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ICYMI, it’s 2026. 

Wednesday night, skies lit up around the world with massive fireworks and drone displays (see some of the highlights). In Times Square, revelers rang in 2026 and kicked off America’s 250th birthday (see the ball drop, then turn red, white, and blue). After rumors of a second New Year’s ball drop circulated, Times Square clarified that Americans would have to wait ‘til Uncle Sam’s actual b-day for the crystal sphere’s second descent. 

Meanwhile, 2026 started on a somber note in Switzerland, where roughly 40 people were killed and 115 were injured in a fire at a ski resort. The blaze ignited around 1:30 a.m. during a crowded New Year’s party at a bar in the resort town of Crans-Montana. The fire’s cause remains unknown, but authorities are not currently investigating it as an attack. 

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PRAY WITH US
As we usher in a new year with both rejoicing and mourning, we remember that darkness is real, but it does not win. Join us in praying for the injured and the families of those who lost their lives.

God of peace, comfort those who are mourning. God of healing, help those who are injured. God of wisdom, guide investigators. God of restoration, bring your Kingdom here and renew our hope and joy. Though sorrows persist today, one day we will see mountains low and valleys high, crooked ways made straight, and brokenness restored. Until that day, we hold onto these promises with joy. Make us vessels of hope in a world of fear. Amen.

This prayer is adapted from our new newsletter, Praying the News. Click here to get more reflection and a prayer in your inbox.

Four of college football’s most iconic bowl games sealed the College Football Playoff semifinals this week.

Wednesday night, the quarterfinals kicked off with No. 10 Miami pulling the biggest upset in CFP history with a 24-14 win over reigning national champ No. 2 Ohio State in the Cotton Bowl. 

Then, yesterday brought a tripleheader—starting with a showdown between No. 4 Texas Tech and No. 5 Oregon in the Orange Bowl… the Ducks took the W, 23-0. Next, No. 1 Indiana kept their undefeated record, stomping No. 9 Alabama 38-3. And last night, No. 3 Georgia met No. 6 Ole Miss for a rematch in the Sugar Bowl, where the Rebels got their revenge on the Bulldogs, 39-34.

The semifinals will be hosted by the Peach Bowl (Atlanta) and the Fiesta Bowl (Glendale) next Thursday and Friday.
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CHRISTIAN PERSPECTIVE
Sure, it’s “just a game,” but sports are an opportunity to experience camaraderie with fellow fans and to enjoy the thrill of watching athletes do what God created them to do. As you watch athletes compete, thank God that He also made you to do beautiful things, and pray that you’d bring Him glory in all you do.

“For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared ahead of time for us to do.” 
Ephesians 2:10 (CSB) (read full passage)

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Uncle Sam’s on day two of his 2026 resolutions.

New laws took effect on January 1 across the country, including…

Newly not taking effect: a pair of bills that got the first vetoes of President Trump’s second term. A unanimously passed Colorado pipeline project got #47’s Trump card because it’s “expensive and unreliable,” and a bipartisan bill benefiting a Florida Everglades native tribe went unsigned over the tribe’s immigration policies.

Critics say Trump used the vetoes to target his political rivals.

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Verse to consider whether you love or hate your state’s new laws… “For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people, instructing us to deny godlessness and worldly lusts and to live in a sensible, righteous, and godly way in the present age, while we wait for the blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ. He gave himself for us to redeem us from all lawlessness and to cleanse for himself a people for his own possession, eager to do good works.”
Titus 2:11-14 (CSB) (read full passage)

The Health Department wants childcare centers to show their work. Following allegations of rampant daycare fraud in Minnesota and a social media post Tuesday saying Minnesota’s childcare funding was frozen, HHS clarified Wednesday that centers suspected of fraud in all states must provide additional “administrative data” to continue receiving funding. Critics say the extra paperwork puts families at risk of losing childcare.

Congress rang in the New Year by releasing former special counsel Jack Smith’s closed-door testimony, including a 255-page transcript of the December 17 deposition. Smith says his team “developed powerful evidence” that then-former-President Trump illegally retained classified documents and engaged in a criminal scheme to overturn the 2020 election. Trump pleaded not guilty in both cases, asserting they were politically motivated.

Protests are spreading across Iran as its economic crisis worsens. Demonstrations began Sunday when the rial (Iran’s currency) hit a record low and shopkeepers in Tehran went on strike. Protests swelled, and at least three people died in violent clashes with security forces on Thursday. Iran has replaced its central bank governor and promised “to resolve the problems and act responsibly.”

President Trump is withdrawing the National Guard from some U.S. cities. On Wednesday, #47 said he’s ending his push to deploy the Guard in Chicago, Los Angeles, and Portland… for now. He vowed to send them back to Democrat-led cities “when crime begins to soar again—only a question of time.” Many troops had already left following court rulings blocking their deployment.

Stocks had a solid 2025. The S&P 500 closed the year up 16.4%, even after a slight dip on the final day of trading, as investors embraced the optimism surrounding AI and its profit-boosting potential for companies. The tech-heavy Nasdaq rose 20.4% over the year, and the Dow Jones posted double-digit gains of 13%.

2026 goals: Be more like Jesus... and maybe this pigeon.

What We’re Sippin’
LMNT Chocolate Salt*

Arguably, the best part of any chilly day? Warming up with a steaming mug of something delicious. 

Soon to be steaming in your mug this chilly season: LMNT’s Chocolate Salt and Chocolate Caramel. They’re choc-full of perfectly balanced electrolytes—sodium, magnesium, and potassium—to keep you toasty and hydrated… without any sugar or other ingredients that make you shiver. 

Just stir a pack into hot water for instant hot cocoa vibes. (Pro tip: throw in a splash of cream for an extra—you guessed it—creamy treat.)

TPO readers get eight single-serve packs free with any purchase!

How We’re Feeling about Studying Scripture
Waaay less overwhelmed, thanks to QAVA*

It’s that time of year when Christians get excited about studying the Bible more intentionally, but turning those good intentions into faith-growing habits can be tough. 

The Bible can be overwhelming. Often, we’re not even sure where to start. 

You could just flip to a random page and pray for the best… or you could try QAVA—a streaming service that helps you move from confusion to confidence. QAVA provides trustworthy, Bible-based teaching that’s accessible, clear, and captivating. Think: deep dives into Scripture, documentaries, and conversations that lead to lasting spiritual growth. 

Stream for just $4.99 a month (plus a 7-day free trial) today!