December 11 Archaeologists in Israel have uncovered potential evidence of Judah Maccabee’s 163 BC battle against the Seleucid army near Bet Zecharia, south of Jerusalem. Finds include three sling bullets and a bronze Seleucid coin. These artifacts align with historical accounts in the Book of Maccabees, describing the Seleucid advance with war elephants and Judah’s brother Eleazar’s heroic sacrifice, and provide the first archaeological support for this pivotal battle in the Hanukkah story. (Jerusalem Post)
December 11 Some quick Christmas stats: 91% of Americans celebrate Christmas, with 47% attending church during the season, including 21% of the religiously unaffiliated. Christmas Eve is the second-most attended service after Easter. While 53% of Americans believe they could retell the biblical Christmas story, only 22% feel confident doing so accurately. And 72% view Christmas as celebrating a historical event, affirming Jesus’ birth in Bethlehem. (Lifeway Research)
December 10 Around 2,000 Christians from over 200 denominations gathered for the National Christian Convention in New Delhi, India, to protest rising violence and persecution. Reports show a 500% increase in attacks on Christians since 2014, with 93% of incidents going unpunished. Protesters condemned anti-conversion laws, denial of burial rights, and the exclusion of Dalit Christians from legal protections. They plan to submit a manifesto demanding justice and protection for Christians to Indian leaders. (Christianity Daily)
December 9 The current Golden Age of biblical media continues with two productions bringing fresh perspectives to familiar stories. The animated musical David offers a visually stunning and theologically rich portrayal of King David’s life, blending epic storytelling with Psalm-inspired music. Meanwhile, Kevin Costner’s The First Christmas presents a gritty, historically grounded take on the Nativity, emphasizing the human struggles of Mary and Joseph under Roman rule. (The Gospel Coalition, Christian Post)
December 9 A Gallup poll revealed that only 49% of Americans consider religion important in their daily lives, a 17-point drop since 2015 and the lowest level recorded in the U.S since polling began in 2007. While the U.S. remains more religious than other wealthy nations, it lags far behind the global average of 80%, buoyed by places like Africa and South America. Experts suggest this shift reflects fewer nominal Christians and more opportunities for evangelism among those unfamiliar with biblical teachings. (Lifeway Research)
December 9 The latest results from Arizona Christian University’s Worldview Survey show a variety of beliefs regarding salvation among U.S. Christians. For instance, while 73% of Catholics affirm that a person who “does enough good things” will reach heaven, only 43% of Evangelicals and Mainline Protestants agreed. Meanwhile, 48% of Evangelicals and 46% of Catholics said “admitting you have sinned is all you need to do to repent,” compared to only 36% of Mainline Protestants. (Christianity Daily)
December 9 About 100 children abducted from St. Mary’s Private Catholic School in Nigeria (see November 21) have been released and escorted to safety. However, 153 students and 12 staff members remain captive. Authorities have not disclosed whether negotiations, security operations, or ransom payments secured the release. Efforts to free the remaining hostages are ongoing. (Aleteia)
December 9 Archaeologists in Jerusalem have uncovered a significant section of the Hasmonean-era “First Wall,” dating back to the late 2nd century BC. Found beneath the Tower of David Museum, the wall is linked to the Hanukkah story and stood 10 meters tall in its prime. It was reportedly dismantled as part of a ceasefire deal between Jewish King John Hyrcanus I and Syrian King Antiochus VII. Artifacts like arrowheads and catapult stones further connect the site to historical sieges. (Jerusalem Post, AP)
December 8 Bethlehem celebrated its first public Christmas event in three years with a tree lighting in Manger Square. Thousands of locals and visitors attended the joyous return to tradition after disruptions caused by the Gaza war. Mayor Canawati emphasized the event’s message of peace and hope, commending interfaith participation from Christian and Muslim families. Though scaled back from previous celebrations, festivities included carols, a Christmas bazaar, and biblical productions. (Christian Daily, RELEVANT)
December 8 A new Pew Research report offers the latest evidence that the decades-long decline in U.S. religious affiliation has stalled. Since 2020, 70% of Americans have consistently identified with a religion. Still, a hoped-for revival is less evident, especially among young adults, who remain less religious than older generations. While daily prayer and religious service attendance have stabilized, generational shifts suggest future declines as older, more religious cohorts are replaced. (Religion Unplugged, RNS)
December 8 South Asian advocates petitioned the EU to intensify efforts to protect freedom of religion in the face of escalating religious persecution. In India, where over 600 attacks on Christians were reported in 2025, anti-conversion laws are often misused to target peaceful worship. Speakers also noted violence incited by Pakistan’s blasphemy laws, rising religious nationalism in Sri Lanka, Nepal’s surveillance of Christians, and harassment in Bangladesh. (Christian Daily)
December 7 Reports increasingly suggest the rise in Christian converts — in Protestant, Catholic, and Orthodox churches — is a real trend, not a blip. The percentage of U.S. adults who identify as Christian has remained steady at 62% since 2019. Although that number is far below the 78% who identified as Christian in 2007, sociologist Rodney Stark argued it’s a “decrease only in nominal affiliation, not an increase in irreligion.” That is, most “nones” were “cultural Christians” who weren’t attending church anyway. (Aleteia)
December 5 The Pacific island nation of Tokelau celebrated the completion of the first full Bible translation in the Tokelauan language, a project spanning 26 years. A launch event was held on Fakaofo Atoll, involving collaboration between local translators, the Bible Society New Zealand, and the United Bible Societies. Previously reliant on Samoan scriptures, Tokelauans now have access to the entire Bible in their heart language, preserving their oral tradition and strengthening their faith. (Christian Daily)
December 5 Who was the real Santa Claus? Saint Nicholas of Myra, a 4th-century bishop from modern-day Turkey, was known for secretly giving gold to save a poor family from ruin, in addition to many other acts of kindness both mundane and miraculous. Nicholas defended Christian orthodoxy at the Council of Nicaea and endured persecution under Roman rule. Today, his legacy as a protector of the vulnerable and a model of Christlike giving continues to inspire Christians worldwide. (Christianity Today and Christian Today)
December 4 Israeli archaeologists have uncovered a royal palace at the ancient Alexandrium fortress, a mountaintop site 650 meters above the Jordan Valley. The discovery reveals the fortress was part of a larger royal complex built by Hasmonean King Alexander Yannai and later renovated by Herod the Great. The site, described by Josephus as a “fortress built in great splendor,” played roles in political struggles, imprisonment, and royal burials in the years leading up to the birth of Jesus. (Jerusalem Post)
December 4 Pope Leo XIV’s first full-length U.S. book, Peace Be With You: My Words to the Church and to the World, will be released on February 26, 2026 by HarperCollins (which previously published books by Popes Francis and John Paul II). The book compiles sermons and addresses delivered since Leo’s election in May, offering a vision of peace, unity, and reconciliation in a divided world. The title reflects his inaugural papal greeting, emphasizing peace for all people and nations. (AP News)
December 4 The 14th annual Jesus Reigns Celebration in the Philippines drew thousands of Christians nationwide on November 30. The nondenominational event featured synchronized motorcades, worship gatherings, and public declarations of faith across multiple provinces. The 2025 theme, “Living Sacrifice,” encouraged participants to fully surrender to God and live for his glory. Organizers emphasized the event’s non-political nature and commitment to unity, prayer, and excellence in worship. (Christian Daily)
December 4 The Vatican announced a balanced budget for 2024, a significant turnaround after years of deficits. The Holy See reported a €1.6 million ($1.86 million) surplus, with a sharp reduction in its operating deficit from €78 million ($90.5 million) in 2021 to €44 million ($51 million) in 2024. It’s a big improvement following financial challenges in 2023, but the Secretariat for the Economy emphasized the need for “realism and discipline” to sustain financial stability. (Aleteia)
December 3 A Barna survey assessed the spiritual impact of Charlie Kirk’s assassination in September. Among 5,003 U.S. adults surveyed, 87% had head of Kirk before his death, though only 15% followed him closely. Nearly 30% took action in response to his death, predominantly spiritual rather than political, with younger generations and practicing Christians most affected. Barna CEO David Kinnaman noted the response aligns with a broader trend of renewed interest in Christianity among Millennials and Gen Z. (Barna)
December 3 The Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) has adopted a new “Social Message on Child Protection,” designating all ministers as mandated reporters of child maltreatment, even if the information is disclosed during confession. Citing Bible verses such as Matt. 18:3-6, Mark 10:13-16, and Isaiah 1:17, the policy prioritizes protecting vulnerable children over confessional confidentiality, aligning with Lutheran theology, which allows direct confession to God. (Ministry Watch)
December 3 An instructor at the University of Oklahoma has been placed on leave following a student’s complaint about receiving a failing grade on an essay that cited the Bible to argue against the existence of “multiple genders,” labeling such beliefs as “demonic.” The student claimed her religious beliefs were unfairly penalized, though the instructor stated the grade was based not on the student’s beliefs but on the essay’s failure to “answer the questions for the assignment.” (AP)
December 3 Religious commitment is rising among U.S. military personnel, even as broader American society becomes more secular. Sociologist Ryan Burge found that weekly church attendance among active-duty members increased from 21% in 2010–2012 to 28% in 2022–2024, compared to 16% among civilians. Additionally, 44% of military personnel now view religion as “very important,” up from 39% a decade ago, while civilian numbers dropped to 30%. (Christianity Daily)
December 3 The Humanitarian Disaster Institute at Wheaton College has launched a free resource to address the mental health crisis in rural America. The online resource provides practical, faith-integrated strategies to help churches and community groups understand and address challenges like farm stress, isolation, and limited access to care, while uplifting the strengths of rural communities, such as strong social bonds and faith-based support. (Christian Daily)
December 2 Following on TGC’s list (Nov. 24), Christianity Today announced its 2025 Book Awards. The Book of the Year is The Reason for Church by Brad Edwards, which emphasizes the importance of the church in an age of individualism and division. The Award of Merit goes to The Body God Gives by Robert S. Smith, a biblical critique of transgender theory. Other winners include many Bible Gateway contributors such as Grace Hamman, A.J. Swoboda, and Dan Allender. (Christianity Today)
December 2 Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu declared a nationwide security emergency in response to escalating violence and kidnappings. The order includes recruiting 50,000 police officers, deploying forest guards, and reallocating security personnel to high-risk areas. While praised as a positive step, the declaration faces challenges in gaining public trust and addressing systemic issues following years of government denial regarding violence against Christians. (Baptist Press)
December 1 In Brussels, Belgium, an infant Jesus figure was stolen from a Nativity scene in the Grand Place over the weekend. The controversial figure was made of different-colored cloths with no facial features to allow people of all backgrounds to see themselves in the story of Christ’s birth. The design drew criticism online for not “represent[ing] the spirit of Christmas.” Authorities have replaced the figure and increased vigilance around Brussels’ Christmas market, which attracts millions of visitors annually. (AP)
December 1 Quebec’s proposed Bill 9 seeks to ban public prayer, restrict religious expression, and phase out subsidies for religious private schools. The bill would extend existing bans on religious symbols to daycare staff, prohibit face coverings in educational institutions, require municipal approval for public religious practices, and limit religious (e.g., kosher) menus in public institutions. Critics argue the bill undermines religious freedom, while the government defends it as a step toward full secularization. (Religion Unplugged)
December 1 The Church of England has launched its largest-ever Christmas campaign, “Joy of Christmas,” aiming to reconnect people with the true meaning of the season. The initiative includes daily reflections, online services, and over 500 free resources for families, schools, and children — including a new illustrated children’s book, The Grumpy Owl and the Joy of Christmas, and an audio series by theologian Paula Gooder, alongside Advent meditations, carol concerts, and candlelit services. (Christian Today)
November 30 Advent Sunday, the fourth Sunday before Christmas, kicks off the Advent season in many Christian traditions. From a Latin word meaning “arrival,” Advent began in the 4th century as a 40-day period of fasting and penance, but has evolved into a season of joyful anticipation of Christ’s birth and second coming. Churches (and homes) light candles weekly, symbolizing Jesus as the Light of the World, alongside Bible readings of Old Testament prophecies, the Nativity story, and Christ’s return. (Christian Today)
November 30 Following their appearance together in İznik, Turkey (see November 28), Pope Leo XIV and Patriarch Bartholomew signed a joint declaration reaffirming their commitment to Christian unity and global peace. The document emphasized theological dialogue, practical cooperation, and interreligious efforts, and suggested establishing a common date for Easter as a concrete first step. (RNS)
November 30 Be sure to catch up on all the biggest, most thought-provoking, and most inspiring Bible news stories of November!
