SANDY KOZEL

The crew of the Apollo 8 (from left): Frank Borman, William Anders and James Lovell Jr. (AP Photo) 

 

Borman announced that the crew had a final message for
the people of Earth as each man took turns reading the 
first 10 verses of the book of Genesis from the Bible.

The Apollo 8 mission paved the way for Apollo 11, fulfilling
President John F. Kennedy’s goal of landing a man on the
moon before the end of the decade.

Apollo 8 command module in the Museum of
Science and Industry.

SANDY KOZEL

Premiered on this day in New York in 1946.

Although it was nominated for five Academy Awards, including
Best Picture, It’s a Wonderful Life initially received mixed
reviews and was unsuccessful at the box office.

It’s a Wonderful Life is now considered to be one of the greatest
films of all time and among the best Christmas films. It was one
of Stewart’s favorite films.  

        
        
        
        
       

First edition cover (1843).

On December 19, 1843, Charles Dickens’ classic story
“A Christmas Carol”was published.

"Marley’s Ghost", original illustration by John Leech
from the 1843 edition.

Charles John Huffam Dickens
(1812 – 1870)