Embedded: The Black Gate

A mother was faced with a difficult decision when her daughter revealed her husband cheated with her other daughter, resulting in uninviting the daughter involved in the affair from Christmas celebrations. The mother expressed her support for the betrayed daughter and blocked the cheating daughter, stating that family should not hurt each other. Despite conflicting advice from family members, she stood by her decision to prioritize the betrayed daughter's need for support. Full Article

A Dutch citizen, Harry Johannes van Wurden, was sentenced to three years in prison in Moscow for punching a police officer during an altercation over a knocked-down road sign. The incident occurred in October, and van Wurden was found guilty of using violence against a government official. This case is part of a trend in Russia where foreign nationals, including Americans, have been detained in high-profile cases, possibly as bargaining chips in relation to ongoing...

Syrian Christians celebrated Christmas Eve for the first time post-Assad's overthrow, gathering in Sednaya near a monastery to witness the lighting of a tall tree. The event brought joy to a war-torn city, with families and friends enjoying music, fireworks, and hope for unity across sects and religions. In Damascus, protesters condemned the burning of a Christmas tree in Hama, chanting in support of Jesus and Syrian unity. Full Article

An Azerbaijani airliner crashed in Aktau, Kazakhstan, with 67 people onboard. At least 32 survivors have been reported, with over 30 people likely dead. The aircraft, an Embraer 190, made an emergency landing near the city. The passengers included nationals from Azerbaijan, Russia, Kazakhstan, and Kyrgyzstan. The crash was caused by a bird strike, leading to a steep descent and a fireball upon impact. Full Article

Royals including the King and Queen, Prince and Princess of Wales, and other family members attended a Christmas Day church service at Sandringham, with excited crowds gathered to witness the event. Prince Andrew did not attend following reports of an alleged Chinese spy linked to him, while Princess Beatrice and her family were present. The King's Christmas message, recorded in a different location this year, is expected to focus on healthcare and community support, as...

'Fox & Friends' celebrates day 18 of the Advent calendar with a gift, while liberal media outlets offer advice on surviving holiday conversations with Trump-supporting relatives, including canceling Christmas, cutting off family, and using therapy techniques to divert political discussions. Some suggest avoiding Trump-supporting relatives altogether, while others recommend setting boundaries to keep the focus on festivities. Time magazine provides phrases to defuse family tension and create a politics-free safe zone during holiday gatherings. Full...