Every year, there are events that shape its course, and some that even alter the direction of a nation. As we prepare to close the books on 2025, I want to reflect on the top ten events of this year and consider what our response should be.
We will look at each of these moments through the lens of our calling as Christians to be ambassadors for Christ, people whose words and actions reflect his character and nature. My aim is to frame every event in light of that calling, so that our reactions are not driven by fear, anger, or partisanship, but by faithfulness to Jesus.
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1. Trump Administration’s Immigration Crackdown
Immigration enforcement has been a major focus of this administration. Regardless of how you feel about immigration policy, the question we must consider is how you feel about the immigrant. This is not about policy, but about people. I feel safe in saying Jesus would probably not get involved in the debates over immigration policy. However, he would have something to say about how we treat the immigrants in our country, because that is about people.
Jesus summed up the law and the prophets in two commands. Love God with all your heart and love your neighbor as yourself. This is the way we should love immigrants. As followers of Christ, we must search our hearts and ask ourselves whether we are doing this. Not to do this is to live in opposition to what Jesus calls us to do. This will not solve the immigration policy problem, but it will shine the light and love of Christ, which is our number one responsibility as ambassadors for Jesus.
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2. Mass Shootings Continue
Mass shootings are still a problem in our country. The most recent high-profile incident happened at Brown University. Yet, these incidents happen far too frequently, and many don’t get broad media coverage. According to Mass Shooting Tracker, there were 476 mass shootings in 2025, as of December 25, killing 555 people and wounding 1,983. If you do the math, that is about 1.3 mass shootings per day in this country, and since Jan 1, 2013, there have been over 7,000 mass shootings.
Our response to this should be twofold. To offer care and support to those who are victims, but to offer solutions to end this tragedy. Philippians tells us that Jesus gave up his rights as God to take on the nature of a servant to become obedient to death on a cross so we could have eternal life. I wonder, as Christians, if we would be willing to give up our rights to gun ownership if it would save the life of just one person.
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3. Government Shutdown
If you pay attention to the government, it is easy to see that it is not working well for most people. The amount of partisan bickering has rendered the government dysfunctional, which means nothing is getting done that serves the interests of the American people they are supposed to be representing. We should pray for all our government officials, regardless of which side of the aisle they land on. However, the question we should ask is not how we get our candidate elected, but how we get them to do the job they were elected to do?
4. National Weather and Climate Extremes
In the first half of 2025, the US had 14 extreme weather events that caused damage exceeding $100 billion. I will leave the reasons this is happening to the scientists (I’m not one), but I know this puts many people in crisis. However, as followers of Christ, crises are where we should shine. These are the opportunities to love our communities and help people rebuild their lives, many times after losing everything. Isn’t this at the heart of what compassion is about?
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5. Food Insecurity in America
As wealthy as our nation is, there are still millions who don’t have enough to eat. According to Feeding America,
-47 million people face food insecurity
-1 in 5 children (13 million kids) don’t have enough food
-100% of the counties in America have people experiencing hunger
-Over 50 million people turned to food banks and pantries for help
Regardless of how you spin this, it is a problem. Digging further, it is possible that people in your neighborhood may face this same issue. Our response should be one of support, not shame. While it is not possible for churches to feed everyone, let’s figure out how to make sure that people have the resources they need to provide enough food for their families. In a nation as rich as ours, this should not even be a conversation.
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6. The Ceasefire That Didn’t Cease and Wars That Have No End
On October 10, 2025, a ceasefire was announced between Israel and Gaza. However, this has not brought an end to the war, as there are still bombings going on. The Russia-Ukraine war is still ongoing with no end in sight. There are over 40 countries around the globe that are engaged in some type of war or political unrest. The tragedy of war is the number of people who become casualties who have nothing to do with the start of the war.
As Christians, our first response should be to grieve and to pray for peace, for justice, and for protection for the innocent who are caught in the middle. We must resist the temptation to treat war as a distant headline and instead remember that every statistic represents a person made in the image of God.
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7. The Abominable Cold and Flu Season
Flu season is always challenging, but this year there is a new strain of the flu virus called H3N2, which is spreading quickly. Typically, flu season is always an issue for seniors and those with compromised immune systems. In cases like this, our response as Christians should be one of compassion and common sense. Be mindful of how you are feeling, and if you feel sick, then stay home. This is a simple way to care for your neighbor.
8. The Cultural Divide That Continues
Everywhere you turn in our society, there is deep cultural fragmentation. We are probably more divided than ever over issues of race, gender, sexuality, economics, technology, and even the source of where we get our news. To carry it further, we don’t just disagree; we dehumanize. What is troubling is that Christians are falling into the same patterns of the world, where people with whom we disagree are enemies we need to deal with. Well, Jesus gave us the way to deal with our enemies.
But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, 45 that you may be children of your Father in heaven. - Matthew 5:44-45a
Our response to what is happening in the world is that we should not look like the world. This is what will separate us from those around us and will show Christ as the answer to the challenges this world brings.
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9. A Spiritual Awakening
Amid all the challenges we are facing, there are also signs of spiritual hunger. It feels as if people are becoming disillusioned with the world and even the seeker-sensitive nature of many churches. People are searching for truth and authenticity. This creates a window of opportunity for us as believers to provide that. In response to that, be open and willing to build relationships with people. Talk about what Jesus has done in your life, but also be honest about the struggles and challenges you have faced along the way. This creates an authentic conversation about faith and Jesus, which opens the door wide for the gospel.
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10. The Charlie Kirk Assassination
The assassination of Charlie Kirk was a shocking and sobering reminder of how far our culture’s anger can go. Political disagreement that escalates into deadly violence is evidence of a heart problem, not a political one. That’s why, as Christians, we must lead with truth, love, and basic respect for human life. These are not political issues, and if we can’t uphold them, then we are the ones with the heart problem.
While there has been a debate in the Christian world over the way we address issues in our society, there is one thing we should never forget. Our mission is not to change the world through political discourse. Our mission is to change hearts through the power of the gospel. Political discourse may address cultural issues, which are temporal. The gospel addresses heart issues, which are eternal. I think you know which one carries greater weight.
2025 had its share of challenges, and 2026 will be no different. Ultimately, there are two scriptures I want to leave with you that should be a constant reminder of our responsibility in this new year.
“You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead, they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. 16 In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven. - Matthew 5:14-16
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He is the author of The Pursuit of Purpose, which helps readers understand how God leads them into his will, and the author of The Pursuit of Victory: How To Conquer Your Greatest Challenges and Win In Your Christian Life. Clarence is also committed to helping 10,000 people learn how to study the Bible and has released his first course, Bible Study Basics, to achieve that goal. To learn more about his ministry and resources, please visit clarencehaynes.com.
Originally published Friday, 26 December 2025.