"One of the indicators of whether one is speaking necessary truths is whether one is being vilified for doing so. In the most dramatic Case, the Speaker was put to a torturous public death: excruciating in the exact sense of the word. By that standard, a Christian polemicist should rejoice at taking flak, as it means he's "over the target." But that doesn't guarantee that his response to denunciation and vilification will be in accordance with the teachings of the Redeemer, Granted, one must be superlatively strong to forgive one's torturers and executioners, as He did on the Cross. But forgiving the lesser barbs of the pretentious and malicious should be within human capability.

In closing: To all the foaming-at-the-mouth left-liberals, Obama worshippers, devotees of James Wolcott, and militant anti-theists who read these scribblings for their chuckle value:

1. Merry Christmas, and may the miracle of the Incarnation of Jesus Christ, the Son of God and Redeemer of Mankind, fill you with joy and peace througout the holiday season and the year to come;
2. In place of another electronic gadget, consider getting yourself a life.

May God bless and keep you all." -- Francis Porretto, Eternity Road