United Nations downgrades some famine zones in Somalia

"The United Nations has officially downgraded the famine situation parts of Somalia: in Bakaool, lower Shabelle and Bay. At the peak of the crisis, malnutrition was affecting 53 percent of the population in some areas of Somalia, now, that figure has fallen below the famine threshold of 30 percent. But although conditions have begun to improve in the Horn of Africa for some, challenges remain great for the families who live there and the aid workers trying to respond."

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Unborn son's struggle inspires Christian singer

"Told that his unborn son had only half a heart and little chance to survive, the lead singer of the Christian rock band Sanctus Real began pouring his fears and doubts into music.

The songs were meant to comfort his family while they searched for answers and sought to understand God's role during the months before and after the baby's birth that were filled with surgeries and life-threatening complications.

It didn't take long for him to realize that his words needed to be shared so that others struggling with life would know they're not alone."

Read more here.

Justin Bieber Backs 'Social Good' Facebook Game, WeTopia, Benefiting Children

"Justin Bieber, global pop/R&B phenomenon, will be spreading the joy of reading to U.S. and Haitian school children. Bieber announced earlier this week that he will provide entertainment marketing support to Sojo Studios new slate of 'social good' games, beginning with WeTopia. WeTopia benefits charitable projects in the United States and abroad, including Save the Children's summer literacy program in Appalachian Kentucky and textbooks for children in Haiti."

Read more about Bieber's participation here.

5 tips for choosing a charity for your year-end giving

"We've all heard the advice: Get your charitable donations in before the clock strikes midnight on December 31--or say goodbye to potential tax breaks. But how to make sure you're choosing the best charity in the first place? Here are 5 tips for making the most of your charitable dollars before we ring in the new year."

Click here for more on making good charitable choices. 

New Orleans puppeteer Karen Konnerth wins young audiences at home and abroad

"For some, the coming week is the quiet time between national holidays. For parents, it means, 'What will we do with the kids?'

Puppeteer Karen Konnerth has a few ideas, even if you can’t make it to her puppet-making workshop on Thursday (Dec. 29) or the Dec. 30 performance at her Algiers Point studio."

Read more about this talented woman here.

Donors save Christmas for Toys for Tots Chicagoland

"A generous donor stepped forward Tuesday, helping save Christmas for a local charity and doing it all in the name of a legendary Chicago Bear."

Click here  to read about this tribute to the late Sid Luckman.

Chuck Colson and John Stonestreet interview T. M. Moore about the theology of Christmas Carols

"On this special, weekend edition of BreakPoint, Chuck Colson and John Stonestreet discuss the deeper significance behind the lyrics of our most popular Christmas tunes."

Listen here for more on the theology of Christmas carols.