“The King of Glory will not tarry; let your lamps be filled and your hearts watchful.”

John Bunyan

Table of Contents

1. Trump is Time’s Person of the Year

2. Jesus on a Keffiyeh

3. Drones Spotted in Sky

4. Other news you should know

5. Remnant Resources

Trump is Time’s Person of the Year

TIME selected Donald Trump as its 2024 Person of the Year for his unprecedented political resurgence and transformative influence on American and global politics. Trump's victory marked a dramatic shift in voter demographics, including notable gains among minority groups and suburban women, and his leadership amplified the ongoing populist wave and erosion of trust in institutions. By redefining the presidency and navigating political realignment, Trump not only shaped the U.S. but also altered America's global role, making his influence central to understanding this era of profound change.

The 2024 winner has been announced, and there is a high degree of likelihood that no one receiving this newsletter had any hope of ever being considered a serious candidate for Time's POY honors in the first place. However, this lack of hope or aspirational indifference should not characterize us when it comes to being acknowledged by a much greater "group" (Genesis 1:26) in a much more lasting way (John 6:27). So take heart, dear reader, there are greater rewards still to come (Matthew 16:27) which men will not forget (can you name the last 10 POY winners?), eaten by moths, destroyed by rust or stolen by thieves (Matthew 6:20). You can aspire to be remembered and honored by men, or you can purpose to be rewarded by an eternal King Who "is not unjust so as to forget your work and the love which you have shown toward His name, in having ministered and in still ministering to the saints" (Hebrews 6:10). So while you cannot control how this world honors you, you do have the glorious ability to live in such a way that your King will be pleased to entrust you with more (Matthew 25:14-16). "Thus says the Lord: 'refrain your voice from weeping, and your eyes from tears; for your work shall be rewarded, says the Lord." (Jeremiah 31:16). So take time to pray today for this year's winner (1 Timothy 2:1-12) but also make sure to 'pray without ceasing' (1 Thessalonians 5:17) and abide always (John 15:4) with the One who wants you to bear much fruit (John 15:5) knowing there will be a day when all of us will "appear before the judgment seat of Christ so that each one may be recompensed for his deeds in the body, according to what he has done, whether good or bad" (2 Corinthians 5:10).

_{By: Todd Wagner}

Jesus on a Keffiyeh

Pope Francis participated in the inauguration of a nativity scene created by Palestinian artists from Bethlehem, which features a baby Jesus resting on a keffiyeh—a scarf symbolizing Palestinian heritage. This keffiyeh-draped cradle is part of a series titled “Nativity of Bethlehem 2024” and will be displayed in the Vatican’s Paul VI Hall. The artwork, as reported by Vatican News, highlights cultural expressions tied to the birthplace of Jesus while offering a unique perspective on the nativity tradition. It has since been removed from display.

Pope Francis has led the Roman Catholic church down the path of global ecumenism, even as Scripture condemns this.

Ecumenism can be defined in two ways: the organized attempt to effect cooperation and unity among Christians or a movement that promotes worldwide unity among all religions. The former is good; the latter is not. While substituting a keffiyeh for straw in a crèche may not be the worst thing the Vatican can do to bring confusion to the truth of the gospel story, too often Pope Francis’s actions have too often fit into the second category.

Why is the global ecumenism movement “bad”?  2 Corinthians 6:14-18 makes it clear that we are not to be yoked together with unbelievers. Light and darkness, righteousness and lawlessness – these have no fellowship with each other. One can be with Christ or against Him (Matthew 12:30). There can be no ambivalence or neutrality in a believer’s relationship with Jesus.

Christ’s demands are so exclusive that the ecumenism of the Roman Catholic church, as demonstrated by Pope Francis, places it on the side of those who deny the deity of Jesus. This is terrible news for Roman Catholics and for those who look to Rome for an understanding of God’s message of grace.

Our mission is to proclaim the gospel, not to lower it to the level of pagan religions. God alone is worthy of praise and worship (Psalm 96:4-5, Isaiah 42:8), and we can put no other “gods” with Him (Exodus 20:3-5).

_{By: Ken Teaff}

Drones Spotted in Sky

Mysterious drone sightings across New Jersey have sparked security concerns and frustration among residents and officials. Large drones, some six feet wide, have been observed nightly since November, often evading detection by turning off their lights. Despite thousands of reports, the Biden administration has dismissed the sightings, attributing them to mistaken identities, such as helicopters or planes. However, law enforcement and the U.S. Army’s Picatinny Arsenal have consistently reported unusual activity near sensitive locations, deepening concerns and fueling calls for further investigation.

Bipartisan congressional leaders have demanded explanations, with Rep. Jeff Van Drew speculating about foreign involvement, citing Iranian drone mothership claims, which the Pentagon denied. Civilian experts suggest advanced technology may be at play, fueling skepticism of the government’s dismissive stance.

What else is out there, what is the truth, and who is in control? These are questions all of mankind is born to ask, and a culture detached from its Creator will increasingly live in fear as they search for answers. Scripture commands us not to fear man or circumstances but to live in awe and reverence of the Lord (Matthew 10:28). This posture aligns our hearts with His sovereignty and reminds us that all mysteries ultimately bow before His throne (Deuteronomy 29:29).

Just as the fear of man distorts our understanding of truth, so too does innovation, when severed from a biblical worldview, become a tool for sin rather than stewardship (Romans 1:21-23).

When we steward the technology we have and the truths we uncover with faithfulness, it blesses others and glorifies Him (1 Corinthians 10:31). While yet another thing causes others in the world to worry and wonder at what could be, seek peace and pursue it, allow the truths we can count on to guide, encourage, and steady you (Isaiah 26:3).

_{By: Jamie Wilder}

Other news you should know

👤 Zuckerburg donates $1M to Trump’s Inauguration fund.

☢️ Tx lawsuit targets forever chemicals.

👍🏻 Biden went on a pardoning spree.

🛸 Have you seen a drone lately?

🏈 Some would consider this a demotion.

🤑 Elon’s net worth is sky-high.

🔔 Trump opened the NYSE.

💊 Trump makes a promise we hope he doesn’t keep.

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