We at Lake County Right to Life want to wish all of you a Blessed and Holy Christmas Season.   The Christmas Story resounds with an affirmation of life, beginning with the Angel Gabriel's announcement of the Savior's birth to a simple little Jewish girl named Mary who lived in Nazareth. Her humble and obedient "yes" to God's invitation to become the Mother of God reflects our own "yes" to defend Life. As the story continues, Mary with child travels with haste to the hill country of Judea, where Elizabeth feels her unborn son, John the Baptist, leap for joy in her womb. Later, Joseph and Mary travel to Bethlehem, where the Son of God is born in a humble stable. Choirs of angel's announce his birth, by singing peace on earth to men of good will. Although this story is about the "Good News' of our salvation, there is a parallel to be considered.  For although we usually think of Christmas as a time of good cheer, we often forget that there is another part of the story that is equally important.  For shortly after the Savior's birth, Joseph and Mary are forced to flee Herod who seeks the death of the Christ child.  King Herod, in a savage frenzy to destroy the newborn Christ child, murders countless numbers of innocents.  Today, King Herod is alive and well and sitting in the White House, and he is still seeking the death of innocents.  Herod seeking the death of the child is just as much a part of the Christmas story as the joyful birth of the babe in the manger.  We are involved in this same parallel today. Today, the media shows our President lighting the national Christmas tree and smiling beside his beaming wife and children, but we cannot forget that he has been the most pro-abortion president in history.  We cannot forget that back in Springfield, President Obama was the only state senator to speak out against providing protection to babies surviving late-term abortions.  Our "King Herod" has not let up-his recent efforts have included a push for all of us to pay for chemical abortions.  His administration excludes organizations working to protect victims of human trafficking if they refuse to refer clients for abortions. So, as we reflect this year on these parallels of the Christmas Story, let us re-commit ourselves to the issue of life, not just as a mental assent or a part-time hobby, but as a divine call. This is a time when we are all being called to live the Christmas message in a much deeper way than we may have in the past. Lake County Right to Life wishes you and your loved ones a Holy and Blessed Christmas and a Happy New Year.