#ourCOG Daily Brief [December 27, 2025]

Good evening, and welcome to #ourCOG Daily Brief for December 27, 2025.

Stateside, a journalist found his most joyful assignment covering the influence of studying abroad on Black men in Japan, even as U.S. colleges grappled with funding disputes. The Trump administration is intensifying its stance on Venezuela with a blockade against oil tankers, signaling broader objectives beyond the narcotics trade. Political discussions are heating up for 2028, with Turning Point USA endorsing Vice President JD Vance amidst President Trump’s own hints at a potential third term. On a significant note, the Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina has finally achieved federal recognition after decades, opening new government benefits for its over 55,000 members and fulfilling a campaign promise. And concerning domestic security, a thwarted New Year’s Eve terror plot in Los Angeles highlights how politically-motivated violence can stem from a diverse ‘mishmash’ of beliefs, not a single ideology. Internationally, our correspondent in the Middle East reports on a renewed focus on home, healing, and hope across the region, despite the ongoing challenges. In Ukraine, citizens are both discouraged by lingering corruption and encouraged by strong anti-corruption efforts, while near the front lines, an “Aquarium of Amazing Fishes” offers a unique refuge for both children and soldiers, allowing them to momentarily dream of worlds beyond war.

And now, a look at some of our recent video content: You can catch ‘Remarriage Doesn’t Stop God From Using You #shorts #marriage #hope,’ our ‘Dallas Church of God Livestream,’ and ‘Kids are NOT perfect #shorts #parenting #pastor.’

From our FaithNews feed, we have several updates: Smith has been honored with the Spirit of Azusa Award, more Americans embraced ‘Animal Gifting’ this Christmas, a foundation announced a partnership to support military families in need, and Church of God Publications released a 75th Anniversary Edition of the ‘Red Back Hymnal.’

Turning to prophecy news, December 27th saw Israel becoming the first nation to recognize Somaliland as a sovereign state, establishing diplomatic relations in what is being described as being in the spirit of the Abraham Accords. On December 26th, Christmas was peacefully celebrated by Christian communities across the Middle East, though the Israeli army did kill a high-ranking Iranian force member in Lebanon. Just prior to that, on December 25th, reports indicate Iran is opening a new front in its long-running conflict with the United States. And on December 24th, California braced for a second atmospheric river, bringing significant flood risks and mudslides to the state.

Finally, in Jewish history, looking back to December 27th, 175 BCE, we mark the completion of the Septuagint translation of the Bible into the Greek language. Legend has it that 72 sages, each isolated, produced identical translations, a miraculous feat! However, historical accounts confirm the Septuagint and the Tanach are not precisely the same. This translation was viewed in different ways: some saw it positively, as a sign of Greek intellectual interest in Jewish thought, while others considered it a necessity due to the dwindling knowledge of Hebrew among the Jews of Alexandria.