Merry Christmas from The Dinar Recaps Team

All of us at Dinar Recaps would like to wish all our Readers a Very Merry Christmas.

We wish that all your dreams and wishes come true this coming year. 

Due to the holiday, we plan to have new posts off and on both Tuesday and Wednesday.

Please check our  BLOG PAGE  for all new posts. 

On (Tuesday) Christmas Eve, we plan to have 10am and 6pm email Newsletters (no 10pm (ET)

On (Wednesday) Christmas Day we plan to have 11am and 6pm (ET) email Newsletters (no 10pm (ET). 

Have a happy and safe holiday.  The Dinar Recaps Team

Picture from Viktor Hanacek at Picjumbo.com

More News, Rumors and Opinions Wednesday PM 12-25-2024

Gold Telegraph: All Eyes on the Federal Reserve for 2025

Dec 24, 2024

The majority of economists once focused on predicting events with accuracy. Now, their role has shifted to crafting illusions designed to deceive. Imagine doing this for a living?

2025 will be the golden age.

Let’s hope we are entering an era where the Federal Reserve is finally held accountable, enabling a world buried in debt and crushing the economic future of generations to come. New article soon.

ALL EYES ON THE FEDERAL RESERVE FOR 2025?

Elon Musk says the Federal Reserve is overstaffed. Understatement.

For 25 years, they have papered over every crisis with a flood of excessive credit, creating illusions of stability while deepening the cracks.

Get this:

In 2022, the Federal Reserve spent $5 billion on salaries and pensions for 23,000 employees.

This averaged: $217,000 per employee.

Earlier this year, Jerome Powell declared it’s long overdue for an adult conversation on unsustainable fiscal policy.

Ironically, The Federal Reserve fuelled this path by anchoring rates at zero for years. Something has to give?

BREAKING NEWS: THE BIGGEST BANKS ARE PLANNING TO SUE THE FEDERAL RESERVE OVER THE ANNUAL BANK STRESS TESTS

Merry Christmas.

“In July, the groups accused the Fed of being in violation of the Administrative Procedure Act, because it didn’t seek public comment…”

Source: https://www.cnbc.com/amp/2024/12/24/biggest-banks-planning-to-sue-the-federal-reserve-over-annual-stress-tests.html

Japan’s finance minister has issued another warning about excessive foreign exchange fluctuations. He says the country is ready to step in and stabilize the yen. U.S. Treasuries…

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays everyone.

https://dinarchronicles.com/2024/12/24/gold-telegraph-all-eyes-on-the-federal-reserve-for-2025/

************

KTFA:

Clare:  Expert diagnoses two reasons behind the rise of the dollar against the dinar in Iraq

12/25/2024

The economic and financial expert, Abdul Rahman Al-Mashhadani, attributed, on Wednesday, the reasons for the rise of the dollar against the Iraqi dinar to the rumor of the holidays and New Year's Day.

Al-Mashhadani said in an interview with Shafaq News Agency, "The promotion of stopping the platform is a major reason for the rise in the price of the dollar," indicating that "this rumor that spread showed that foreign transfers will stop."

He explained that "this rumor is false, as 97% of the transfers made through the window were transferred to banks that have correspondent banks in a way that enhances the balances. Also, the Christmas holiday is another reason for the demand for the dollar, as there is a lot of travel during these days."

Al-Mashhadani expected that "the situation will stabilize and the dollar will return to its normal status after the holiday."

The dollar price rose gradually in local markets, recording 152,300 dinars for every 100 dollars in the Al-Kifah and Al-Harithiya stock exchanges, and 152,200 dinars for every 100 dollars in Erbil, the capital of the Kurdistan Region.  LINK

Courtesy of Dinar Guru:  https://www.dinarguru.com/

Frank26  IMO the lower denominations, the lower notes that will be passed out are now in the [Iraqi] banks, are now in the position ready to be handed over to the citizens...

Frank26   There is a plethora of very good informative monetary reform education articles that are coming out that are causing this great pressure of information, a venturi effect of information to the Iraqi citizens.  This is the time to do that...We say to ourselves, 'Wow! They're telling the citizens they're going to add value to their currency by giving them purchasing power by lifting the three zeros from the exchange rate.  Wow!'...This monetary reform education right now, it's so much of it.  It's cornucopia that is filled.  It's a piñata that got busted open and it's spilling everywhere, every day.

************

'Get the Hell Out of Credit' - Only Gold Survives Coming Collapse: Alasdair Macleod

Commodity Culture: 12-25-2024

Alasdair Macleod believes that interest rates rising signal an impending collapse of the credit market that will wipe out stocks, bonds, and crypto without prejudice, and when that event occurs, only gold in your hand will provide some salvation.

Alasdair hones in on the 10 Year Treasury rate and why it's flashing red, in addition to discussing recent massive deliveries of both gold and silver on the COMEX, why Russia may be headed towards a gold standard, and much more.

00:00 Introduction

 00:40 Interest Rates Hold the Key

 07:22 Danger of Rising Yields on Treasuries

 11:36 Massive COMEX Deliveries

19:41 Huge Gold Demand in Asia

23:33 Is Silver Truly Undervalued?

31:26 Geopolitical Uncertainty

38:54 Canada's Economic Woes

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=62qq0hZF9Yo

The Collapse of the US Empire

The Collapse of the US Empire

WTFinance:  12-24-2024

In a recent episode of the WTFinance podcast, host John Smith welcomed back the renowned economist and social critic, Professor Richard Wolff.

Known for his compelling critiques of contemporary economic systems and his role as the Founding Director of Democracy at Work, Wolff brought his expertise to the discussion on the economics of 2024 and what the future may hold for the United States and the global economy.

As the world approaches 2024, Wolff highlighted several significant economic trends that could shape the year. One of the key themes was the potential for another “Roaring Twenties,” a term often associated with the economic boom following World War I in the United States.

Wolff noted that while the conditions for such a renaissance might exist, the reality is tempered by internal challenges facing the U.S., such as income inequality, labor unrest, and political polarization.

Wolff discussed the inward-looking nature of the U.S. economy, which has shifted in recent years due to various factors, including geopolitical tensions and a pandemic-driven re-evaluation of global supply chains. He posited that this inward focus could lead to both challenges and opportunities for growth.

A resurgence of domestic manufacturing, for instance, may boost local economies, but it requires a careful balance of investment in technology and workforce development.

Another critical aspect of the conversation revolved around the effects of large-scale migration on the U.S. economy. Wolff emphasized that an influx of immigrants can lead to wage increases across various sectors. The resulting demographic shift could drive demand for goods and services, stimulating economic growth. However, he cautioned that without proper integration policies and support systems, tensions could arise, impacting the overall economic landscape.

As the discussion progressed, Wolff articulated a vision for systemic change to alter the current economic trajectory. He stressed the importance of collective action, both in the workplace and within communities, to challenge the status quo.

 Wolff called for policies that promote cooperative business models, worker ownership, and equitable distribution of resources as means to create a more just economy. By empowering workers and encouraging grassroots movements, he believes society can effectively counteract the dangers of a collapsing economic system.

Perhaps the most impactful message from Wolff’s conversation was the emphasis on collective action as a necessary tool for change. In a world grappling with economic uncertainty and inequality, the notion that individuals can come together to drive systemic reform was a powerful reminder of the potential for social and economic transformation.

Wolff encouraged listeners to engage in conversations about alternative economic structures and to explore new avenues for collaboration and community empowerment.

The WTFinance podcast episode featuring Professor Richard Wolff provided a thought-provoking analysis of the upcoming economic landscape of 2024. From the possibilities of a renewed economic boom to the challenges posed by migration and systemic inequality, Wolff’s insights are invaluable for anyone seeking to understand the complexities of modern economics.

As we move forward into a new year, his call for collective action and systemic reform remains a crucial reminder of the power of community in shaping a more equitable economic future.

https://youtu.be/1NmVbztjAp4

Iraq Economic News and Points to Ponder Wednesday Afternoon 12-25-24

What Are Iraqis Waiting For After News Of The “Sudden Suspension” Of The Dollar Selling Platform By The Central Bank?

 Economy | Yesterday,  Baghdad today – Baghdad   Today, Tuesday (December 24, 2024), the specialist in financial and banking affairs, Alaa Al-Fahd, commented on the impact of stopping the “platform” by the Central Bank on the markets during the next stage.

Al-Fahd said, to “Baghdad Today,” that  “the Central Bank of Iraq worked during the previous period with a plan through

      an auction to sell the currency in the first stage, then

     establishing the electronic platform and

     working intensively to find methods of correspondence between local banks and foreign banks with which we have commercial relations and their results in transfers.”

“For this reason,  the bank announced some time ago that at the end of the current year, the platform will be stopped and there will be direct correspondent banks.” He stated,

 "This is normal.

 All central banks in the world's mission is to maintain monetary policy and not sell the currency.

 There is no central bank in the world that      sells the currency and   mediates in the buying and selling of the currency.

 This work is the jurisdiction and responsibility of the banks and exchange companies.

This matter is correct and it is a major challenge."

 So that the relationships are direct commercial and banking, according to supervision by the Central Bank of Iraq.” He added,

 "Stopping the platform will not affect the local markets regarding the exchange rate of the dollar, but  there are those who are trying to spread rumors that this step will change the exchange rate, so

 selling the same dollar that the Central Bank of Iraq was selling through the platform will be sold to banks and banks that have...

Relations with foreign banks so that the transfer is direct according to electronic transactions and monitoring, and for this reason the situation is under control and there is no fear of the influence of the markets.”

 Yesterday, Monday, the economic expert, Ziad Al-Hashemi, revealed that the  Central Bank of Iraq suddenly stopped the work of the dollar transfer platform, before the specified date, without an official announcement, and without taking into account the interests of Iraqi companies and markets, in a step that, to say the least, is far from professionalism and transparency.

Al-Hashemi said in a post on the social networking site “Facebook,” followed by “Baghdad Today,” that

 “stopping the platform without an official announcement by the Central Bank may indicate that there is uncertainty and fear about the results of stopping the platform on the dollar exchange rates, and

 not announcing it could It gives the Central Bank an opportunity to disavow and evade the decision to stop the platform and return to operating the platform, even temporarily, in the event that the dollar begins to rise to significant rates.”    

https://baghdadtoday.news/264554-ماذا-ينتظر-العراقيون-بعد-انباء-الإيقاف-المفاجئ-لمنصة-بيع-الدولار-من-قبل-البنك-المركزي؟.htm l  

Do Regional Challenges Play A Role In The Continued Rise Of The Dollar In Iraq?
 
December 24, 2024  Baghdad/Iraq Observer   The researcher and specialist in financial and banking affairs, Mustafa Hantoush, confirmed that the 
 
reason behind the continued rise in the exchange rate of the dollar against the Iraqi dinar is the amount of demand for it in the parallel market, while  calling for the necessity of conducting an extensive study to analyze the reasons for this rise.  Hantoush told the Iraq Observer,
 
 “One of the most important reasons behind the continued rise in the exchange rate is the collapse of the Iraqi banking system due to the control of Jordanian and Gulf banks over the dollar, which caused the lack of competition and monopoly of the dollar.”  He added,
 
"Among other reasons is the existence of huge trade with Iran and Syria without an official platform or commercial solutions or even preventing it.
 
It is a continuous trade and without any official restrictions.
 
In addition to the fact that travelers, who number in the millions, to Iran and Syria, they move without the cover of the dollar."

He continued,   “Because there are small merchants, numbering in the thousands, who do not have companies or import licenses, which caused pressure on the parallel market,
 
therefore all of the above were not covered through the currency auction, which led to the continued state of fluctuation in exchange rates.”
 
The person concerned with financial and banking affairs continues to say that
 
“there are fears of wars in the region that push market traders and citizens to exaggerate the quantities imported and purchased, and also push some citizens to save dollars in anticipation of any emergency.”

Today, Tuesday, the exchange rates of the US dollar against the dinar recorded an increase in the local markets in the capital, Baghdad. The Iraq Observer correspondent said that
 
dollar prices rose with the opening of the Al-Kifah and Al-Harithiya stock exchanges to record 151,200 dinars for every 100 dollars, while yesterday morning, Monday, they recorded 151,000 dinars for every 100 dollars. He added that
 
selling prices in exchange shops in local markets in Baghdad rose, as the selling price reached 152,250 dinars, while the purchase price reached 150,250 dinars for every 100 dollars. https://observeriraq.net/هل-للتحديات-الاقليمية-دور-بأستمرار-ار/   

The Central Bank Of Iraq Launches Strategic Projects To Support Digital Transformation
 
December 24, 2024   His Excellency the Governor of the Central Bank of Iraq, Mr. Ali Al-Alaq, announced the  launch of strategic projects to support digital transformation in the country.
 
    His Excellency the Governor affirmed in his speech during the fourth annual international scientific conference, which was entitled
(Digital Financial Services - Challenges of Reality and Foresight of the Future), that
 
“the Central Bank paid great attention to digital transformation as one of its goals within its third strategic plan for the years 2024 to 2026 to enhance work efficiency.” banking, improving financial performance and meeting customer needs in light of rapid technological development.”    His Excellency noted that,
 
“The Central Bank has made great strides to support digital transformation by developing the technical infrastructure and issuing regulations and instructions that contribute to enhancing financial inclusion,” noting that
 
“it has begun launching strategic projects, including the instant payments project, local cards, and unified payment gateways, as well as issuing controls.” To license digital banks in Iraq, taking into account cybersecurity requirements and the risks associated with this transformation.    His Excellency added,
 
"Cybersecurity represents one of the most important challenges facing us today.
 
Therefore, the Central Bank launched projects to enhance cybersecurity by developing the tools and systems of the Cybersecurity Management Center, and  adopting an advanced approach to enhance cybersecurity for the Central Bank and the banking sector."   

His Excellency stressed  "the Central Bank's commitment to continuing its efforts to achieve financial digital transformation and enhance innovation and sustainability in the financial sector."      
 Central Bank of Iraq      Media office      December 24, 2024   https://cbi.iq/news/view/2745   

Positive Indicators For The Third Quarter Of 2024

 December 24, 2024   1. Growth in the volume of cash deposits and credit of operating banks by (4.2%) and (11.6%), respectively:

 Total deposits with banks operating in Iraq recorded a growth of (4.2%) in the third quarter of 2024, reaching a value of (127.6) trillion dinars, compared to their value of (122.4) trillion dinars in the third quarter of 2023. In contrast, the

 cash credit record Granted by public banks grew by (11.6%) in the third quarter of 2024, as its value reached (72.7) trillion dinars, compared to Its value amounts to (65.1) trillion dinars in the third quarter of 2023.

 Positive indicators for the third quarter of 2024 File-173502791644793

https://cbi.iq/static/uploads/up/file-173502791644793.jpg

 2. Growth in the volume of cash deposits and credit to private banks by (14%) and (15.1%), respectively:

 Deposits with private banks operating in Iraq recorded a growth of (14%) in the third quarter of 2024, reaching a value of (18.7) trillion dinars, compared to their value of (16.4) trillion dinars in the third quarter of 2023.

 On the other hand, it achieved Monetary credit granted by private banks grew by (15.1%) in the third quarter of 2024, reaching a value of (12.2) trillion dinars, compared to With a value of (10.6) trillion dinars in the third quarter of 2023.

 It should be noted that these percentages reflect the increased confidence of economic units in private banks operating in Iraq.

 Positive indicators for the third quarter of 2024 File-173502819314514

https://cbi.iq/static/uploads/up/file-173502819314514.jpg

 3. Growth in the volume of deposits and cash credit to the private sector by (3%) and (8.6%), respectively:

Private sector deposits with banks operating in Iraq recorded a growth of (3%) in the third quarter of 2024, reaching a value of (56.1) trillion dinars, compared to their value of (54.4) trillion dinars in the third quarter of 2023. On the other hand, credit achieved...

 Cash granted to the private sector by banks operating in Iraq grew by (8.6%) in the third quarter of 2024, reaching a value of (42.8) trillion. dinars, compared to its value of (39.4) trillion dinars in the third quarter of 2023.

 It should be noted that this increase reflects increased private sector confidence in banks operating in Iraq.

 Positive indicators for the third quarter of 2024 File-173502835431430

https://cbi.iq/static/uploads/up/file-173502835431430.jpg

 4. Growth of the money supply in the narrow sense ( M1 ) by (4.1%), and the money supply in the broad sense ( M2 ) by (3.3%):

The money supply in the narrow sense in Iraq recorded a growth of (4.1%) in the third quarter of 2024, as   its value reached (158.6) trillion dinars, compared to its value of (152.4) trillion dinars in the third quarter of 2023.

 On the other hand, the money supply in the narrow sense recorded Broadband in Iraq grew by (3.3%) in the third quarter of 2024, as its value reached (179.8) trillion dinars, compared to its value of (173.9) trillion dinars in the third quarter of 2023.

 Positive indicators for the third quarter of 2024 File-173502876777164

https://cbi.iq/static/uploads/up/file-173502876777164.jpg

 5. Growth of gold reserves at the Central Bank by (57%):

 Gold reserves at the Central Bank of Iraq recorded a significant growth of (57%) in the third quarter of 2024, reaching a value of (16.8) trillion dinars, compared to its value of (10.7) trillion dinars in the third quarter of 2023.

It should be noted that gold reserves are an important hedge against the risks of falling global oil prices.

Positive indicators for the third quarter of 2024 File-173502907237970

https://cbi.iq/static/uploads/up/file-173502907237970.jpg

6. The annual inflation rate for the months of August and September was (3.7%) and (3.1%), respectively:

 Annual inflation rates in Iraq are among the lowest annual inflation rates in the countries of the region for the months of August and September of 2024, as the rest of the rate is acceptable at (3.7%) and (3.1%), respectively, and  this reflects price stability and the success of monetary policy in Iraq.

 Positive indicators for the third quarter of 2024 File-173502988143405

 https://cbi.iq/static/uploads/up/file-173502988143405.jpg  https://cbi.iq/news/view/2744     

For current and reliable Iraqi news please visit:  https://www.bondladyscorner.com/

"Christmas 1881" Posted by Mot at TNT

TNT:

Mot:  Christmas 1881

Pa never had much compassion for the lazy or those who squandered their
means and then never had enough for the necessities. But for those who were
genuinely in need, his heart was as big as all outdoors. It was from him
that I learned the greatest joy in life comes from giving, not from receiving.
 
It was Christmas Eve, 1881. I was fifteen years old and feeling like the
world had caved in on me because there just hadn't been enough money to buy
me the rifle that I'd wanted for Christmas. We did the chores early that
night for some reason. I just figured Pa wanted a little extra time so we
could read in the Bible.

After supper was over I took my boots off and stretched out in front of the
fireplace and waited for Pa to get down the old Bible. I was still feeling
sorry for myself and, to be honest, I wasn't in much of a mood to read
Scriptures. But Pa didn't get the Bible, instead he bundled up again and
went outside.

I couldn't figure it out because we had already done all the
chores. I didn't worry about it long though, I was too busy wallowing in
self-pity.
 
Soon Pa came back in. It was a cold clear night out and there was ice in
his beard. "Come on, Matt," he said. "Bundle up good, it's cold out
tonight." I was really upset then. Not only wasn't I getting the rifle for
Christmas, now Pa was dragging me out in the cold, and for no earthly reason
that I could see.

We'd already done all the chores, and I couldn't think of
anything else that needed doing, especially not on a night like this. But I
knew Pa was not very patient at one dragging one's feet when he'd told them
to do something, so I got up and put my boots back on and got my cap, coat,
and mittens. Ma gave me a mysterious smile as I opened the door to leave
the house. Something was up, but I didn't know what.
 
Outside, I became even more dismayed. There in front of the house was the
work team, already hitched to the big sled. Whatever it was we were going
to do wasn't going to be a short, quick, little job. I could tell. We
never hitched up this sled unless we were going to haul a big load. Pa was
already up on the seat, reins in hand. I reluctantly climbed up beside him.
The cold was already biting at me. I wasn't happy.
 
When I was on, Pa pulled the sled around the house and stopped in front of
the woodshed. He got off and I followed. "I think we'll put on the high
sideboards," he said. "Here, help me." The high sideboards! It had been a
bigger job than I wanted to do with just the low sideboards on, but whatever
it was we were going to do would be a lot bigger with the high side boards on.
 
After we had exchanged the sideboards, Pa went into the woodshed and came
out with an armload of wood - the wood I'd spent all summer hauling down
from the mountain, and then all fall sawing into blocks and splitting. What
was he doing?

Finally I said something. "Pa," I asked, "what are you
doing?" "You been by the Widow Jensen's lately?" he asked. The Widow
Jensen lived about two miles down the road. Her husband had died a year or
so before and left her with three children, the oldest being eight. Sure,
I'd been by, but so what?
 
Yeah," I said, "Why?"
 
"I rode by just today," Pa said. "Little Jakey was out digging around in
the woodpile trying to find a few chips. They're out of wood, Matt." That
was all he said and then he turned and went back into the woodshed for
another armload of wood. I followed him. We loaded the sled so high that I
began to wonder if the horses would be able to pull it.
 
Finally, Pa called a halt to our loading, then we went to the smoke house
and Pa took down a big ham and a side of bacon. He handed them to me and
told me to put them in the sled and wait. When he returned he was carrying
a sack of flour over his right shoulder and a smaller sack of something in
his left hand. "What's in the little sack?" I asked. Shoes, they're out of shoes.

Little Jakey just had gunny sacks wrapped around his feet when he
was out in the woodpile this morning. I got the children a little candy
too. It just wouldn't be Christmas without a little candy."
 
We rode the two miles to Widow Jensen's pretty much in silence. I tried to
think through what Pa was doing. We didn't have much by worldly standards.
Of course, we did have a big woodpile, though most of what was left now was
still in the form of logs that I would have to saw into blocks and split
before we could use it.

We also had meat and flour, so we could spare that,
but I knew we didn't have any money, so why was Pa buying them shoes and
candy? Really, why was he doing any of this? Widow Jensen had closer
neighbors than us; it shouldn't have been our concern.
 
We came in from the blind side of the Jensen house and unloaded the wood as
quietly as possible, then we took the meat and flour and shoes to the door.
We knocked. The door opened a crack and a timid voice said, "Who is it?"
"Lucas Miles, Ma'am, and my son, Matt... could we come in for a bit?"
 
Widow Jensen opened the door and let us in. She had a blanket wrapped
around her shoulders. The children were wrapped in another and were sitting
in front of the fireplace by a very small fire that hardly gave off any heat
at all. Widow Jensen fumbled with a match and finally lit the lamp.
 
"We brought you a few things, Ma'am," Pa said and set down the sack of
flour. I put the meat on the table. Then Pa handed her the sack that had
the shoes in it. She opened it hesitantly and took the shoes out, one pair
at a time.

There was a pair for her and one for each of the children -
sturdy shoes, the best... shoes that would last. I watched her carefully.
She bit her lower lip to keep it from trembling and then tears filled her
eyes and started running down her cheeks. She looked up at Pa like she
wanted to say something, but it wouldn't come out.
 
"We brought a load of wood too, Ma'am," Pa said. He turned to me and said,
"Matt, go bring in enough to last awhile. Let's get that fire up to size
and heat this place up."
 
I wasn't the same person when I went back out to bring in the wood. I had
a big lump in my throat and as much as I hate to admit it, there were tears
in my eyes too. In my mind I kept seeing those three kids huddled around
the fireplace and their mother standing there with tears running down her
cheeks with so much gratitude in her heart that she couldn't speak.

My heart swelled within me and a joy that I'd never known before, filled my
soul. I had given at Christmas many times before, but never when it had
made so much difference. I could see we were literally saving the lives of
these people.
 
I soon had the fire blazing and everyone's spirits soared. The kids
started giggling when Pa handed them each a piece of candy and Widow Jensen
looked on with a smile that probably hadn't crossed her face for a long
time. She finally turned to us. "God bless you," she said. "I know the
Lord has sent you. The children and I have been praying that he would send
one of his angels to spare us."
 
In spite of myself, the lump returned to my throat and the tears welled up
in my eyes again. I'd never thought of Pa in those exact terms before, but
after Widow Jensen mentioned it, I could see that it was probably true. I
was sure that a better man than Pa had never walked the earth. I started
remembering all the times he had gone out of his way for Ma and me, and many
others. The list seemed endless as I thought on it.
 
Pa insisted that everyone try on the shoes before we left. I was amazed
when they all fit, and I wondered how he had known what sizes to get. Then
I guessed that if he was on an errand for the Lord, that the Lord would make
sure he got the right sizes.

 
Tears were running down Widow Jensen's face again when we stood up to
leave. Pa took each of the kids in his big arms and gave them a hug. ... They
clung to him and didn't want us to go. I could see that they missed their
Pa, and I was glad that I still had mine.
 
At the door Pa turned to Widow Jensen and said, "The Mrs. wanted me to
invite you and the children over for Christmas dinner tomorrow. The turkey
will be more than the three of us can eat, and a man can get cantankerous if
he has to eat turkey for too many meals. We'll be by to get you about
eleven. It'll be nice to have some little ones around again. Matt, here,
hasn't been little for quite a spell." I was the youngest... my two
brothers and two sisters had all married and had moved away.
 
Widow Jensen nodded and said, "Thank you, Brother Miles. I don't have to
say, may the Lord bless you, I know for certain that He will."

Out on the sled I felt a warmth that came from deep within and I didn't
even notice the cold. When we had gone a ways, Pa turned to me and said,
"Matt, I want you to know something. Your Ma and me have been tucking a
little money away here and there all year so we could buy that rifle for
you, but we didn't have quite enough.

Then yesterday a man who owed me a little money from years back came by to make things square. Your Ma and me were real excited, thinking that now we could get you that rifle, and I started into town this morning to do just that, but on the way I saw little Jakey out scratching in the woodpile with his feet wrapped in those gunny sacks and I knew what I had to do. Son, I spent the money for shoes and a
little candy for those children. I hope you understand."
 
I understood alright... and my eyes became wet with tears again. I
understood very well, and I was so glad Pa had done it. Now the rifle
seemed very low on my list of priorities. Pa had given me a lot more. He
had given me the look on Widow Jensen's face and the radiant smiles of her
three children.
 
For the rest of my life, whenever I saw any of the Jensens, or split a
block of wood, I remembered, and remembering brought back that same joy I
felt riding home beside Pa that night. Pa had given me much more than a
rifle that night, he had given me the best Christmas of my life.
 
Don't be too busy today... share this inspiring message. Merry Christmas
and God bless you!

When Massachusetts Banned Christmas

When Massachusetts Banned Christmas

Christopher Klein

Ebenezer Scrooge and the Grinch had nothing on the 17th-century Puritans, who actually banned the public celebration of Christmas in the Massachusetts Bay Colony for an entire generation.

The pious Puritans who sailed from England in 1630 to found the Massachusetts Bay Colony brought with them something that might seem surprising for a group of devout Christians—contempt for Christmas.

In a reversal of modern practices, the Puritans kept their shops and schools open and churches closed on Christmas, a holiday that some disparaged as “Foolstide.”

A Puritan governor disrupting Christmas celebrations.

After the Puritans in England overthrew King Charles I in 1647, among their first items of business after chopping off the monarch’s head was to ban Christmas. Parliament decreed that December 25 should instead be a day of “fasting and humiliation” for Englishmen to account for their sins.

The Puritans of New England eventually followed the lead of those in old England, and in 1659 the General Court of the Massachusetts Bay Colony made it a criminal offense to publicly celebrate the holiday and declared that “whosoever shall be found observing any such day as Christmas or the like, either by forbearing of labor, feasting, or any other way” was subject to a 5-shilling fine.

Why did the Puritans loathe Christmas? Stephen Nissenbaum, author of “The Battle for Christmas,” says it was partly because of theology and partly because of the rowdy celebrations that marked the holiday in the 1600s.

In their strict interpretation of the Bible, the Puritans noted that there was no scriptural basis for commemorating Christmas.

“The Puritans tried to run a society in which legislation would not violate anything that the Bible said, and nowhere in the Bible is there a mention of celebrating the Nativity,” Nissenbaum says. The Puritans noted that scriptures did not mention a season, let alone a single day, that marked the birth of Jesus.

To continue reading, please go to the original article here:

https://www.history.com/news/when-massachusetts-banned-christmas

Iraq News Highlights and Points to Ponder Wednesday AM 12-25-24

The 10 Highest And Lowest Income Tax Paying Countries In The World.. What About Iraq?

Economy   2024-12-25 | The 10 highest and lowest income tax paying countries in the world.. What about Iraq? Doc-P-510746-638707171487282897

Source:   Al Jazeera Net   808 views   Sumerian News – Economy   Taxes are among the most relied upon means Countries In financing its general expenses, including :Army Police, public education, infrastructure, and other spending items, and the percentage of reliance on them varies between nation And another in the world, as it is an essential element in making investment decisions.

Taxes come in many forms, including sales tax, income tax, property tax, inheritance and estate taxes, consumption tax, and many more, and tax rates and regulations vary greatly from country to country, according to the World Population Review.

Income tax usually plays a big role in this, and varies.CountriesIn terms of how and how much income tax it collects from individuals and companies, Denmark - for example - imposes an income tax of up to 55.9% on the income of its citizens. On the contrary, there are other countries that do not impose any income tax on their citizens, such as Qatar and the Bahamas.

Most countries applyCountriesProgressive income tax system, whereby people with higher incomes pay a higher tax rate than their counterparts with lower incomes, the idea behind progressive tax is that people with higher incomes can afford to pay more taxes.

Types of Income Tax

There are different types of income tax, according to the Tax Foundation, Globalization Guide, and Investopedia, which can be summarized as follows:

Individual Income Tax

Individual income tax is also known as personal income tax, and is imposed on wages, salaries, investments, or other forms of income earned by an individual.

 Given that many individual income taxes are “progressive,” this means that tax rates increase as taxpayers’ income increases, resulting in higher-income earners paying a larger share of income taxes than lower-income earners. Corporate

Income Tax Corporations

also pay income taxes on their profits. Governments tax businesses of all sizes, large, medium, and small.

Depending on the structure of the business, the company or its owners or shareholders report their business income and then subtract operating and capital expenses. Generally, the difference between their business income and their operating and capital expenses is their taxable business income. Payroll

Taxes

Payroll taxes are paid on employees’ wages and salaries to fund social insurance programs. In the United States, for example, the largest payroll taxes are 12.4% to fund Social Security and 2.9% to fund Medicare, for a total rate of 15.3%. Half of payroll taxes (7.65%) are paid directly by employers, while the other half is deducted from employees’ paychecks.

Capital gains taxes

Capital assets generally include anything you own and use for personal, pleasure, or investment purposes, including stocks, bonds, homes, cars, jewelry, and art. As the value of one of these assets increases—for example, when the price of a stock you own rises—the result is what is called a “capital gain.”

Taxes based on citizenship

Taxes based on citizenship are the most severe form of taxation and are used by only two countries in the world: Eritrea and the United States.

Citizens of both countries cannot escape the demands of their own tax authorities, as citizens of both countries must declare their income and taxes regardless of where in the world they live.

 In this report, we focus on individual income taxes, and provide lists of the 10 highest and lowest Arab and international peoples paying individual income tax in the world in 2024.

The 10 highest peoples paying individual income tax in the world in 2024

Below is a list of the 10 highest peoples in the world paying individual income tax as of December 2024, according to the Trading Economics platform:

Finland: 57.3%.   Japan: 55.95%.   Denmark: 55.9%.   Austria: 55%.   Sweden: 52.3%.  Aruba: 52%.

Belgium: 50%.   Israel: 50%.   Slovenia: 50%.   Netherlands: 49.5%.

The 10 lowest peoples paying individual income tax in the world in 2024CountriesZero

Countries Zero is Countries Which do not impose any income tax on their citizens (0%), and they are many, as their number reaches 28 countries, including all the countries of the Gulf Cooperation Council, and for this reason we did not include them in this list, but we devoted a special list to them at the end of this report.

The following is a list of the 10 countries with the lowest individual income tax in the world outside the zero list, according to the previous source.

Guatemala: 7%.   Montenegro: 9%.   Bosnia and Herzegovina: 10%.  Serbia: 10%.   Bulgaria: 10%.

Libya: 10%.   Romania: 10%.   Kazakhstan: 10%.   Macau: 12%.   Moldova: 12%.

The 10 highest Arab countries paying individual income tax in 2024

The majority imposeCountriesA progressive tax based on the level of annual individual income, starting at 0% in some countries, and reaching a maximum of 40%.

In the case of Tunisia, for example, the country imposes a progressive tax of 0% for those whose income is less than 5,000 Tunisian dinars annually, and increases to 35% for those whose income is more than 50,000 Tunisian dinars annually in 2024. This percentage was raised to 40% in the 2025 budget.

As for Morocco, the tax ranges from 0% for the bracket whose income is less than 30,000 dirhams annually, and reaches a maximum of 38% for the bracket whose income exceeds 180,000 dirhams annually. The Moroccan government recently decided to reduce this percentage to 37%.

In Jordan, the income tax differs between a natural person and a legal person, reaching a maximum of 20% for natural persons, and a maximum of 35% for legal persons.

Below we will provide you with a list of the top 10 Arab countries that impose income tax in 2024. Note that the percentages in the list are for the maximum tax according to the Trading Economics platform.

Mauritania: 40%.      Morocco: 38%.   Algeria: 35%.   Tunisia: 35%.   Egypt: 27.5%.   Lebanon: 25%.

Syria: 22%.   Jordan: 20%.   Iraq: 15%.   Sudan: 15%.

Countries Zero Is Countries whose citizens pay 0% individual income tax, as we mentioned earlier, and their number is 28nationIn the world according to the Trading Economics and World Population Review platforms.

They are:

Qatar   Kuwait   Sultanate of Oman   Bahrain   Saudi Arabia   UAE   Iran   Ivory Coast   Nepal   Niger

Mali   Burkina Faso   Somalia   Benin   Burundi   Haiti   Kyrgyzstan   Central Africa   Guyana   Bhutan 

Solomon Islands   Cape Verde   Brunei   Bahamas   Vanuatu   Saint Lucia   Micronesia   Bahamas  LINK

For The Third Day.. The Dollar Continues To Rise Against The Iraqi Dinar

Tuesday, 12-24-2024,  Karar Al-Asadi   The US dollar exchange rate continues to rise for the third consecutive day against the Iraqi dinar, with the opening of the markets this morning, Tuesday.

The dollar price recorded a slight increase with the opening of the Al-Kifah and Al-Harithiya stock exchanges, reaching 151,200 dinars for every 100 dollars, while yesterday morning, Monday, it recorded 151,000 dinars for every 100 dollars.

The dollar prices rose in exchange shops in local markets in Baghdad, where the selling price reached 152,250 dinars, while the purchase price reached 150,250 dinars for every 100 dollars. https://non14.net/public/173154

Iraq Announces Great Strides In Digital Transformation

Money and business     Economy News – Baghdad  The Ministry of Finance announced today, Tuesday, that it has made great strides in digital transformation and electronic payment, while indicating that progress has been made in the field of automating customs procedures to ensure financial sustainability and economic diversification.

The representative of the Minister of Finance/Undersecretary of the Ministry, Rebaz Mohammed Hamdan, said in her speech during the fourth annual international scientific conference, entitled (Digital Financial Services - Challenges of Reality and Foresight of the Future), that “our conference today comes within the government’s efforts to implement the government program, as digital financial services have witnessed rapid development in recent years, and modern technology has contributed to accelerating the financial process.”

He added that "the ministry has made great strides in digital transformation, including financial transfers, electronic payments, online loans and mobile banking services, which has increased the efficiency of accelerating financial transactions, reduced the need for cash transactions and provided services to people who cannot access traditional banking services," noting that "innovation and development in this field have been enhanced and ways of cooperation between relevant parties in the field of financial technology have been discussed, and the most prominent solutions related to cybersecurity and future risks in this sector have been reviewed and how to take precautions against these risks."

 He added that "the ministry has made progress in the field of automating customs procedures to ensure financial sustainability and economic diversification in accordance with the principle of integrity, transparency, and combating corruption, and implementing programmes at the Financial and Accounting Training Centre to train employees on the use of new digital systems with the aim of enhancing digital skills in the ministry, improving financial performance, and enhancing confidence in the financial system."  65 views  12/24/2024 - https://economy-news.net/content.php?id=51236

Director Of Iraqi Ports: Our Revenues Exceeded One Trillion Dinars In 2024

Economy  | 12/24/2024  Mawazine News – Baghdad  The Director General of the Ports Company, Farhan Fartosi, stated today, Tuesday, that the company's revenues exceeded one trillion dinars in the year 2024.

Fartosi said in a statement to "Mawazine News" that "the company's revenues achieved a leap through the development of docks and port facilities, in addition to introducing the electronic automation system."

He pointed out that "the revenues for the year 2024 recorded more than one trillion dinars after they did not exceed half a trillion in previous years." https://www.mawazin.net/Details.aspx?jimare=25785

What Documents to Keep and for How Long

What Documents to Keep and for How Long

Daniel de Visé, USA TODAY  Wed, December 25, 2024

Can I just throw out those old documents in my basement? We asked accountants.

As you ransacked your basement in search of holiday decorations, perhaps you came upon boxes of documents from the last millennium. And then, you probably asked yourself: “Couldn’t I just throw these out?”

Companies and governments often have document retention policies. Most people do not.

Common wisdom suggests we keep important papers for seven years, for reasons that, we vaguely recall, have something to do with taxes.

For those of us with paper records dating to the Clinton Administration, that would seem to mean you can throw them away.

But does that mean everything?

We posed those questions to accountants and tax experts. Here’s what they told us.

Tax returns

Let’s start with the tax return, a near-universal document that fulfills our annual duty to Uncle Sam.

“The IRS can audit you for no reason, or any reason, for three years from the date you filed your return,” said Paul Mendelsohn, a CPA in Livingston, New Jersey.

“The IRS has more time,” beyond the three years, “if you pay late, file an amended return, file a fraudulent return or leave out income that is at least 25% of what you reported,” he said.

The seven-year rule exists, in part, because the IRS “typically has up to six years to audit your return if there’s a big issue, like unreported income,” said Mark Gallegos, a CPA in Chicago. The seventh year “is just a buffer.”

There are cases, though, in which even seven years is not long enough.

Example: There is no time limit for going after people who file a fraudulent tax return, or no return at all.

“If you never filed a tax return, the statute never starts, so you’d have to keep records indefinitely,” said Scott Brillhart, a CPA in Chicago.

Bottom line: Keep your tax returns for at least seven years, if not forever.

Tax supporting documents

The documents you file with your tax return or use to prepare it, including W-2 forms, 1099s, receipts and expense records, “can usually be tossed after seven years,” Gallegos said.

In fact, most of us won’t need the supporting documents for more than three years, Mendelsohn said.

And so, at a minimum, keep those records “for three years from the date you filed your original return, or two years from the date you paid the tax, whichever is later,” he said.

Bottom line: Keep supporting tax documents for at least three years, and ideally for seven.

Bank and credit card statements

TO READ MORE:  https://www.yahoo.com/finance/news/just-throw-those-old-documents-100545204.html

News, Rumors and Opinions Wednesday AM 12-25-2024

Note: All intel should be considered as "Rumors" until we receive official announcements ...and “Rates and Dates” could change anytime until we get to the banks/redemption centers.

RV Excerpts from the Special Restored Republic via a GCR Update as of Wed. 25 Dec. 2024

Compiled Wed. 25 Dec. 2024 12:01 am EST by Judy Byington

Judy Note: In other news Christmas used to be celebrated on Jan. 6 before the changeover from the Julian Calendar to the Gregorian Calendar. Evidently the Global Military Alliance is doing other things this Christmas and is going to wait until Jan. 6 2025 to celebrate Christmas.

If the Black Swan Event were to happen over the holidays, the Stock Market would go into turmoil starting Thurs. 26 Dec. 2024

(RUMORS)

Christmas Eve and Christmas Day: Operation Silent Night will target Elite strongholds under holiday cover Christmas Eve and Day. https://eraoflight.com/2024/12/24/military-alliance-launches-full-force-global-strikes-as-deep state-falls/

American Airlines has halted all flights across the U.S. on Christmas Eve due to a “technical fault” in their system, says FAA. Flights of other airlines were being delayed or cancelled due to extreme snow storms.

If the Black Swan Event were to happen over the holidays, the Stock Market would go  into turmoil starting Thurs. 26 Dec. 2024.

ISO20022 tokens like XRP, XLM, XDC were part of the new Global Financial System along with silver & gold. Expect cyber outages.

When the EBS happens it will last from 10 to 12 days:

There will be a EBS message sent over phones, TV and radio around the Globe saying that in the next five hours or so, everyone needed to be home for a global lockdown that would last 10 to 12 days.

NESARA will be announced to the world, which will show that EVERYTHING NEW is beginning.

At the end of the 12 days, they will give out an 800 number for individuals to call to obtain an appointment to set up your Quantum money account on the new Starlink Satellite System.

There were 75 Deepstate Banks that were seized and all assets and accounts closed. All the C***l’s Central Banks have been taken over, with assets entered into the Quantum Financial System (QFS).

The QFS is run on Blockchain where nothing fraudulent can happen because everything is traceable. They can see where all money goes, which stops corruption in its tracks.

Apparently all people have a sum of money in an individual Quantum Financial Account.

The seized assets of the Cabal were moved to those Quantum Financial Accounts of The People. All monies in trust funds were moved to individual QFS accounts. All our bank accounts, savings accounts and retirement accounts were safe in the new Quantum System.

The only monies not reflected in individual Quantum Accounts were investments and shares on the Stock Market. All that will be gone! It is advised to get out of the Stock Market immediately.

Read full post here:  https://dinarchronicles.com/2024/12/25/restored-republic-via-a-gcr-special-update-as-of-december-25-2024/

************

Courtesy of Dinar Guru:  https://www.dinarguru.com/

Frank26  [Iraq boots-on-the-ground report]  FIREFLY:
All banks according to Mr. Sammy have stopped all cash transfers from today to January 7th as part of early inventory.  We have declared a two-day holiday on Christmas and then the next day.  This is the first time that we've ever done anything like that on Christmas.  FRANK:  Soon you will have purchasing power for the first time in a long time.  FIREFLY:  This will also mark the end of using or handling cash as ever before...We're going digitally with a new rate...

Mnt Goat  “REASONS FOR THE DELAY IN SENDING GENERAL BUDGETS IN IRAQ AND ITS ECONOMIC REPERCUSSIONS”   ...Iraq is trying desperately to fix the system they have in place of budgeting. The article tells us the system has been an ongoing issue and needs to be fixed. It lists the issue involved and is very informative. I will tell everyone...The hold up of the budget is NOT about the RV...I can tell you for sure with 1000% assurance the hold up of the budget implementation is NOT due to waiting for the new RV rate. 

Anchored in Gold: A Conversation with Dr. Judy Shelton (Little By Little)

Andy Schectman/Miles Franklin:  12-24-2024

In this illuminating interview, Andy Schectman has the honor of speaking with Dr. Judy Shelton, a distinguished economist, monetary policy expert, and former Federal Reserve nominee.

Dr. Shelton is celebrated for her incisive views on global economics and her steadfast advocacy for sound money principles. Her work has been at the forefront of critical discussions about monetary stability and the enduring role of gold in a shifting financial landscape.

For Andy, with over 35 years of experience in the precious metals industry, it was an extraordinary privilege to engage in this conversation with one of the most respected voices in economics.

Dr. Shelton’s expertise and clarity bring unparalleled depth to this timely discussion on the future of money, financial stability, and the principles that underpin a strong global economy.

This is a must-watch dialogue that will inspire and inform anyone interested in the intersection of monetary policy and the enduring value of gold. Don’t miss it!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q04BjMEpZtA

“Tidbits and Merry Christmas From TNT” Wednesday Morning 12-25-2024

TNT:

Tishwash:  Parliamentary Finance: The budget will be passed with integrity and fairness

Member of the Parliamentary Finance Committee, Hussein Al-Saabari, confirmed today, Tuesday, that the proposed tables in the draft budget law are under study, and it is expected that they will be finally passed. 

Al-Saabari stressed in a statement to the Al-Maalouma Agency, “the necessity for the budget to be real and reflect everyone’s interests,” warning that “some amendments may benefit some parties at the expense of others, which is unacceptable.” 

He explained that "the budget must be fair and just for all Iraqis, while ensuring that resources are distributed in a way that achieves the public interest without prejudice to the rights of any party." 

He pointed out that "the draft budget law has not yet reached Parliament, and that the Council and its Finance Committee are ready to receive it as soon as it arrives." 

It is noteworthy that the House of Representatives previously hosted Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani and his deputies, the Minister of Planning, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, and the Minister of Interior, where the amendments to the budget for next year 2025 were discussed .  link

************

Tishwash:  Central Bank of Iraq launches strategic projects to support digital transformation

His Excellency the Governor of the Central Bank of Iraq, Mr. Ali Al-Alaq, announced the launch of strategic projects to support digital transformation in the country.

In a speech during the fourth annual international scientific conference, which was titled (Digital Financial Services - Challenges of Reality and Future Foresight), His Excellency the Governor stressed that "the Central Bank has paid great attention to digital transformation as one of its goals within its third strategic plan for the years from 2014 to 2026 to enhance the efficiency of banking work, improve financial performance, and meet customer needs in light of rapid technological development."

His Excellency noted that "the Central Bank has taken great steps to support digital transformation by developing the technical infrastructure and issuing regulations and instructions that contribute to enhancing financial inclusion," referring to "the start of launching strategic projects, including the instant payments project, local cards, and unified payment gateways, as well as issuing controls to license digital banks in Iraq, taking into account cybersecurity requirements and the risks associated with this transformation."

His Excellency added that "cybersecurity is one of the most important challenges facing us today, so the Central Bank has launched projects to enhance cybersecurity by developing the tools and systems of the Cybersecurity Management Center, and adopting an advanced approach to enhance the cybersecurity of the Central Bank and the banking sector."

His Excellency stressed "the Central Bank's commitment to continue its efforts to achieve financial digital transformation and enhance innovation and sustainability in the financial sector."

Central Bank of Iraq
Media Office
December 24, 2024  link

*************

Tishwash:  What are Iraqis waiting for after the news of the "sudden suspension" of the dollar selling platform by the Central Bank?

Financial and banking expert Alaa Al-Fahd commented today, Tuesday (December 24, 2024), on the impact of the Central Bank’s suspension of the “platform” on the markets during the next stage.

Al-Fahd told Baghdad Today, "The Central Bank of Iraq worked during the previous period with a plan through a currency auction in the first phase, then establishing the electronic platform and intensive work to find correspondence methods between local banks and foreign banks with which we have commercial relations and their results in external transfers. Therefore, the bank announced some time ago that the platform will be stopped at the end of this year and there will be direct correspondent banks."

He explained that "this is a natural matter, as all central banks in the world are tasked with maintaining monetary policy, not selling currency. There is no central bank in the world that sells currency and mediates in buying and selling currency. This work is the responsibility and responsibility of banks and exchange companies. This is true and is a major challenge until the relations are direct commercial banking under the supervision of the Central Bank of Iraq."

He added, "Stopping the platform will not affect the local markets in terms of the dollar exchange rate, but there are those who are trying to spread rumors that this step will change the exchange rate, as the same dollar that the Central Bank of Iraq was selling through the platform will be sold to banks and banks that have relations with foreign banks so that the transfer is direct according to electronic transactions and monitoring, and for this reason the situation is under control and there is no fear of the impact on the markets."

Yesterday, Monday, economic expert Ziad Al-Hashemi revealed that the Central Bank of Iraq had suddenly suspended the dollar transfer platform before the scheduled date, without an official announcement, and without taking into account the interests of Iraqi companies and markets, in a move that is, to say the least, far from professionalism and transparency.

Al-Hashemi said in a post on the social networking site "Facebook", which was followed by "Baghdad Today", that "stopping the platform without an official announcement by the Central Bank may indicate that there is uncertainty and fear of the consequences of stopping the platform on the dollar exchange rates, and the lack of announcement may give the Central Bank an opportunity to evade and evade the decision to stop the platform and return to operating the platform, even temporarily, in the event that the dollar begins to rise to high rates  link

Mot:  When Ya Needs to do it Once a Year!!!! Siiggghhhhh 

Mot: Warning!!! -- In these Final Moments!!!! 

Mot:  ......... The List!!!!

A NEW CHRISTMAS STORY . . .

A NEW CHRISTMAS STORY . . .

This story is better than any greeting card.

The old man sat in his gas station on a cold Christmas Eve. He hadn't been
anywhere in years since his wife had passed away. It was just another day to
him. He didn't hate Christmas, just couldn't find a reason to celebrate.

He was sitting there looking at the snow that had been falling for the last
hour and wondering what it was all about when the door opened and a homeless
man stepped through.

Instead of throwing the man out, Old George as he was known by his
customers, told the man to come and sit by the heater and warm up. "Thank
you, but I don't mean to intrude," said the stranger. "I see you're busy,
I'll just go."

"Not without something hot in your belly." George said.

He turned and opened a wide mouth Thermos and handed it to the stranger.
"It ain't much, but it's hot and tasty. Stew ... Made it myself. When you're
done, there's coffee and it's fresh."

Just at that moment he heard the "ding" of the driveway bell. "Excuse me,
be right back," George said. There in the driveway was an old '53 Chevy.
Steam was rolling out of the front. The driver was panicked.

"Mister can you help me!" said the driver, with a deep Spanish accent."My wife is with
child and my car is broken."  George opened the hood. It was bad. The block
looked cracked from the cold, the car was dead.

"You ain't going in this thing," George said as he turned away.

"But Mister, please help ..." The door of the office closed behind George
as he went inside. He went to the office wall and got the keys to his old
truck, and went back outside. He walked around the building, opened the
garage, started the truck and drove it around to where the couple was
waiting. "Here, take my truck," he said. "She ain't the best thing you ever
looked at, but she runs real good."

George helped put the woman in the truck and watched as it sped off into
the night. He turned and walked back inside the office. "Glad I gave 'em the
truck, their tires were shot too. That 'ol truck has brand new ."George
thought he was talking to the stranger, but the man had gone. The Thermos
was on the desk, empty, with a used coffee cup beside it. "Well, at least he
got something in his belly," George thought.

George went back outside to see if the old Chevy would start. It
cranked slowly, but it started. He pulled it into the garage where the
truck had been. He thought he would tinker with it for something to do.
Christmas Eve meant no customers. He discovered the the block hadn't
cracked, it was just the bottom hose on the radiator. "Well, shoot, I can
fix this," he said to himself. So he put a new one on.

"Those tires ain't gonna get 'em through the winter either." He took the
snow treads off of his wife's old Lincoln. They were like new and he wasn't
going to drive the car anyway.

As he was working, he heard shots being fired. He ran outside and beside a
police car an officer lay on the cold ground. Bleeding from the left
shoulder, the officer moaned, "Please help me."

George helped the officer inside as he remembered the training he had
received in the Army as a medic. He knew the wound needed attention.
"Pressure to stop the bleeding," he thought. The uniform company had been
there that morning and had left clean shop towels. He used those and duct
tape to bind the wound. "Hey, they say duct tape can fix anythin'," he said,
trying to make the policeman feel at ease.

"Something for pain," George thought. All he had was the pills he used for
his back. "These ought to work." He put some water in a cup and gave the
policeman the pills. "You hang in there, I'm going to get you an ambulance."

The phone was dead. "Maybe I can get one of your buddies on that there
talk box out in your car." He went out only to find that a bullet had gone
into the dashboard destroying the two way radio.

He went back in to find the policeman sitting up. "Thanks," said the
officer. "You could have left me there. The guy that shot me is still in the
area."

George sat down beside him, "I would never leave an injured man in the
Army and I ain't gonna leave you." George pulled back the bandage to check
for bleeding. "Looks worse than what it is. Bullet passed right through 'ya.
Good thing it missed the important stuff though. I think with time your
gonna be right as rain."

George got up and poured a cup of coffee. "How do you take it?" he asked.

"None for me," said the officer.

"Oh, yer gonna drink this. Best in the city. Too bad I ain't got no
donuts." The officer laughed and winced at the same time.

The front door of the office flew open. In burst a young man with a gun.
"Give me all your cash! Do it now!" the young man yelled. His hand was
shaking and George could tell that he had never done anything like this
before. "That's the guy that shot me!" exclaimed the officer.

"Son, why are you doing this?" asked George, "You need to put the cannon
away. Somebody else might get hurt."

The young man was confused. "Shut up old man, or I'll shoot you, too. Now
give me the cash!"

The cop was reaching for his gun. "Put that thing away," George said to
the cop, "we got one too many in here now."

He turned his attention to the young man. "Son, it's Christmas Eve. If you
need money, well then, here. It ain't much but it's all I got. Now put that
pea shooter away."

George pulled $150 out of his pocket and handed it to the young man,
reaching for the barrel of the gun at the same time. The young man released
his grip on the gun, fell to his knees and began to cry. "I'm not very good
at this am I? All I wanted was to buy something for my wife and son," he
went on. "I've lost my job, my rent is due, my car got repossessed last
week."

George handed the gun to the cop. "Son, we all get in a bit of squeeze now
and then. The road gets hard sometimes, but we make it through the best we
can."

He got the young man to his feet, and sat him down on a chair across from
the cop. "Sometimes we do stupid things." George handed the young man a cup
of coffee. "Bein' stupid is one of the things that makes us human. Comin' in
here with a gun ain't the answer. Now sit there and get warm and we'll sort
this thing out."

The young man had stopped crying. He looked over to the cop. "Sorry I shot
you. It just went off. I'm sorry officer."

"Shut up and drink your coffee " the cop said.

George could hear the sounds of sirens outside. A police car and an
ambulance skidded to a halt. Two cops came through the door, guns drawn.
"Chuck! You ok?" one of the cops asked the wounded officer.

"Not bad for a guy who took a bullet. How did you find me?"

"GPS locator in the car. Best thing since sliced bread. Who did this?" the
other cop asked as he approached the young man.

Chuck answered him, "I don't know. The guy ran off into the dark. Just
dropped his gun and ran."

George and the young man both looked puzzled at each other.
"That guy work here?" the wounded cop continued.

"Yep," George said, "just hired him this morning. Boy lost his job."

The paramedics came in and loaded Chuck onto the stretcher. The young man
leaned over the wounded cop and whispered, "Why?"

Chuck just said, "Merry Christmas boy ... and you too, George, and thanks
for everything."

"Well, looks like you got one doozy of a break there. That ought to solve
some of your problems."

George went into the back room and came out with a box. He pulled out a
ring box. "Here you go, something for the little woman. I don't think Martha
would mind. She said it would come in handy some day."

The young man looked inside to see the biggest diamond ring he ever saw.
"I can't take this," said the young man. "It means something to you."

"And now it means something to you," replied George. "I got my memories.
That's all I need."

George reached into the box again. An airplane, a car and a truck appeared
next. They were toys that the oil company had left for him to sell. "Here's
something for that little man of yours."

The young man began to cry again as he handed back the $150 that the old
man had handed him earlier.

"And what are you supposed to buy Christmas dinner with? You keep that
too," George said. "Now git home to your family."

The young man turned with tears streaming down his face. "I'll be here in
the morning for work, if that job offer is still good."

"Nope. I'm closed Christmas day," George said. "See ya the day after."

George turned around to find that the stranger had returned. "Where'd you
come from? I thought you left?"

"I have been here. I have always been here," said the stranger."You say
you don't celebrate Christmas. Why?"

"Well, after my wife passed away, I just couldn't see what all the bother
was. Puttin' up a tree and all seemed a waste of a good pine tree. Bakin'
cookies like I used to with Martha just wasn't the same by myself and
besides I was gettin' a little chubby."

The stranger put his hand on George's shoulder. "But you do celebrate the
holiday, George. You gave me food and drink and warmed me when I was cold
and hungry. The woman with child will bear a son and he will become a great
doctor.

The policeman you helped will go on to save 19 people from being killed by
terrorists. The young man who tried to rob you will make you a rich man and
not take any for himself. "That is the spirit of the season and you keep it
as good as any man."

George was taken aback by all this stranger had said. "And how do you know
all this?" asked the old man.

"Trust me, George. I have the inside track on this sort of thing. And when
your days are done you will be with Martha again."

The stranger moved toward the door. "If you will excuse me, George, I have
to go now. I have to go home where there is a big celebration planned."

George watched as the old leather jacket and the torn pants that the
stranger was wearing turned into a white robe. A golden light began to fill
the room.

"You see, George ... it's My birthday. Merry Christmas."

George fell to his knees and replied, "Happy Birthday, Lord Jesus"

MERRY CHRISTMAS AND GOD BLESS!