Thursday links (Wednesday edition)

Christmas is a celebration of the unexpected, and there has been much of that around the web this week.

• I wrote about this [1] very surprising (and, to some Catholics, offensive) image [2] that was on display in Auckland, New Zealand before protestors defaced it with brown paint.
• Watching a space shuttle launch [3] from the air is so cool. (Warning: video includes some salty languge) [via HuffPo [4]]
• L'Osservatore Romano gives kudos [5] to the Simpsons, congratulating the show on their 20th anniversary.
• Do poker-playing priests surprise you? What about a poker-winning priest [6]?
• The supposed War on Christmas [7] hasn't received nearly as much attention this year as in the past. What I'm wondering is why no one is advocating for the Christmas greeting, "Mary Jesus."

From our own pages:

• We decorated and made a video [8]! It's no live stream with a Gregorian chant soundtrack [9], but it has the Charlie Brown Christmas song and some magic.
• Bryan has stirred up a lot of folks [10] with his blog post on Deal Hudson's allegations that Catholics who support health care reform are "fake."
• Advent is nearly over so be sure to check out  Advent Special Section [11].  
• Are the holidays ironically less peaceful for your family? You're not alone. [12]

Photo by Dr. Hemmert [13]