Just sharing.

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Shootings​

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Authorities are investigating mass shootings in Australia and the United States. ​

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In Sydney, Australia, at least 16 people were killed, and over 40 were injured in a terrorist attack at Bondi Beach. Two suspected gunmen—one who was killed and another in critical condition—were reportedly targeting the 1,000+ Jews gathered for a public Hanukkah celebration. Police also found and removed explosives from a nearby vehicle. ​

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Some Aussie officials called the attack “entirely foreseeable,” citing a rise in antisemitism since the Israel-Hamas War. Australia’s Prime Minister condemned the “act of evil.”​

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Separately, a lone gunman opened fire inside an engineering building at Brown University in Rhode Island, killing at least two students and injuring nine others on Saturday. The suspected shooter was taken into custody yesterday morning, ending an overnight manhunt. A motive hasn’t yet been determined.​

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PRAY WITH US
Eternal Father, draw near to Australia and Rhode Island with comfort for those who are mourning. Mighty God, heal the critically wounded and traumatized. Wonderful Counselor, give governments wisdom to respond and bring justice. Prince of Peace, hasten the coming of your Kingdom, where hatreds cease, and tears are no more. Amen.​

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“The people walking in darkness have seen a great light… For a child will be born for us, a son will be given to us, and the government will be on his shoulders. He will be named Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace. The dominion will be vast, and its prosperity will never end.”
Isaiah 9:2, 6-7 (CSB) (read full passage)​

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Syria Attack​

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Three Americans were killed in Syria Saturday.​

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The killed—two Iowa Army National Guard soldiers and a civilian interpreter, whose names have not been publicly released—were ambushed near Palmyra during a key leader engagement as part of counter-ISIS operations. Three other Iowa Guard members were wounded and airlifted to a nearby garrison; two Syrian service personnel were also injured.​

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U.S. Central Command said the attack was carried out by a lone Islamic State-linked gunman, who was engaged and killed by partner forces. President Trump vowed “very serious retaliation” against ISIS.​

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The U.S. maintains about 1,000 troops in Syria as part of ongoing anti-ISIS efforts. After the fall of longtime dictator Bashar al-Assad last year, Syria’s new government pledged to work with the U.S.-led coalition to counter the group.​

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ETERNAL PERSPECTIVE
We live in a world marred by sin. Even as we work to promote accountability and redemption here on earth, we can rest in the knowledge that a day is coming when sin will be impossible and regret a distant memory.​

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“I lift my eyes toward the mountains. Where will my help come from? My help comes from the LORD, the Maker of heaven and earth.”
Psalm 121:1-2 (CSB) (read full passage)​

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Persons of Interest​

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Providence and Sydney are still reeling from weekend shootings.​

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The manhunt continues for the gunman who killed two students and injured nine others Saturday at Brown University. Police took a person of interest into custody Sunday morning but later released him; the FBI is offering a $50,000 reward for information about a 5’8” man “with a stocky build” (see the wanted poster).​

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In Australia, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese says ISIS ideology motivated the father-son shooters who killed 15 people at a Bondi Beach Hanukkah celebration Sunday morning. The “meticulous, calculated, cold-blooded attack” was the country’s largest mass shooting in nearly three decades. ​

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Ahmed al Ahmed, a 43-year-old local fruit shop owner, is being praised for his bravery after video showed him tackling and disarming one of the shooters (watch the heroic-but-scary moment here). Ahmed was injured but is recovering well.​

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(Want to process how you can talk about this violence with the kids in your life? Sign up here to get Decaf: The Pour Over for Families in your inbox tomorrow!)

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PRAY WITH US
The hope of resurrection doesn’t mean we don’t grieve real tragedies like these shootings, but it does mean that death won’t have the final word. Pray for the injured and the families of those lost, that they would turn to Christ for healing, comfort, and hope.​

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“O Lord… be merciful to those now wounded. Be present with those now bereaved… Your heart is always inclined toward those who suffer. Now let your mercies be active through the hands, the words, and the compassionate care of those who willingly enter this sadness to console and to serve.”
Every Moment Holy, page 149 of Volume 2 ​

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Reiner Family Tragedy​

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Hollywood hitmaker Rob Reiner, 78, and his wife Michele Singer Reiner, 68, were found dead on Sunday.​

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The couple was reportedly stabbed to death in their Brentwood home Saturday night, after Reiner got in a heated exchange with his 32-year-old son Nick at Conan O’Brien’s holiday party. Nick, who has a history of drug addiction and mental health struggles, has been charged with two counts of murder and is being held without bail.​

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Tributes have poured in for Reiner, who won Emmys for his acting in “All in the Family,” and directed classics like “A Few Good Men,” “When Harry Met Sally…,” and “The Princess Bride.” His wife, Michele, was a Hollywood photographer and producer. ​

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President Trump sparked bipartisan criticism for posting that Reiner, an outspoken liberal activist and Trump critic, died as a result of “Trump Derangement Syndrome.”

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CHRISTIAN PERSPECTIVE
We’re reminded again that our world is marked by darkness and violence, and Christians are right to long for God’s Kingdom to come. As we wait with hope and rock-solid confidence, let’s share the light and peace of that Kingdom with everyone we encounter.​

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“He will wipe away every tear from their eyes. Death will be no more; grief, crying, and pain will be no more, because the previous things have passed away. Then the one seated on the throne said, “Look, I am making everything new.”
Revelation 21:4-5a (CSB) (read full passage)​

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Affordable Care Action​

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Healthcare costs are back in the House.​

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On Tuesday, four House Democrats joined 212 Republicans to pass the “Lower Health Care Premiums for All Americans Act.” ​

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The GOP-proposed package—which does not extend the Affordable Care Act subsidies set to expire on December 31—includes: ​

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• Expanded insurance options for small businesses and the self-employed,
• Industry reforms aimed at lowering prescription drug costs,
• And lower premiums for some ACA enrollees.

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The bill now faces a turbulent future in the Senate, where it needs at least seven Democratic “yays” to pass. ​

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Meanwhile, some Republicans are hopping the aisle to keep ACA subsidies from totally sunsetting and raising insurance premiums for millions of Americans. Ahead of Tuesday’s vote, four red representatives signed a Democratic-led petition to force a separate vote to extend the expiring tax credits. ​

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ABOVE ALL, LOVE
Whether or not your insurance premiums will be affected next year, Christians are called to rejoice with those who rejoice and to weep with those who weep. That means celebrating with those who benefit from these votes and showing love and compassion to those who don’t. ​

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“Let love be without hypocrisy. Detest evil; cling to what is good. Love one another deeply as brothers and sisters. Take the lead in honoring one another… Rejoice with those who rejoice; weep with those who weep. Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud; instead, associate with the humble. Do not be wise in your own estimation.”
Romans 12:9-10, 15-16 (CSB) (read full passage) ​

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For Unto Us A Child Is Born...​

Prophecy Fulfilled in the Person of Jesus of Nazareth


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The birthplace of Messiah would be the little village of Bethlehem

Prophecy:

"But thou, Bethlehem Ephratah, though thou be little among the thousands of Judah, yet out of thee shall he come forth unto me that is to be ruler in Israel; whose goings forth have been from of old, from everlasting."

Micah 5:2

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Fulfillment:

"Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem, Saying, Where is he that is born King of the Jews? For we have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him."

Matthew 2:1-2 (see also Luke 2:4-7, John 7:41,42)


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The promised Messiah would be rejected by His own people

Prophecy:

"He is despised and rejected of men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief: and we hid as it were our faces from him; he was despised, and we esteemed him not."

Isaiah 53:3




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Fulfillment:

"Which of the two do you want me to release to you?" asked the governor.

"Barabbas," they answered.

"What shall I do, then, with Jesus who is called Christ?" Pilate asked.

They all answered, "Crucify him!"

"Why? What crime has he committed?" asked Pilate.

But they shouted all the louder, "Crucify him!"

Matthew 27:21-23 NIV

(see also Mark 15:9-15, Luke 23:18-21, John 1:11)


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We need a Savior because we are sinners,
and the wages of sin is death...

Thanks be unto God for his unspeakable gift:

Jesus Christ, the only begotten Son of God
is the object of our faith;
the only faith that saves is faith in Him.

 

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Healthcare Headlines​

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On Friday, nine more pharmaceutical companies joined the White House’s Most-Favored-Nation program, voluntarily lowering prices on Americans and promising to invest in U.S. manufacturing in exchange for avoiding President Trump’s planned pharmaceutical-specific tariffs.​

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The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is also making healthcare headlines.​

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Late Thursday, HHS announced a crackdown on transgender medical treatments for minors (puberty blockers, sex-transition surgery), barring any hospital providing the “sex-rejecting procedures” from Medicare or Medicaid programs. The American Academy of Pediatrics said “restrictions to gender-affirming care” are “not grounded in science.”​

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Meanwhile, HHS Secretary RFK Jr. is expected to announce an overhaul to the childhood vaccine schedule using Denmark as a model. The Danes recommend 11 vaccine doses targeting 10 diseases, while Uncle Sam currently recommends 72 doses targeting 18 diseases; U.S. medical groups have concerns.​

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Verse to consider whether you’re discussing healthcare or how to best cook a Christmas ham… “Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you should answer each person.”
Colossians 4:6 (CSB) (read full passage)​

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[td] One horrific act of violence followed another in the headlines this week, including Australia facing the deadliest terrorist attack in its history. ​ ​ [td] Gloom at first felt rather dissonant with the building Christmas cheer, but then I looked again at Immanuel’s story as told by Isaiah:​

[td] Cast your cares on Him now:​ ​ [td] [td] [td] Everlasting Father, thank You for the gift of Your Son, whom You gave to swallow up death forever.2 We are waiting for You to banish the darkness, waiting for You to wipe away tears. Come quickly, Lord Jesus! Immanuel, draw near to Australia with comfort for those who are mourning.3 Heal the critically wounded and terrorized, giving them and their loved ones hope for restoration and renewal. And restore and renew the suspected gunman Naveed, shining cleansing light into his deep darkness. Mighty God, deliver us in Your mercy from those who plan evil. Save the vulnerable from the strong who plot harm. Wonderful Counselor, give governments clarity and courage to respond to hatred with goodwill and prudence. Use them to bring justice, establish righteousness, serve their constituents, and protect their communities. Prince of Peace, quiet the anxious fear of those who were at Bondi Beach on Sunday. As they’re confronted with human brokenness and frailty, awaken them to their need for a Savior who will defeat the darkness and swallow up death forever. Hasten the coming of His Kingdom, where hatreds cease, and tears are no more. Amen.​

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“The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light;
those who dwelt in a land of deep darkness, on them has light shone…
For the yoke of his burden, and the staff for his shoulder,
the rod of his oppressor, you have broken as on the day of Midian…

For to us a child is born, to us a son is given;
and the government shall be upon his shoulder,
and his name shall be called
Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

Of the increase of his government and of peace there will be no end,
on the throne of David and over his kingdom, to establish it and to uphold it
with justice and with righteousness from this time forth and forevermore.
The zeal of the Lord of hosts will do this.”
Isaiah 9:2, 4, 6-7 (ESV)​

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Darkness is smack dab in the middle of the Christmas story, the very reason we desperately need the light of deliverance. And God’s solution to the violence and grief that’s swallowed up the weary world… is a baby.​

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If you’re feeling the weight of gloom and sorrow this season, you’re not doing Christmas wrong. It is to you, in your pains, that the Prince of Peace comes. The child is given to bear our griefs and carry our sorrows.1​

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On ICE​

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Uncle Sam’s diversity visa lottery is suspended until further notice. ​

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Secretary of Homeland Security Noem announced the pause Thursday, saying the “disastrous” program was used by the man accused of killing two Brown University students and an MIT professor. The program issues ~55,000 visas annually to countries with low rates of U.S. immigration, and issued a green card to the suspected shooter in 2017.​

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Authorities say that a big breakthrough in identifying and tracking the suspect came from a Reddit post; the user who posted the tip may be eligible for a $50,000 reward.​

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Meanwhile, a Wisconsin judge accused of helping a Mexican immigrant evade authorities was convicted of obstruction—a felony punishable by up to five years in prison—prompting state Republicans to call for the judge’s resignation. Advocacy groups say the case raises “serious constitutional questions.” ​

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ABOVE ALL, LOVE
Jesus showed compassion when people expected rejection, gentleness when people expected anger, and love when people expected hate. In all areas of life and discussion, be imitators of Christ. ​

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“By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”
Jesus in John 13:35 (CSB) (read full passage)​

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