge to keep our attention on Jesus’s miraculous birth. 

Focus your heart and share the joy with others with the free Signs of Christmas devotional. This simple, meaningful devotional unpacks the significance of seven well-loved holiday symbols like the Christmas tree, lights, and angels so that you’ll see Jesus everywhere in all the holiday hubbub.

Turn distractions into reminders of Emmanuel—just enter your email to get the free Signs of Christmas digital devotional delivered to your inbox.

CHRISTMAS GIFT GUIDE

Make this the year you’re done gift shopping before Christmas Eve. We believe in you. Check out TPO’s Christmas Gift Guide.