#ourCOG Daily Brief [December 28, 2025]

Good evening, and welcome to #ourCOG Daily Brief for December 28, 2025.

While we don’t have specific U.S. news updates in this brief, our focus shifts to significant developments across the globe. In the Middle East, our correspondent Taylor Luck offers a nuanced view, observing a focus on home, healing, and even a renewed sense of hope despite the ongoing complexities of the war in Gaza and the evolving situation in Syria. Turning to Ukraine, there’s a mix of discouragement over persistent corruption, yet a glimmer of encouragement as the nation’s anti-corruption bodies are proving strong enough to challenge even powerful figures. And near the front lines in Kramatorsk, an ‘Aquarium of Amazing Fishes’ offers a unique refuge, providing a sanctuary for both children and soldiers to momentarily escape the harsh realities of war.

Looking at our video lineup, today featured important broadcasts including ‘Sunday Service,’ ‘Sundays at 9:30 AM & 11:30 AM EST,’ ‘citylife church,’ ‘Dallas Church of God Livestream,’ and the ‘Princeton Church Live Stream from December 28, 2025.’

From our FaithNews RSS feed, we have the latest four headlines for you: ‘Smith Honored with Spirit of Azusa Award,’ ‘More Americans Embrace ‘Animal Gifting’ This Christmas,’ ‘Foundation Announces Partnership to Support Military Families in Need,’ and ‘Church of God Publications Releases 75th Anniversary Edition “Red Back Hymnal.”’

In prophecy news, looking ahead to 2026, we’re reminded of top astronomical events on the horizon, following a remarkable 2025 with a steady parade of comets. Recent reports highlight Israel’s recognition of Somaliland as a sovereign state, a move framed within the spirit of the Abraham Accords, alongside news of SBA fraud in Minnesota. Christmas was celebrated peacefully across various Middle Eastern Christian communities, though regional tensions persist with reports of Israel neutralizing an Iranian terrorist in Lebanon. Finally, concerns over Iran’s ongoing conflict with the U.S. continue to be a focus.

And finally, in Jewish history, looking at December 29th, we remember the year 584 BCE when Babylonian King Nebuchadnezzar began his siege of Jerusalem, ultimately leading to the destruction of the first Temple – an event commemorated by the fast of the Tenth of Tevet. Also on this day in 1170, Thomas Becket, Archbishop of Canterbury, was assassinated. Interestingly, his era under King Henry II was a relatively positive period for the Jews of England, as the King’s authority often superseded that of the Church.