John Madden was football. He made the sport and his namesake video games what they are today. He died at age 85. There was a spiritual side to the loud commentator. As a coach Madden attended mass regularly. On the day of his death, the NFL family remembers him and even Our Lady Of Perpetual Help School mourns the loss of their famous graduate:

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IOC

The Olympic movement mourns the death of Archbishop Emeritus of Cape Town – and the 1984 Nobel Peace laureate – Desmond Mpilo Tutu. Tutu was one of the leaders of the candidature of Cape Town for the 2004 Olympic Games. In 2002, he was a bearer of the Olympic flag in. He also took part in the flame-lighting ceremony for the Olympic Games Athens 2004 in Ancient Olympia.

The Anglican Church of South Africa prayerfully remembers Tutu by the epitaph he once chose for himself:

He laughed,

He cried,

He loved.

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Everything looked easy when the NBA first published their plans for Christmas. They were going to play a beautiful schedule. Just like Mary and Joseph planned their trip to Bethlehem, but then… the NBA has to plan contingency after contingency with COVID outbreaks all over the league. Just like Mary and Joseph who couldn’t find a room in an inn.

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The Packers will face the pandemic-ridden Browns on Christmas Day. Green Bay has a solid history for holiday successes. The Browns are down:

Miracles do happen, but the football gods would have to do some heavy lifting to make up for knocking out a third of the team with COVID-19 before an almost must-win game against an AFC opponent.

By Mary Kay Cabot, cleveland.com

In preparation for their Christmas Day game, the Cardinals are making charity headlines.

The opposing Colts put their effort in XMAS merch:

From the Colts team store

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UFC Vegas 45 is in the books. After raising his arms in victory, Belal Muhammad drops to his knees in praise to Allah:

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Surfaceuses

Beginning in 1972, the NHL no longer scheduled games on Christmas (one year after that, it also stopped playing on Christmas Eve).

The National Hockey League announced today that, due to concern for a rising number of positive cases as well as the potential for continued COVID spread in the coming days, the Boston Bruins’ and Nashville Predators’ games will be postponed at least through the scheduled completion of the League’s Holiday Break in the schedule on Dec. 26.

Additionally, due to a number of Toronto and Vancouver Players entering COVID protocol over the past two days, tonight’s Toronto-Vancouver game and tomorrow’s Arizona-Vancouver and Toronto-Seattle games have been postponed.

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The Utah Jazz have a great home court advantage, thanks to Mormon cultural support. Today’s announcement strengthens those ties. Danny Ainge is a leader both in Church and Hoops. His tagline on Twitter is a quote from the Book of Mormon which speaks to love and humility:

“I know that he loveth his children; nevertheless, I do not know the meaning of all things.”

1 Nephi 11:17

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A mother’s prayer

Max Verstappen secured the Formula 1 world championship. Like so many times, his mom lit a candle on his behalf before the big race. The Light of the World for the F1 Champion.

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Chag Sameach to our readers! Check out our social media to see how professional sports teams commemorate the Jewish Festival of Lights. The Orlando Magic even hosted their local Chana’s Chapter to celebrate Chanukah Night at the Amway Center! They shared the spirit of Chanukah throughout the night with a pregame-concert, Chanukah Performances and in-game interactions!

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