#ourCOG Daily Brief [January 1, 2026]

Good evening, and welcome to #ourCOG Daily Brief for January 1, 2026.

Today in U.S. news, New York City celebrates a historic moment with Zohran Mamdani becoming its first Muslim mayor, a significant development for a community that faced intense surveillance after 9/11. President Donald Trump has marked a momentous and tumultuous first year, flexing his power and reshaping the federal bureaucracy, while also claiming that Ukraine and Russia are “closer than ever before” to a peace deal, even as Russia launched fresh attacks on Ukraine during President Zelenskyy’s visit to the U.S. Trump has also escalated the standoff with Venezuela by implementing a “blockade” against oil tankers, broadening U.S. objectives beyond the narcotics trade. Meanwhile, our education reporter found joy in Japan, exploring the influence of studying abroad on Black men, after a year covering funding clashes between U.S. colleges and the government. On the world stage, China has demonstrated remarkable innovation and resilience in 2025, despite U.S. sanctions and economic slowdowns, though concerns remain about some workers being left behind. Across the Middle East, a focus on home, healing, and restored hope is emerging, particularly in the wake of the war in Gaza and the unfolding new Syria.

In our latest video offerings, you can ring in the new year with “Happy New Year from Jonathan Vorce,” find inspiration in “How Joseph turned pain into purpose,” and begin your spiritual journey with the “Sacred Seasons 2026-21 days of Fasting & Prayer Daily Devotional (Day 1).”

From our FaithNews RSS feed, we learn that Smith has been honored with the Spirit of Azusa Award, more Americans embraced ‘Animal Gifting’ this Christmas, a new Foundation has announced a partnership to support military families in need, and Church of God Publications has released the 75th Anniversary Edition of the “Red Back Hymnal.”

Turning to prophecy news, clashes continue in Iran as protests enter their fourth consecutive day against a deteriorating economy and worsening living standards, with demonstrators clashing with security forces and even attacking a provincial governor’s office. In other developments, Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk expressed hope for peace in Ukraine within weeks, suggesting significant events have occurred to bring an end to the conflict. Culturally, some on the left have reacted strongly to posts asserting the true meaning of Christmas. Meanwhile, Israel has reportedly begun using its new Iron Beam air-defense laser system, capable of shooting down drones and missiles, as Russia’s Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov warned that European soldiers in Ukraine would become Russian targets.

And finally, in Jewish history, looking back to January 2nd, the year 438 saw a fascinating dichotomy unfold. Empress Eudocia, wife of Byzantine Emperor Theodosius II, who would eventually spend her final years in the Holy Land, allowed Jews to return to Jerusalem and pray at the Temple site. This was at the very same time her husband was enacting legislation aimed at excluding Jews from all political and military functions within his Empire. Eudocia, a pagan Greek aristocrat who converted to Christianity and was declared ‘Augusta’ by Theodosius, embarked on her first journey to Jerusalem that year, before being banished by her husband five years later.