“And you shall hear of wars and rumors of wars: see that you are not troubled: for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet. For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be famines, and pestilences, and earthquakes, in divers places. All these are the beginning of sorrows.”
Matthew 24:6-8
President Maduro’s Last Days in Charge
The Trump Administration’s war on drugs targeting Venezuela took several more steps towards a full blown war in December. The US confiscated two oil tankers after ordering a full blockade on tankers traveling to and from Venezuela. But why stop there? The US also bombed a suspected drug related facility on the Venezuelan mainland. This was in addition to the continued boat bombings which have now killed over 100 people.
Meanwhile, Russia and China pledged support for Venezuela drawing a deeper line in the sand between three of the world’s superpowers. That was December 2025, the month when Trump signed the annual defense policy bill totaling a staggering $901 Billion. It takes a lot of money to ‘defend’ a country by sending warships and airstrike teams to South America, Africa, Asia and the Middle East!
Of course, the South American region was thrown into further turmoil during the first few days of 2026 when the US physically removed Venezuelan President Maduro from his country. The US is bringing narco-terrorism charges against Maduro in the US. More on that next month, but in the meantime consider reviewing this very short booklet written in 1935 by US Major General Smedley Butler ‘War is a Racket.’
Next, take a look at this article on self-proclaimed peacemakers, a deep dive into the ‘Peace through Strength‘ theory. Pete Hegseth said on the day of the Venezuelan invasion ‘THIS is peace through strength‘ regarding the removal of Maduro. Is this what God wants from the people occupying the world He created? No!
“…they have seduced My people, saying, Peace; and there was no peace…”
Ezekiel 13:10
No Peace in the Middle East
Yemen
Saudi Arabia bombed a port city in Yemen this December. They were targeting an arms shipment from the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Yemen has been in a civil war for over ten years with adjacent countries supporting various factions. The targeted arms shipment, according to Saudi Arabia, was headed for a group of Yemeni separatists called the Southern Transitional Council (STC) seeking to restore South Yemen as an independent state. As neighboring countries align with different factions within Yemen, instability in the Red Sea Area has escalated.
A reported 20,000 Saudi-backed forces are now on the border of Yemen, a country that has already seen and estimated 377,000 people killed during the ongoing civil war. Why has Saudi Arabia built up so many forces at the border now? In the last month, STC has made ‘huge territorial gains’ in the oil-rich eastern region of Yemen.
Syria
One year ago in December 2024, Syrian President Bashar al-Assad’s government collapsed and Assad fled to Russia where he still resides. Following this regime change, multiple countries including the US, UK, Russia and Israel have increased efforts to influence control over the country. Israel’s occupation in southern Syria has notably increased over the last year. They have conducted over 1,000 airstrikes in Syria since the fall of Assad. Likewise, Russia has maintained military bases in Syria, but has also gained influence through fuel, food and infrastructure support.
Currently Ahmed al-Sharaa is in charge. President Trump met him back in May to ‘forge a new relationship‘ and again in November when Ahmed al-Sharaa visited the White House. This is a man who was previously called an Al Qaeda terrorist. But, this wasn’t just name-calling. Ahmed al-Sharaa was previously imprisoned in Abu Ghraib as part of the captured Iraqi insurgency.
So far, the new Syrian leader has supported US actions and presence in the country. Just under 1,000 US troops remain in Syria with the goal of fighting Islamist State terrorists.
The Syrian leadership has changed, but the violence continues. Eight people were killed when a mosque was bombed in December during Friday prayers. In addition, a raid by Israeli forces left 13 dead including women and children.
This past December three Americans were killed by Islamic State members. In retaliation, the US carried out strikes against 70 ISIS targets. Jordan also participated in the retaliatory strikes. Over 20 ISIS militants were captured or killed in raids leading up to the airstrikes. At least five more people were killed during the airstrikes. The Department of War Secretary Pete Hegseth had this to say:
“This is not the beginning of a war – It is a declaration of vengeance… The United States of America, under President Trump’s leadership, will never hesitate and never relent to defend our people.”
Pete Hegseth, US Secretary of War, December 2025
“Recompense to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight of all men. If it be possible, as much as lies in you, live peaceably with all men. Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord.”
Romans 12:17-19
Israel Wars
Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu made another trip to the US and met with President Trump at Mar-a-Lago. The meeting centered around how to move into the ‘second phase’ of the Gaza peace plan which is disarming Hamas. During a press conference with Netanyahu, Trump said Hamas will have ‘hell to pay’ if they do not disarm. How peaceful!
This video explores the conditions in Gaza that exist within the first phase of the Gaza cease fire.
In addition to the Gaza Peace Plan, relations with Lebanon and Iran were also part of the discussions. According to Trump, “I hear that Iran is trying to build up again, and if they are, we’re going to have to knock them down – we’ll knock them down, we’ll knock the hell out of them…”
Israel did in fact carry out several airstrikes in Lebanon. They continue to target suspected Hezbollah infrastructure such as launching sites. Israel has been attacking Lebanon ‘every four hours as ceasefire frays.’
Meanwhile, a Palestinian killed two people in northern Israel prompting the Israeli government to ‘respond forcefully’ in the West Bank town of the assailant.
“And it shall come to pass in the last days… many people shall come and say, ‘Come, and let us go up to the Mountain of the LORD, to the House of the God of Jacob and He will teach us of His ways, … and they shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruning hooks: nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war any more.”
Isaiah 2:2-4
US, China and Taiwan
Tensions between the US and China escalated in December after the US committed to selling weapons valued at $10Billion to Taiwan. China reacted by imposing sanctions on US defense companies. In addition, China carried out live-fire military exercises around Taiwan in a show of force. During Xi JinPing’s New Year’s Eve speech, he further fanned the flames of conflict by ensuring that Taiwan would become a part of China. Taiwan desires to maintain independence and continues to drum up support from the US and other countries.
Violence in Africa
Wars continue in Sudan, Rwanda and Somalia between internal factions and rebel groups. The fighting in Rwanda and the Dominican Republic of Congo continued days after a supposed ‘peace deal’ was brokered by the US. Rebels took over a major city leading over 200,000 civilians to flee. The US has expanded its worldwide ‘policing’ with airstrikes in Somalia and now Nigeria.
US Strikes Nigeria
On December 25th, Trump ordered airstrikes against ISIS targets in northwestern Nigeria. Trump has been threatening to carry out the strikes against IS gunmen who were ‘targeting and viciously killing, primarily, innocent Christians.’ He personally chose Christmas Day for the strikes saying ‘They were going to do it earlier… And I said, “Nope, let’s give a Christmas present.”‘
The strikes were carried out in coordination with the Nigerian government, which interestingly, has denied that Christians specifically are being targeted with violence. They describe the violence as more often between farmers and herders, although several recent school abductions did occur at Christian schools. On the same day the US carried out the ‘Christmas’ airstrikes, a mosque was bombed killing five and injuring 35 people.
Dividing the Land for Gain/Profit
It should be noted, Nigeria is the largest oil producer in Africa. ISIS has hindered production by attacking pipelines in recent years. Could this be the reason the Nigerian government is so keen to coordinate US airstrikes against ISIS?
“But in his estate/place shall he honor the god of forces: and a god whom his fathers knew not shall he honour with gold, and silver, and with precious stones, and pleasant things. Thus shall he do in the most strong holds with a strange god, whom he shall acknowledge and increase with glory: and he shall cause them to rule over many, and shall divide the land for gain.”
Daniel 11:38-39
US Strikes Somalia
The U.S. Africa Command also carried out airstrikes in Somalia. From December 22nd through the 25th they continued the targeting of ISIS groups. Like in Nigeria, these attacks were carried out alongside the Somalian government.
“Their feet run to evil, and they make haste to shed innocent blood: their thoughts are thoughts of iniquity; wasting and destruction are in their paths. The way of peace they know not; and there is no judgment in their goings: they have made them crooked paths: whosoever goes therein shall not know peace.”
Isaiah 59:7-8
Thailand and Cambodia
At the beginning of December the Trump administration announced a new or renewed ceasefire between Thailand and Cambodia. After the formalities and photo-op, Thailand was quick to make an about-face claiming there was no ceasefire and that any agreements would be between Thailand and Cambodia only. Throughout the rest of the month, fighting continued causing over 500,000 to flee their homes and leaving 100 dead. During the last week of the year, the two sides signed a ceasefire agreement. Will this one finally hold?
“And you shall hear of wars and rumors of wars: see that you are not troubled: for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet. For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be famines, and pestilences, and earthquakes, in divers places. All these are the beginning of sorrows.”
Matthew 24:6-8
Ukraine – Russia War
Ukraine President Zelensky traveled to Europe, the UK and the US to discuss peace agreement details. Leaders have been quick to declare support for a peace plan, but working out the details has so far eluded all involved. A meeting between Russia and US representatives at the Kremlin failed to bring peace. In fact, Putin said Russia was ready for war shortly after the meeting.
A few weeks later Russia claimed Ukraine attacked the residence of Vladimir Putin with drones, although Ukraine has so far denied involvement. Regardless, Russia responded by moving nuclear-capable missile systems into Belarus.
“The earth also was corrupt before God, and the earth was filled with violence. And God looked upon the earth, and, behold, it was corrupt; for all flesh had corrupted his way upon the earth. And God said unto Noah, The end of all flesh is come before me; for the earth is filled with violence through them; and, behold, I will destroy them with the earth.”
Genesis 6:11-13
He Shall Magnify Himself Above All
Trump Tower in New York is one of the more recognizable declarations of Trump’s Empire. In actuality, there are at least fifteen Trump Towers or hotels around the world. In December, Trump’s name was added to several organizations, a new type of savings account and even a future fleet of battleships!
Trump Buildings
The United States Institute of Peace building has now been emblazoned with Trump’s big, bold and ‘beautiful’ name. The building is now the Donald J Trump United States Institute of Peace. The purpose of the nonprofit, national institute funded by Congress is to ‘promote conflict resolution and prevention worldwide.’ As much as Trump wants to be remembered as a peacemaker, the conflicts he has started as well as his warmongering rhetoric covered above do anything but promote conflict resolution.
The Peace Institute name change got some attention, but Trump really hit a nerve with many when he ‘took over’ the performing arts center known as the Kennedy Center. After changing the governing board, including appointing himself as the Chairman, the board elected to change the name to the Trump Kennedy Center. The cultural center was established as a ‘living memorial’ to John F Kennedy. This change brought protests from many artists who cancelled the traditional Christmas Eve jazz concert amongst other events.
Trump Accounts
Moving on from the naming of buildings and organizations, approval of the ‘One Big Beautiful Bill Act’ established a new type of individual retirement account for US children. They are called Trump Accounts. Funding for the accounts comes from the US government but also private donors. In December, Michael and Susan Dell committed to donating $6.25 Billion to fund the accounts. The Trump Accounts will be made available on July 4th, 2026, the day marking the 250th anniversary of the US Declaration of Independence.
Honoring Forces
Buildings and retirement accounts are one thing, but a whole fleet of battleships is another. Trump announced in December the next generation of battleships will be referred to as ‘Trump Class’ warships. Here is the announcement below.
“And the king/ruler shall do according to his will; and he shall exalt himself, and magnify himself above every god, and shall speak marvelous things
Daniel 11:36-38against/about the God of gods, and shall prosper till the indignation be accomplished: for what is determined shall be done. Neither shall he regard the God of his fathers, nor the desire of women, nor regard any god: for he shall magnify himself above all. But in his estate he shall honor the god of forces: and a god whom his fathers knew not shall he honor with gold, and silver, and with precious stones, and pleasant things.”
“Behold, these are the ungodly, who prosper in the world; they increase in riches.”
Psalm 73:12
Feast Days into Mourning
Chanukah
A mass shooting in Australia took the lives of 16 people gathered to celebrate the first day of Chanukah. The Chabad-Lubavitch Jews on Bondi Beach had gathered at the ‘Chanukah by the Sea‘ event to light their nine-candle Menorah. This was the deadliest mass-shooting in three decades for Australia. In remembrance of the victims, the Sydney Opera House was lit up with a Chanukah Menorah.
Christmas
Christmas, the celebration of the ancient pagan god, Baal, is looked to as a way to bring ‘joy’ but actually puts people deeper into debt. Through the use of credit cards and ‘buy now, pay later’ deals 58% of Christmas shoppers expect to go into debt with their purchases. The 2025 Holiday spending was forecast to exceed $1Trillion. Many mourn from increased financial burdens put on them by false prophets as a part of celebrating false ‘Holy’ days. Read this article, A Brief History of Christmas, to learn more.
“But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction. And many shall follow their pernicious ways; by reason of whom the way of truth shall be evil spoken of. And through covetousness shall they with feigned words make merchandise of you…”
2 Peter 2:1-3
“…make not my Father’s house an house of merchandise.”
John 2:16
Christmas State of Emergency
On Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, record rainfall in Southern California led to the declaration of a temporary state of emergency. Flooding, falling trees, power outages and even a tornado marred the unholy season. At least four people died in the deluge.
New Year’s Eve
New Year’s Eve ended in tragedy when a fire killed an estimated 40 people celebrating at a bar in Switzerland. The country held five-days of mourning after the tragedy. In addition to the deceased, over 100 revelers were injured. Many of the deceased were children between 14 and 18 years old.
“And it shall come to pass in that day, saith the Lord God… I will turn your feasts into mourning, and all your songs into lamentation; and I will bring up sackcloth upon all loins, and baldness upon every head; and I will make it as the mourning of an only son, and the end thereof as a bitter day.”
Amos 8:9-10
Tribulation
Roman Catholic Church Child Sex Abuse Scandal
The sex abuse scandal in the Roman Catholic Church continues. The Archdiocese of New York is cutting costs and selling assets as they raise $300 million for a settlement with 1,300 survivors of abuse. Likewise, the New Orleans Archdiocese and their insurer announced they will pay $305 million to 600 survivors. We’ve asked it before, and we’ll ask again. How can criminals, specifically sexual abusers of children, obtain insurance for committing atrocious crimes? The ways of the world allow survivors to be victimized twice by not holding the criminals directly accountable for their crimes!
Shootings and Stabbings!
Two mass shootings in one month devastated South Africa. One took place in Johannesburg and the other in Pretoria. In total 22 people were killed in the country that has one of the highest murder rates in the world.
Meanwhile, a man set off smoke bombs and slashed people with a knife in Teipei, Taiwan. He killed at least four people before falling from a building to his death.
Back in the U.S. two people were killed and nine were wounded during a mass shooting at Brown University. For two students who survived the Brown University shooting, it was not their first time around! One had been shot in the abdomen and lost their best friend to a school shooting in 2019 while attending school in LA. The other was in middle school in 2018 when the adjacent high school in Parkland, Florida became infamous for the Valentines Day shooting that left 17 people dead. Mass shootings are no longer a once-in-a-lifetime experience for some US students!
The students who survived the Brown shooting are not alone. Two school shootings occurred in just a four month period at Kentucky State University. This December one person was killed and another critically injured. Four months earlier multiple shots were fired in the same area of the University, but thankfully no one was critically injured.
Transportation Tribulation
A train derailed in Mexico, leaving at least 13 dead and almost 100 injured. People move farther and faster around the world in planes, trains and automobiles. Unfortunately, small margins of error in equipment fabrication can lead to incidents and casualties. The cause of this particular incident is still under investigation, although journalists noted that train system was built ‘at double time’ raising concerns over safety.
Night Club Fire
A fire at a night club in a coastal Indian city left 25 dead. Similar to the tragedy that unfolded in Switzerland, addressed above, many of the victims were trapped in a basement space that had limited exits.
Kidnappings
Several months ago we covered Opus Dei, a Roman Catholic group accused of kidnapping, human trafficking and financial malfeasance. A group of 43 victims accuse Opus Dei of putting them in domestic servitude as minors. In December, the group gathered in Argentina along with investigative journalists and lawyers to raise awareness and encourage the courts to accelerate proceedings.
“For then (at the end) shall be great tribulation, such as was not since the beginning of the world to this time, no, nor ever shall be. And except those days should be shortened, there should no flesh be saved: but for the elect’s sake those days shall be shortened.”
Matthew 24:21-22
Protests
Iran Protests
Merchants and students led large protests in Iran against deteriorating living conditions. The Iranian national currency hit a historic low and sanctions on the country are driving inflation. The Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) said the protests were the result of the countries enemies instigating sedition among the civilians through ‘cognitive warfare, psychological operations, falsified narratives, fear-mongering and encouragement of capitulation.’ So far at least two people have been killed in the protests.
Trump has addressed the protests as a potential reason for intervention. He has threatened the country with military action if peaceful protestors are killed. Trump said the US is ‘locked and loaded and ready to go.’ This comes from the man who wants to be remembered as a ‘peacemaker.’
Doctors on Strike
In the UK, resident or junior doctors went on strike for five days in December. In the past two years there have been fourteen separate strikes over the pay received by the early career doctors. Over 80% of the doctors rejected the most recent offer from the National Health Services.
“And there shall be… upon the earth distress of nations, with perplexity; the sea and the waves roaring (protests).”
Luke 21:25
Caught in Unawares
“And take heed to yourself, lest at any time your hearts are overcharged with surfeiting, and drunkenness1“The serpents are the leaders of the peoples and their wine is their ways.” DD 3:19, and cares of this life, and so that day comes upon you in unawareness. For as a snare shall it come on all them that dwell on the face of the whole earth. You watch therefore, and pray always, that you may be able to escape all these things that shall come to pass and to stand before the Son of Adam.”
Luke 21:34-36