#ourCOG Daily Brief [December 13, 2025]

Good evening, and welcome to #ourCOG Daily Brief for December 13, 2025.

First up, in today’s headlines, we’re seeing continued fallout from the 2020 election, with Wisconsin potentially becoming the first state to try figures involved in the “fake electors” scheme. Domestically, inflation continues to plague voters, now weighing on President Trump’s economic approval, a challenge that previously impacted Joe Biden. In Texas, a significant Senate race is shaping up, highlighting a divide between moderates and more hardline candidates in both parties, following recent redistricting. On a social note, new data reveals that only 2% of U.S. students studying abroad are Black men, raising questions about access to life-changing opportunities. And five years on, the issue of pandemic aid fraud remains in the spotlight, with high-profile cases like one in Minnesota underscoring a lack of safeguards and the ongoing toll on taxpayer dollars. Globally, Disney’s “Zootopia 2” is breaking box-office records in China, proving a massive success. Meanwhile, Senegal is demonstrating its independence from former colonial ruler France, challenging its citizens to embrace local products and culture. And France itself is considering a shift, weighing an end to its four-day school week, a move that highlights evolving academic priorities compared to the U.S.

In our video updates, we’ve recently featured inspirational messages like “KINGDOM CHRISTMAS | EMMANUEL GOD WITH US | MATTHEW 1:18-23, ISAIAH 7:14” from Bishop Jason Garner. We also enjoyed “Praise and Worship – November 30, 2025,” and a powerful message titled “The Best Gifts Come Wrapped In Flesh.”

From our FaithNews RSS feed, we’ve learned that Smith was recently honored with the Spirit of Azusa Award. A growing trend this Christmas season sees more Americans embracing ‘Animal Gifting.’ We also have news of a Foundation announcing a new partnership designed to support military families in need, and Church of God Publications has released a special 75th Anniversary Edition of the beloved “Red Back Hymnal.”

Shifting to prophecy news, recent events include a heated debate between Elon Musk and California Governor Gavin Newsom on X, with Musk firing back at Newsom over “trans kids” and the “evil woke mind virus.” This comes as Florida takes legal action against top medical groups for what it calls the “reprehensible” promotion of child “gender transitions.” In other news, pro-life leaders are calling for the firing of FDA chief Marty Makary amidst accusations he’s delaying an abortion pill review. And interestingly, for the first time, the United States has been identified as part of the threat picture against Denmark, according to a report from their military intelligence service.

Finally, in Jewish history, looking back at December 13th, we note several significant events. In 522 BCE, Darius I, the Persian monarch who later allowed the rebuilding of the Temple in Jerusalem, solidified his power by defeating Nebuchadnezzar III. Just a few years later, in 519 BCE, some sources indicate that the foundations for the Second Temple were laid, a project supported by the prophets Haggai and Zachariah. Fast forward to 1124, and we mark the end of Pope Callixtus II’s papacy, a period during which he issued an updated version of the papal bull “Sicut Judaeis,” emphasizing the protection of European Jews following the persecutions of the First Crusade. And in 1250, Holy Roman Emperor Frederick II passed away, having notably issued protective decrees for Jews during his reign.