#ourCOG Daily Brief [December 20, 2025]

Good evening, and welcome to #ourCOG Daily Brief for December 20, 2025.

In U.S. news today, the Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina, with over 55,000 members, has finally achieved federal recognition after decades of effort, a move that fulfills a campaign promise by President Trump and will open more government benefits. Security was also a key theme, as a foiled New Year’s Eve terror plot in Los Angeles underscored how a ‘mishmash’ of beliefs can fuel violence. We’re also learning that lawful permanent residents in cities like Boston are seeing their naturalization ceremonies canceled as the Trump administration reviews applicants from 19 countries identified as high security risks. Following a strike that killed three American troops in Syria, President Trump has threatened retaliation, raising questions about the future of the U.S.-Syria partnership. In Latin America, many in the Cuban diaspora are welcoming the Trump administration’s shift towards more military action, finding an anti-Castro ally in Senator Marco Rubio. Turning to world events, Russia struck a Ukrainian port in Odesa even as peace negotiations continued in the U.S., with the Kremlin sending an envoy to discuss the Trump administration’s proposed peace plan. European Union leaders, meanwhile, have agreed to provide $106 billion to support Ukraine. We also saw how authoritarian leaders in Latin America, such as Venezuela’s Nicolás Maduro, are leaning into early Christmas celebrations, a tactic previously used by Hugo Chávez. Finally, a profound story out of Israel reveals that the long ordeal of hostages held in Hamas tunnels since October 7th has led to a rise in religious belief among Jewish Israelis, with many finding solace in faith.

Switching gears, our recent video offerings include the ‘Sunday Morning Service,’ a special message titled ‘KINGDOM CHRISTMAS | EMMANUEL GOD WITH US | MATTHEW 1:18-23,’ and ‘ISAIAH 7:14’ presented by Bishop Jason Garner. You can also revisit the ‘Sunday Service Live at Free Chapel with Pastor Jentezen Franklin’ from 9am.

In FaithNews, we bring you several heartwarming and significant developments. Smith was honored with the Spirit of Azusa Award, while more Americans are embracing ‘Animal Gifting’ this Christmas. A new foundation partnership aims to support military families in need, and Church of God Publications has released a 75th Anniversary Edition of the ‘Red Back Hymnal.’

Moving to prophecy news, the latest reports emphasize the profound truth that God is in control, even when we feel otherwise, a powerful realization noted during a recent trip to D.C. In other developments, the Trump administration has imposed sanctions on two more International Criminal Court judges for investigating Israeli officials, prompting the ICC to condemn this as a ‘flagrant attack’ on its independence. Meanwhile, the Mossad chief has warned that Iran still aims to destroy Israel and must be stopped from gaining nuclear weapons. Amidst rising attacks on Jews and anti-Israel protests worldwide, ICEJ USA has announced a ‘Christian Declaration Against Antisemitism,’ affirming that antisemitism is incompatible with biblical values and U.S. law.

Finally, in Jewish history, looking back at December 20th through the centuries, we note several pivotal moments. In 69 CE, General Vespasianus, who had been leading the effort to quell the Great Revolt in Judea, seized power in Rome on the same day Emperor Vitellius was murdered. Vespasian’s son, Titus, would go on to destroy the Temple in 70 CE, but before leaving for Rome, Vespasian gave permission for the establishment of the scholarly community at Yavneh. Fast forward to 629 CE, the reign of King Chintilla ended; he had effectively banned Jews from living in Spain by decreeing that only Catholics could reside there. And in 1192 CE, Richard the Lionhearted was captured in Vienna while returning home after the Third Crusade.