[Malesherbes]

It is inexpressably sad that there are those to whom those words mean nothing. They are lost not only in eternity but in this world as well.

Merry Christmas!

[Wolfstar]

It is inexpressably sad that there are those to whom those words mean nothing.

I was raised in a working-class Roman Catholic boarding school (one step up from an orphanage). I remember that the nuns would tell us children around the holidays that if we prayed hard enough and long enough, the Soviet Union would be converted.

Of course, as a child, that meant nothing to me. It was only in the fullness of time that I understood -- and that the promise was kept. The Soviet Union collapsed and tens of millions were finally free from the horrors of communist dictatorship.

Of course, that didn't happen just due to prayer alone. It took the steadfastness of the most blessed nation on earth, combined with the enormous courage of many people (like Lech Walesa, for one), to bring the USSR down.

The 20th Century struggles to realize the promise of "and on earth peace, good will toward men" knew no religious, national or ethic boundaries. These struggles continue today, and once again are not limited just to Christians or Catholics.

When Jesus taught and performed his miracles, as far as I know, he never asked the religion, race, ethnicy or nationality of those to whom ministered.