12.20.24 Culture Friday, new family friendly movies, and truth in contradiction

Summary

Podcast Summary: The World and Everything In It
Episode: 12.20.24 Culture Friday, New Family-Friendly Movies, and Truth in Contradiction
Release Date: December 20, 2024
Host/Author: WORLD Radio

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Introduction

In the December 20, 2024 episode of The World and Everything In It, WORLD Radio delves into a multitude of pressing issues spanning politics, culture, and entertainment. Hosted by Nick Eicher and Myrna Brown, the episode features insightful discussions on Capitol Hill developments, a tragic school shooting, the cultural impact of new family-friendly movies, and philosophical explorations of paradoxes. Notable contributions include analysis by John Stonestreet, George Grant, Colin Garberino, and Bonnie Pritchett.

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Capitol Hill and Political Turmoil

Timestamp: [01:22] - [07:12]

Kent Covington kicks off the episode with a detailed report on the looming threat of a government shutdown. Speaker Mike Johnson and House Majority Leader Steve Scalise are at the forefront, striving to pass a bipartisan spending bill amidst fierce Republican and Democratic disagreements. A key point of contention is the inclusion of President Trump in conservative revolts that have derailed previous legislation. Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries criticizes the conservative approach, stating, “MAGA Republicans are driving us to a government shutdown” ([02:18]).

The segment also covers significant legal developments in Georgia, where a state appeals court has removed Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis from an election interference case against Donald Trump, citing “a significant appearance of impropriety” ([02:44]). Additionally, Paul Butler reports on an upcoming Supreme Court case challenging Planned Parenthood's eligibility for federal Medicaid funds, highlighting the ongoing national debate on abortion funding ([04:29]).

International Affairs: Russia and Israel

The episode touches on Vladimir Putin's claims of military successes in Ukraine and his portrayal of Russia as a sovereign power, juxtaposed with Israeli responses to missile attacks from Yemen. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu asserts, “The Houthis are learning a hard lesson that anyone who harms Israel will pay a very heavy price” ([04:41]). Meanwhile, Luigi Mangione’s arrest in New York City on charges of murder and terrorism is discussed, with Mayor Eric Adams condemning such acts as unthinkable in the city ([06:02]).

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Culture Friday: Tragic School Shooting and Societal Reflections

Timestamp: [07:22] - [18:22]

John Stonestreet, president of the Colson Center and host of the Breakpoint Podcast, addresses the heartbreaking school shooting in Madison, Wisconsin. The discussion emphasizes the complex motivations behind the attack, dismissing initial speculation about gender identity issues. Stonestreet states, “Whatever happened today has nothing to do with how she or he or they may have wanted to identify” ([07:55]).

He critiques the tendency of public officials to frame such tragedies as inevitable natural evils, arguing instead that they are manifestations of deep-seated moral evils rooted in societal alienation and despair. Stonestreet emphasizes the role of the church and home in addressing these issues, rather than relying solely on government interventions.

Transitioning to political commentary, the conversation shifts to RFK Jr. and his efforts to gain support for his nomination as Secretary of Health and Human Services. Despite his inconsistent past statements on abortion, pro-life Republicans are reportedly endorsing him based on assurances to enforce Trump-era pro-life policies. Stonestreet expresses cautious optimism but highlights the complexities and inconsistencies within Trump’s own stance on abortion ([13:04]).

Supreme Court Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson’s Broadway Debut

Myrna Brown introduces a lighter yet culturally significant topic: Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson’s unexpected appearance in a Broadway production featuring non-binary and queer characters. This move has sparked debate given the recent Tennessee case on transgender issues. Stonestreet suggests that Jackson’s participation reflects the broader cultural shifts towards acceptance of diverse identities, noting, “This looks more like Clarence Thomas speaking for religious liberty groups” ([16:17]). He views the event as a reflection of the dominant cultural narratives rather than personal activism by Jackson.

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New Family-Friendly Movies: Mufasa Prequel and Sonic the Hedgehog 3

Timestamp: [20:06] - [25:11]

World Arts and Culture Editor Colin Garberino alongside George Grant provide reviews of the weekend’s top family-friendly films: Disney’s Mufasa: The Lion King prequel and Sonic the Hedgehog 3.

• Mufasa: The Lion King Prequel

  George Grant critiques the film for deviating from the original’s thematic depth, stating, “I’m not sure I like the direction it takes” ([20:33]). The prequel explores Mufasa’s origins and his relationship with Scar, introducing new characters and musical elements, including contributions from Lin-Manuel Miranda. Despite its attempt to break new ground, Grant feels it falls short in maintaining the original’s essence ([22:19]).

• Sonic the Hedgehog 3

  In contrast, Grant praises Sonic the Hedgehog 3 for its high-energy adventure and humor, particularly Jim Carrey’s double role as Dr. Ivo Robotnik. However, he notes that the film may rely heavily on Carrey’s performance, which might not appeal to all audiences ([23:48]). The film continues Sonic’s legacy with vibrant animations and introduces new characters, setting the stage for future sequels ([24:21]).

Stonestreet provides a humorous take on the films, engaging in playful banter with Grant, which adds a lively dynamic to the reviews ([20:48] - [25:11]).

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Wordplay: Exploring Paradoxes

Timestamp: [25:36] - [30:33]

George Grant leads a philosophical segment on the concept of paradoxes, defining them as “a seemingly absurd or contradictory statement that, when explained, proves to be true” ([25:36]). He elaborates on various biblical and literary paradoxes, highlighting their role in conveying profound truths. Grant references G.K. Chesterton, praising his use of paradoxes to express complex ideas, particularly in the context of Christmas. He concludes with a reflection on the paradox of the Incarnation: “He who was infinite was yet an infant… Glory to God in the lowest” ([30:33]).

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Music of Advent: Reflecting Through Sound

Timestamp: [30:42] - [35:36]

As the episode approaches its conclusion, Bonnie Pritchett introduces the music of Advent, emphasizing its role in preparing Christians for the coming of Christ. She highlights several pieces:

• A Radiant Dawn by Sir James MacMillan: Inspired by Isaiah’s prophecy, this piece captures the tension between anticipation and hope.

• We Wait by Sarah Groze: A lyrical exploration of impatience and longing, culminating in a reflection on divine timing.

• Come Thou Long Expected Jesus: Performed by the Future of Forestry, this rendition intertwines traditional hymns with contemporary musical storytelling.

Pritchett underscores the spiritual significance of these compositions, encouraging listeners to engage with the music as part of their Advent reflections ([31:12] - [35:36]).

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Closing Remarks

The episode wraps up with acknowledgments to the numerous team members who contribute to the program’s production. Hosts Nick Eicher and Myrna Brown extend their gratitude to the audience and announce that Bonnie Pritchett will return with additional musical content on Christmas Day. The episode concludes with a reminder of the listener-supported nature of WORLD Radio and a call to worship with fellow Christians on the Lord’s Day ([35:36] - [36:16]).

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Notable Quotes

1. Kent Covington: “MAGA Republicans are driving us to a government shutdown.” ([02:18])
2. John Stonestreet: “Whatever happened today has nothing to do with how she or he or they may have wanted to identify.” ([07:55])
3. John Stonestreet: “Do something with the power of God working in the lives of people.” ([08:35] )
4. George Grant: “Glory to God in the lowest.” ([30:33])

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Conclusion

This episode of The World and Everything In It masterfully navigates a spectrum of topics, from the intricacies of political maneuvering on Capitol Hill to the cultural significance of new family films and the profound nature of paradoxes. Through informed discussions and thoughtful analysis, WORLD Radio delivers content that is both engaging and enlightening, providing listeners with a comprehensive overview of current events and cultural phenomena.

Transcript

[Nick Eicher]

Good morning. The Fridays when we have George Grant are my favorite ones. Today's wordplay is on paradoxes. So let me start with one. This program is free and costly. That exact paradox is why we come to you a couple times each year to ask for your support. Would you make a gift [e-mail] yearendgift I hope you will. And thanks.

[Myrna Brown]

And you'll want to stick around to the end too. George will tell tell about the most amazing paradox of all. Enjoy. Good morning. Today on Culture Friday, RFK on the Hill winning over pro life skeptics and a justice on Broadway.

[Nick Eicher]

Do do do do do do do do. Yep, johnstreet is standing by for Culture Friday. Also today. Hold on, hold on.

[Colin Garbarino]

Is this a race you're going down.

[Nick Eicher]

Tracking hedgehog stars in one of two family oriented films opening this weekend. World Arts and culture editor Colin Garberino is also standing by. And the music of Advent.

[Myrna Brown]

It's Friday, December 20th. This is the world and everything in it from listener supported World Radio. I'm Irna Brown.

[Nick Eicher]

And I'm Nick Icker. Good morning.

[Myrna Brown]

Up next, Ken Covington with today's news on Capitol Hill.

[Kent Covington]

Speaker Mike Johnson is scrambling to avoid a pre Christmas government shutdown, but Republicans and Democrats have continued to lock horns over a government spending bill. With the deadline now just hours away, Republican House Majority Leader Steve Scalise the ultimate goal is to get a bill that addresses our immediate needs but also sets President Trump up for success when he comes into office. A massive bipartisan spending bill was expected to come to the floor earlier this week, but a conservative revolt which Donald Trump joined at the 11th hour, torpedoed that legislation. The top Democrat in the House, Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, said last night, extreme.

[John Stonestreet]

MAGA Republicans are driving us to a government shutdown.

[Kent Covington]

But conservatives said the 1500 page bill was stuffed full of reckless deficit spending on pet projects as well as a pay raise for members of Congress. On Thursday, Speaker Johnson brought a considerably slimmed down bill to the floor. But on this vote, The A's are.

[John Stonestreet]

174, the nays are 235. The bill is not passed.

[Kent Covington]

Dozens of Republicans joined nearly all Democrats in shooting that down. The bill would have averted a shutdown, largely keeping government spending at current levels for one month. The deadline to pass a new funding bill is midnight tonight. The prosecutor who launched the election interference case against Donald Trump and others in Georgia is off the case. World's Paul Butler has more. A state appeals court in Georgia has removed Fulton County District Attorney Fawney Willis from the case. Reversing a lower court's decision, the court cited a, quote, significant appearance of impropriety related to Willis relationship with special prosecutor Nathan Wade. Thursday's ruling leaves the future of the prosecution uncertain. It will now be up to the Prosecuting Attorneys Council of Georgia to find another prosecutor to take over the case and to decide whether to continue to pursue it. However, Fani Willis could appeal the ruling to the state Supreme Court, which would delay that process. For World I'm Paul Butler. The U.S. supreme Court is set to hear a case arguing that Planned Parenthood should not be eligible for federal Medicaid funds. The state of South Carolina is arguing in the case Kerr vs Edwards, taxpayer dollars should not go to abortion facilities even for non abortion procedures. Attorneys for the state's Department of Health and Human Services contend that states have the right to choose which providers are qualified to receive Medicaid funding. Planned Parenthood argues that cutting off funding violated the Medicaid Act's provision that lets beneficiaries choose their provider. In Moscow, Vladimir Putin boasted of military gains in Ukraine during his annual news conference, and he denied that the has weakened Russia.

[John Stonestreet]

I think that Russia became much stronger over the past two or three years. Why? Because we are becoming a truly sovereign country.

[Kent Covington]

Putin used the tightly choreographed event to reinforce his authority and demonstrate a sweeping command of everything from consumer prices to military hardware. Meantime, in central Israel, Cruz surveyed damage at an elementary school in Tel Aviv after a meeting missile attack from Yemen. Air defenses partially intercepted the missile, but debris collapsed a portion of the school. No casualties were reported. Also on Thursday, the Iran backed Houthi rebels in Yemen released a video of missiles blasting off taking aim at targets in the Israeli port city of Jaffa. But Israeli jets were already in the air launching their own strikes in Yemen, targeting infrastructure used by the Houthis to stage attacks in the Red Sea. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu says the Houthis are learning a hard lesson that anyone who harms Israel will pay a very heavy price. Luigi Mangione, the man accused of gunning down the CEO of United Healthcare on a Manhattan sidewalk, landed in New York City on Thursday. He was cuffed and shackled in an orange jumpsuit and he was flanked by investigators who walked him slowly to another port where he was taken to the federal courthouse. He faces numerous charges, including murder and the furtherance of terrorism. New York City Mayor Eric Adams this.

[John Stonestreet]

Act of terrorism and the violence that stems from it is something that would not be tolerated in the city.

[Kent Covington]

Benjioni previously fought extradition from Pennsylvania, where he also faces weapons charges. But he dropped those objections on Thursday. His lawyer, Thomas Dickey, explained, we are.

[John Stonestreet]

Ready to do this now. We didn't do it before because you weren't ready.

[George Grant]

Today was the day to do it.

[Kent Covington]

This is in his best interest. And Mangione now faces federal charges as well. The feds have charged him with stalking and murder, including a murder by firearm charge that carries the possibility of the death penalty. I'm Kent Covington. And straight ahead, what leads a troubled teen to bring a gun to school? That's on Culture Friday with John Stonestreet. Plus, wordplay with George Grant. This is the WORLD and everything in it.

[Myrna Brown]

It's Friday, the 20th of December, 2024. Glad to have you along for today's edition of the WORLD and Everything In It. Good morning. I'm Myrna Brown.

[Nick Eicher]

And I'm Nick Iger. Time now for Culture Friday. And joining us is John Stonestreet, the president of the Colson center and host of the Breakpoint Podcast. Good morning to you, John.

[John Stonestreet]

Good morning.

[Nick Eicher]

Well, just an awful story to begin with here. A deadly school shooting at a Christian school in Madison, Wisconsin. Lots of initial speculation, John, questions around possible gender identity problems. And in batting that down, Madison Police Chief Sean Barnes just had to fan the flames.

[John Stonestreet]

I don't know whether Natalie was transgender or not. And quite frankly, I don't think that's even important. I don't think that's important at all. I don't think that whatever happened today has anything to do with how she or he or they may have wanted to identify. And I wish people would kind of leave their own personal biases out of this. So what? Whether or not she was, he was, they were transgender is something that may come out later. But for what we're doing right now today, literally eight hours after a mass shooting in a school in Madison, it is of no consequence.

[Nick Eicher]

So getting the pronouns right, even when that's not the issue, my goodness, that is not how you stamp out this kind of thing. But, John, clearly we have a troubled young lady here, and it's shocking. We've got another female school shooter. And you read what is likely her twisted rationale for this attack. What did you take from it? Do you trust it?

[John Stonestreet]

Well, I read it the day of the manifesto that was shared widely online. And of course, it's really difficult to trust that. I did trust it, mainly because the same source also confirmed the name, the age and the identity of the shooter six or seven hours before it was confirmed, because we're talking About a young woman who clearly had a very large engagement and involvement on social media. The identification was, I think, more quickly done that way than in other ways. There's so many aspects of this that elicit, I think, proper reactions. We were shocked by the incident itself, God help us, the day that it no longer shocks us. And I think when you look at the manifesto, the question is how could it be possible that anyone, much less a 15 year old girl, could be so overwhelmed by hate, by pain, by alienation for a girl to reach that? And by the way, we have lots of girls in our society that have reached that. We've seen the incredible spikes of despair and depression and anxiety and mental health struggles and identity problems of that demographic in the last 10 years. But oftentimes they do take the form of sexual experimentation or identity experimentation. This was new, this was overwhelming. She hated people, she hated herself, she hated her parents. And that spoke to me about another take on this. And I'm speaking specifically of the statement from President Biden and some other officials. I was just struck by how many people talk about how is it that we can't protect our children from these acts. It was a child who carried out the acts. So often when public officials claiming government responsibility to quote, unquote, do something, they talk about the act as if it were an act of natural evil instead of moral evil. They act as if it were like a tsunami that no one saw coming unexpectedly, as opposed to a completely alienated part of our demographic, the one that used to be filled with hope and wonder and adventure and all that now filled with despair, meaninglessness and an identity struggle. And we see that as an epidemic across America. And then we talk as if, how can we not protect our kids from. And the problem with saying which we always say, do something. Well, do what? You have to know what's wrong to know the right thing to do. And you have to be clear on what to do to know the right thing to do. And you have to be clear on who should do it. When you read the screed that this poor girl wrote, it is obvious that the government didn't do this. It's more obvious that the government can't fix this. It's not in politics, it's not in our policies. It's in the power of God working in the lives of people. And that comes through the church and that comes through the home, not through the state.

[Nick Eicher]

Hey, John. On Capitol hill this week, RFK Jr. Making the rounds, trying to shore up support with senators ahead of his confirmation hearings. He's up for Secretary of Health and Human Services. That, of course, a very large federal agency with lots of connections to the abortion issue. And the buzz here is that he's drawn some praise from pro life Republicans, despite Kennedy's past comments on abortion. Very inconsistent, to say the least, ranging from supporting the right to abortion all the way up to full term, down to expressing concern about the high number of abortions in this country. But he apparently has assured pro life senators he will enforce Trump's pro life policies if he's confirmed. The policies would include reinstating the Mexico City policy, which bars federal funds for organizations that promote abortion, and restoring conscience protections for healthcare providers. What do you make of all of this?

[John Stonestreet]

Yeah, I mean, look, I think Kennedy has sparked an overdue and important conversation about health, about the healthcare industry. This is all coming out of the COVID chaos. But his views on abortion have troubled me from the very beginning. It is encouraging to me that the Mexico City policy will be reinstated and he will not fight that. I mean, listen, if there's one thing we should not export around the world, it is the sexual revolution. But that is our number one export, not only from the media we send, but by basically tying things like abortion and transgender ideology and everything else to federal funding. And that's an important part of this. If the Mexico City policy is reinstated, that will have implications not only whether, you know, we're bribing abortion onto developing nations, but we're bribing all the other sexual confusions that we export. Right. I mean, these things come in a package deal. You know, I think what's clear is to get Kennedy's endorsement, Trump promised him a lot, Kennedy asked for a lot, and Trump gave him everything. The last thing I'll say is I'm glad that we're seeing more of Kennedy's willingness to follow Trump's agenda on life. But Trump's agenda on life has not been consistent from the last term. And, you know, this is the same week that the former president and future president said that he wanted to preserve access to the abortion pill, or more accurately, the abortion pill regimen. And that's a real problem because that often comes along with binding the conscience of pharmacists, that comes along with states than passing legislation to ban abortion pill reversal, which has saved about 5,000 lives. To the best that we know right now, that's a real problem. You know, so Trump's not clear on this, so I'm hoping the Cabinet comes around, the president stabilizes his views on abortion, that that Stabilizes the RNC views that there's some consistency that's brought in there and that Kennedy will follow that lead. But that's a whole lot of pieces that have to be put in place first.

[Myrna Brown]

Well, John, moving from RFK to kbj, that's Supreme Court Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson and her Broadway debut, she appeared in a couple of scenes in New York City for a one night role written just for her. She called it the fulfillment of a lifelong dream. Now look, if I'm honest, I have to admit one of my bucket list items is to perform in a stage musical. You heard a little of it earlier in the program, right?

[Nick Eicher]

You would be so good.

[Myrna Brown]

Oh my goodness. Well, so I do get it. I get that. But I also wonder about her timing. She's gotten a fair share of criticism and skepticism over her participation in a production that has so called non binary and queer characters and storylines. And this is just weeks after the Tennessee case on transgenderism. So does that make her an activist? John, what do you say?

[John Stonestreet]

Well, you know, look, I think that the best explanation is the simplest one. And I don't know that it's a problem that she performed in a stage musical or not. You know, we remember Ruth Bader Ginsburg became kind of quite a pop culture celebrity before she died and never anything like this. And I think it's certainly fine to question the wisdom of jumping into something like this. But let's be clear. This looks to us like Clarence Thomas or a conservative justice speaking for one of the religious liberty groups, looks to the other side. In other words, the problem here or the issue here is not the performance itself. Although I do think it is amazing that we've reached a point where this kind of a storyline is not considered uncouth or reserved for kind of late night cable television. This is kind of mainstream. And that tells you a whole lot about these ideas and the culture. But I think what we've seen from the very beginning, from her confirmation hearings where she refused to answer the question, what is a woman? She said she didn't know the answer. We know that's not true. But she has to say that because she's a loyalist to a set of ideas, to a worldview, to a way of seeing life in the world and doing something like this, I'm not sure that it would have occurred to her that it would be considered so far beyond the pale by so many. Was it? Yes. But that's because the culture has moved that far and this set of ideas about life in the world is so dominant for a big part of the population. And you know, it is a moment. I mean, I think it's a you are here kind of, you know, moment less about her and more about, you know, the wider culture itself.

[Myrna Brown]

Well, John Stonestreet is president of the Colson center and host of the breakpoint Podcast. John, now listen, we don't talk again until after Christmas, so God bless you brother and have a wonderful holiday.

[John Stonestreet]

Thank you both and have a wonderful Christmas celebration with your families. Thank you so much.

[Kent Covington]

Additional Support this report comes from Dort University, where Christian faith is thoroughly, authentically.

[Nick Eicher]

And joyfully applied in all areas of study and life until all is made new. And from season two of Eyewitness Silent.

[Kent Covington]

Night, the student led podcast drama following time Travelers, to the first Christmas on.

[Nick Eicher]

Podcast apps or at the letter I witnesspod.com Today is Friday, December 20th. Thank you for turning to World Radio to help start your day. Good morning, I'm Nick Eichert.

[Myrna Brown]

And I'm Myrna Brown. Coming next on the World and everything in it, what's happening in theaters? It wasn't long ago that PG13 superhero movies ruled the box office, but this year, family friendly movies have proven to be the big winners. Four of the top five released this year carried a milder pg, and this weekend, two more highly anticipated family movies arrive in theaters.

[Nick Eicher]

Here now is World Arts and Culture editor Colin Garberino on Mufasa the Lion King and Sonic the Hedgehog 3.

[George Grant]

This weekend, Disney returns to the Pride Lands with a prequel to the Lion King, telling the story of how Mufasa came to rule everything he could see from Pride Rock. Let's not call the 2019 version of the Lion King a live action remake. Maybe photorealistic works better. Regardless, it wasn't a hit with critics who complained it didn't break new ground. Fans, on the other hand, didn't care, and the movie set records, grossing $1.6 billion worldwide. This prequel breaks plenty of new ground, but I'm not sure I like the direction it takes.

[Colin Garbarino]

Why are you following us?

[John Stonestreet]

I was hoping to find my pride. What happened to them?

[Myrna Brown]

The Outsiders happened.

[George Grant]

In this story, the young Mufasa doesn't come from a kingly family. In fact, he loses his family at the beginning of the movie. The lost lion cub is then adopted by another pride, gaining a new brother, Taka, who we all know will grow up to be the Wicked Scar. But then Mufasa's new family is attacked by a group of killer lions bent on conquering everything they come across.

[John Stonestreet]

Back to the trees. We're trapped. We have to swim. No, we have to fight. If we fight, we die. But if we swim, we drown.

[George Grant]

The two brothers embark on a quest to find a new home beyond the horizon where the circle of life is respected. To be honest, I'm not a fan of this twist that makes Muvasa an adopted brother of Scar and makes both of them immigrants to the Pride Lands. It doesn't jibe with some of the dialogue from the earlier films, and it doesn't fit the original's Hamlet on the Serengeti feel. Hamilton fans will be interested to know that Lin Manuel Miranda wrote a half dozen original songs for this prequel. A few of them are quite good.

[John Stonestreet]

No other animal will break my stride Break my stride.

[George Grant]

Some, however, fall flat due to weak vocal performances. Mads Mikkelsen, who plays the evil Lion King pursuing Mufasa and Taka, is especially painful to listen to. And speaking of these evil lions, they're all white. Could that be some kind of commentary on European colonialism? I'm not sure.

[John Stonestreet]

Sometimes when the people most like you don't love you, it is a hurt.

[Kent Covington]

That can cause the greatest pain.

[John Stonestreet]

And this pain can lead you to hate everything.

[George Grant]

Mufasa offers muddled thinking on the nature of evil and really just about everything else. The movie turns the circle of life into respecting others rather than dying and being born. It also takes swipes at patriarchy, and the youthful Mufasa seems dedicated to democracy rather than monarchy. But, you know, he still ends up being the Lion King. I guess the film's okay, but it doesn't really know what it's about, and it somehow still manages to get a little preachy at the end. However, the other big movie of the weekend definitely understood the assignment.

[John Stonestreet]

Hold on, hold on.

[Colin Garbarino]

Is this a race?

[Myrna Brown]

You're going down.

[John Stonestreet]

It is my destiny to claim the throne of family champion hedgehog.

[George Grant]

Sonic the Hedgehog 3 reunites the Speedster from Sega's video game franchise with his trusty friends Knuckles and Tails, along with their adopted parents, played by James Marsden and Tika Sumpter. Earth is being threatened by a new superpowered alien, and this one looks suspiciously like Sonic himself.

[John Stonestreet]

Whoa.

[George Grant]

Are you guys seeing this?

[John Stonestreet]

He looks just like you. Impossible. You're colorful bunch. Um, excuse me. Why do you look like me?

[George Grant]

Keanu Reeves voices Shadow, a teleporting hedgehog who can unleash enough chaos energy to destroy the planet.

[John Stonestreet]

We don't want to fight you. Actually, Sonic, I would like to fight.

[Kent Covington]

No, no.

[George Grant]

Jim Carrey also returns as Dr. Ivo Robotnik. Cary's over the top performance defines the film. If you like his brand of humor, you'll love Sonic 3. But if you don't, you'll want to steer clear since he gets about twice as much screen time as anyone else, partially due to his playing two members of the Robotnik family.

[Kent Covington]

It's impossible.

[John Stonestreet]

Is it? It couldn't be. Couldn't it?

[Colin Garbarino]

I am.

[John Stonestreet]

Are you? In the saggy flesh.

[George Grant]

This film is just 110 minutes of zany, fast paced adventure in which an adolescent blue hedgehog continually cracks jokes and makes pop culture references. It doesn't gesture at any grand themes other than the typical kids movie lesson that family and friends are important and that if you can, you should try to save the world from utter destruction. But of course, Sonic's race won't end with this film. An end credits scene introduces another colorful friend who will launch Sonic and the gang into their next fast paced adventure. I'm Colin Garbarino.

[John Stonestreet]

Can you feel life moving through your mind? Looks like it came back for more. Yeah.

[Nick Eicher]

Slipping down your spine.

[Myrna Brown]

Next up on the world and everything in it. Wordplay for December. The word paradox means a seemingly absurd or contradictory statement that, when explained, proves to be true. World commentator George Grant describes that word in his unique way.

[Colin Garbarino]

A paradox is the art of combining seemingly contradictory propositions to declare a profound yet overlooked truth. It is a statement that seems to be opposed to common sense and yet is uncommonly true. Its purpose is to reveal the wonder of truths that have been hidden from view. The word comes to us from the Greek paradoxos, an adjective meaning contrary to expectation, combining the prefix para, meaning beyond, with the verb dien, meaning to think. Carl Sandberg declared that paradox is the secret doorway to truth. It is most often used to startle us, to awaken us, to stir afresh our sense of wonder in a world where the most extraordinary things are the most common, mundane and ordinary things. The engineering of elbows and knees, a baby's laugh, a puppy's breath, the morning fog, the smell of bacon, old love, the foolishness of worldly wisdom, the power of a simple word of encouragement, and the peeling of church bells on a Lord's day morn. The world is full of incongruous juxtapositions that point to a deeper, an enduring truth. Paradoxes abound in the Bible. The first shall be last, and the last shall be first. He who loves his life shall lose it. He who humbles himself shall be exalted. Blessed is the meek, for he shall inherit the earth. We are called to be in the world, but not of it. We're called to delight in weakness, in insults, in hardships and persecutions, and in difficulties. For when we are weak, only then are we strong. GK Chesterton has been called the Prince of Paradox. He was a prolific 20th century journalist, novelist, poet and reformer. Widely recognized as one of the most epigrammatic prose stylists in the entire literary canon. He was one of the Chief inspirations for C.S. lewis, J.R.R. tolkien, T.S. eliot, Dorothy Sayers and a host of other writer according to Google stats. Next to Shakespeare, he is the most frequently quoted writer in the English language. And the reason is simple. In nearly every paragraph he wrote was a jaw dropping paradox that left readers shaking their heads in bemusement and wonder. For instance, he asserted, we do not live in the best of all possible worlds. Instead it is the best of all impossible worlds. After all, our existence and the existence of everything we see is an astonishing miracle. He quipped, it takes a big man to know how small he is. At the same time, he observed, pride is the sin of a small man who thinks he is big. He said, if a thing is worth doing, it is worth doing badly, meaning that if a thing is worth doing, it is simply worth doing. Maisie Ward, Chesterton's biographer and friend, asserted, some men are most moved to reform by hate, but Chesterton was most moved by love. And nowhere does that love shine more clearly than in all that he wrote about Christmas. Indeed, Christmas reveals the greatest and most remarkable paradox of all. He who was infinite was yet an infant. He who was eternal was yet born of a woman. He who was almighty was yet nursing at his mother's breast. He who was upholding the universe was yet carried in his mother's arms. Thus Chesterton exclaimed, outrushing, the depth of the fall of man is the height of the fall of God. Glory to God in the lowest. This Yuletide season may we all exult in the wondrous paradox of the Incarnation. Merry Christmas. I'm George Grant.

[Myrna Brown]

Today is Friday, December 20th. Good morning. This is the World and everything in it from listener supported World Radio, I'm Myrna Brown.

[Nick Eicher]

And I'm Nick Eicher. This Sunday marks the fourth and final week of Advent. As Christians around the world remember and prepare for the coming of Christ. World correspondent Bonnie Pritchett has been our guide through the music of Advent, and we hope these pieces have enriched your own reflections this season.

[G]

The tension between waiting for Christ to come while pleading for him to do so reverberates in this antipathy piece called A Radiant Dawn, British composer Sir James MacMillan drew from Isaiah's prophecy for the brief 10 lines of text sung here by Apollo 5. Those few words are powerfully conveyed along dissonant chords that resolve in one final hopeful word. Have we learned from those who first heard his promise? Do we wait on God faithfully, expectantly, impatiently?

[John Stonestreet]

We wait for a story, a a stillness, a candle, a light.

[G]

Songwriter Sarah Groze recorded We wait in 2019. The rhythm drives a lyrical list of what tests our impatience. But that changes when she sings about what we long for and what only God can provide in his time.

[George Grant]

We wait for you.

[John Stonestreet]

This month of endless night Prepare you for making all things right. We wait.

[G]

In the opening line of Come Thou long Expected Jesus, prolific hermit writer Charles Wesley basically says, we've been waiting for so long, Waiting to be set free. Free from fear, free from sin. We need rest.

[John Stonestreet]

Come thou Jesus, born to set Thy people free.

[G]

The band the Future of Forestry created this version of Wesley's hymn in 2019, again making music as much a part of the storytelling as the lyrics. Wesley's hymn continues this hopeful plea in the second verse by addressing the one who made and will keep his promises.

[John Stonestreet]

Israel, strength, consolation. Above all the earth, full world.

[G]

I'm Bonnie Pritchett.

[Myrna Brown]

Bonnie will be back on Christmas Day with one more musical offering celebrating the birth of Christ. We've added today's songs in our Spotify playlist for you to enjoy. We've included the link to that in Today's [e-mail] podcasts.

[Nick Eicher]

All right, time now to say thank you to the team members who helped to put the program together this week. Mary Reichert, David Bonson, Caleb Welde, Josh Schumacher, Kim Henderson, Andrew Bells, Carolina Lumeta, Onise Adua, Mary Munsey, Ray Hacke, Lindsay Mast, Cal Thomas, John Stonestreet, Colin Garbarino, George Grant and Bonnie Pritchett. Thanks also to our breaking news team, Kent Covington, Mark Mellinger, Lindy Langdon, Travis Kercher, Lauren Canterbury and Christina Grube. And thanks to the guys who stay up late to get the program to you early. Jonny Franklin and Carl Peets.

[Myrna Brown]

Our producers are Paul Butler, Kristin Flavin and Harrison Waters, with assistance from Lauren Dunn and Ben Jeiker. The world and everything in it comes to you from World Radio World's Mission. Wisdom is biblically objective journalism that informs, educates and inspires. The Bible says the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom and the knowledge of the Holy One is insight. Verse 10 of Proverbs 9. Be sure and worship with your brothers and sisters in Christ in church on the Lord's Day. And Lord willing, we'll meet you right back here on Monday. Go now in grace and peace.