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

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. 

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.”

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.

“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)

Three Americans were killed in Syria Saturday.

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.

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.

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.

“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)

For millions of kids around the world, accessing a Bible isn’t as simple as grabbing one off a shelf or walking into a church. Persecution, isolation, and closed doors make it nearly impossible. That’s why digital missions matter so much. 

OneHope is bringing God’s Word to young people in the only place some of them can encounter it—online. Through films, mobile apps, and programs like What If It’s True?, seekers are safely guided to Scripture, mentors, and—where possible—a local church. 

BE DOERS
Join us in supporting OneHope’s digital mission to bring the hope of the gospel to young people. Together, we can be a light in the darkness.

Every $1 reaches three young people with the gospel… and this week, The Pour Over is matching the first $4,000 given through this link.

“Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.”
Matthew 25:40 (CSB) (read full passage)

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‘Tis the season for college football fans.

Fernando Mendoza became Indiana’s first Heisman Trophy winner, headlining a busy sports weekend. “Heis-Mendoza’s” victory continued a magical season for the Hoosiers, who transformed from Big Ten bottom dwellers into a national powerhouse, entering the College Football Playoff as the undefeated No. 1 seed. 

Meanwhile, the 126th Army-Navy game ended with a second half comeback by the Midshipmen, keeping the Commander-in-Chief trophy in Annapolis, and Bowl season kicked off Saturday. There are 47 bowl games lined up (see them all) before the national champion is crowned January 19 in Miami.

In hardwood news, San Antonio Spurs phenom Victor Wembanyama returned from a monthlong absence to hand the OKC Thunder just their second loss of the season, advancing the Spurs to Tuesday’s Emirates NBA Cup Final against the Knicks. 

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Verse to consider whether your team wins, loses, or you’d rather watch “Home Alone” for the 35th consecutive year…“Rejoice always, pray constantly, give thanks in everything; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” 
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 (CSB) (read full passage)

Record flooding forced 100,000 Washingtonians to evacuate late last week. Governor Bob Ferguson (D) urged residents to leave the Skagit Valley—between Seattle and Canada—as heavy rains flooded multiple rivers, triggering mudslides and putting dams and levees under stress. No deaths have been reported. As another storm approaches, President Trump has approved an emergency declaration for financial aid.

More Epstein photos went public on Friday. House Democrats published 19 images from a trove of over 95,000 photos obtained from Epstein’s estate. Included were photos of President Trump, former President Clinton, former Prince Andrew, and Bill Gates, among other high-profile figures. The White House accused Democrats of “selectively releasing cherry-picked photos” to create a “false narrative.”

Israel killed Ra’ad Sa’ad, a top Hamas commander who planned the October 7 attack, in a strike on Gaza City over the weekend. Hamas leader Khalil al-Hayya confirmed Sa’ad’s death in a speech yesterday. He also reaffirmed that Hamas wants a ceasefire but rejected two key terms of President Trump’s U.N.-adopted peace plan: Hamas’ disarmament and Gaza peacekeeping forces.

The suspect accused of killing Charlie Kirk made his first in-person court appearance on Thursday. Prosecutors say the killing was targeted; defense attorneys have not yet entered a plea. The 22-year-old could face the death penalty if convicted of aggravated murder. The mostly closed-session hearing focused largely on media access and courtroom security amid heavy public attention.

Belarus released 123 prisoners on Saturday, including opposition figures, journalists, Ukrainian POWs, and human rights activist Ales Bialiatski—winner of the 2023 Nobel Peace Prize. In exchange, the U.S. is lifting sanctions on potash (Belarus’s key mineral export, not a potato bake). Meanwhile, in Iran, rights groups are condemning the re-arrest of another Nobel Peace laureate, women’s rights advocate Narges Mohammadi.

The winners of Nikon’s 2025 Comedy Wildlife Photo Awards…

What We’re Sippin’
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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.)

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