Prophecy News Watch provided by Worthy Ministries
Prophecy News Watch is a service hosted by Worthy Ministries to provide Christians daily news from a Biblical, and yet Prophetic worldview. Our news is gathered by our Christian News Service, Worthy News. For more about our vision for how we assemble our daily headlines, please read, "What is Worthy News?"
Around the World
Russia Hits Ukraine’s Infrastructure In Christmas Barrage Ignoring Vatican
Russia launched a large-scale missile attack on Ukraine's energy infrastructure, ignoring appeals from Pope Francis for a Christmas truce in the war-torn nation and around the world.
Dutch King Urges Jews Not To Leave After ‘Pogrom’ And Other Attacks
Dutch King Willem-Alexander urged the Dutch Jewish community on Christmas Day to remain in the Netherlands despite concerns about mounting antisemitism.
Azerbaijan Airlines Plane Crashes, Dozens Killed
An Embraer passenger plane flying from Azerbaijan to Russia crashed near the city of Aktau in Kazakhstan on Wednesday with 62 passengers and five crew on board, Kazakh authorities announced, saying that 32 people had survived.
Ex-Suriname President Bouterse Dies In Hiding After Conviction For Murders
Suriname’s ex-president Desi Bouterse, who was on the run after being convicted for political murders, has died, several Surinamese sources say. He was 79.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
Houthis Target Israel with Missile and Drone Attacks
Israeli air defenses intercepted a ballistic missile fired by Yemen's Iran-backed Houthi rebels early Wednesday, marking the second consecutive night and fourth attack in a week targeting central Israel in an escalating near-nightly pattern. The same day, the Houthis also launched a drone that crashed in an open area near Ashkelon in southern Israel, according to the Israel Defense Forces.
Inside the United States
Bah, Humbug! Rand Paul Report Details ‘Waste’ in Federal Spending
Congress and federal agencies wasted more than $1 trillion of taxpayer money in 2024, according to an analysis published by U.S. Sen. Rand Paul, R-KY, who has long called for fiscal responsibility and the end of waste, fraud and abuse of taxpayer money.
Chinese Spies Arrested in California
People’s Republic of China (PRC) and Chinese Communist Party (CCP) operatives and spies continue to be arrested in the U.S. The latest include two Chinese spies in California and several arrested in Guam near a U.S. military installation on the same day as an historic live ballistic missile interception test.
Christian News
German Christians in Mourning Over Christmas Market Attack
Christian churches in Germany are mourning with the loved ones of those who lost their lives or suffered injuries during the terrorist attack on a Christmas market in the eastern German city of Magdeburg on Friday, Christian Daily International (CDI) reports.
Congo (DRC): 60 New Believers to Be Baptized in Christmas Day Service, “A Christmas Miracle”
A beacon of light and hope in a country devastated by war, dozens of newly Christian believers were to be baptized at a special Christmas Day service in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Christian Today (CT) reports.
Vietnam: Christians Arrested Ahead of Christmas, “Following Jesus Can Bring Intense Hostility”
Multiple ethnic Montagnard Christian leaders in Vietnam’s Central Highlands region were arrested on December 21 after they began preparing to celebrate Christmas and led congregations in unauthorized worship services, International Christian Concern (ICC) reports.
Sudan: Abused Christian Mother Stands Firm in New Faith
A Sudanese refugee and Christian mother whose husband stabbed her for leaving Islam and putting her faith in Christ is reported to be standing firm in her new faith despite her family’s ongoing hostility and the challenge of living in a camp for displaced people, Morning Star News (MSN) reports.
Russia Hits Ukraine’s Infrastructure In Christmas Barrage Ignoring Vatican
Russia launched a large-scale missile attack on Ukraine's energy infrastructure, ignoring appeals from Pope Francis for a Christmas truce in the war-torn nation and around the world.
Dutch King Urges Jews Not To Leave After ‘Pogrom’ And Other Attacks
Dutch King Willem-Alexander urged the Dutch Jewish community on Christmas Day to remain in the Netherlands despite concerns about mounting antisemitism.
Azerbaijan Airlines Plane Crashes, Dozens Killed
An Embraer passenger plane flying from Azerbaijan to Russia crashed near the city of Aktau in Kazakhstan on Wednesday with 62 passengers and five crew on board, Kazakh authorities announced, saying that 32 people had survived.
Ex-Suriname President Bouterse Dies In Hiding After Conviction For Murders
Suriname’s ex-president Desi Bouterse, who was on the run after being convicted for political murders, has died, several Surinamese sources say. He was 79.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
Houthis Target Israel with Missile and Drone Attacks
Israeli air defenses intercepted a ballistic missile fired by Yemen's Iran-backed Houthi rebels early Wednesday, marking the second consecutive night and fourth attack in a week targeting central Israel in an escalating near-nightly pattern. The same day, the Houthis also launched a drone that crashed in an open area near Ashkelon in southern Israel, according to the Israel Defense Forces.
Inside the United States
Bah, Humbug! Rand Paul Report Details ‘Waste’ in Federal Spending
Congress and federal agencies wasted more than $1 trillion of taxpayer money in 2024, according to an analysis published by U.S. Sen. Rand Paul, R-KY, who has long called for fiscal responsibility and the end of waste, fraud and abuse of taxpayer money.
Chinese Spies Arrested in California
People’s Republic of China (PRC) and Chinese Communist Party (CCP) operatives and spies continue to be arrested in the U.S. The latest include two Chinese spies in California and several arrested in Guam near a U.S. military installation on the same day as an historic live ballistic missile interception test.
Christian News
German Christians in Mourning Over Christmas Market Attack
Christian churches in Germany are mourning with the loved ones of those who lost their lives or suffered injuries during the terrorist attack on a Christmas market in the eastern German city of Magdeburg on Friday, Christian Daily International (CDI) reports.
Congo (DRC): 60 New Believers to Be Baptized in Christmas Day Service, “A Christmas Miracle”
A beacon of light and hope in a country devastated by war, dozens of newly Christian believers were to be baptized at a special Christmas Day service in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Christian Today (CT) reports.
Vietnam: Christians Arrested Ahead of Christmas, “Following Jesus Can Bring Intense Hostility”
Multiple ethnic Montagnard Christian leaders in Vietnam’s Central Highlands region were arrested on December 21 after they began preparing to celebrate Christmas and led congregations in unauthorized worship services, International Christian Concern (ICC) reports.
Sudan: Abused Christian Mother Stands Firm in New Faith
A Sudanese refugee and Christian mother whose husband stabbed her for leaving Islam and putting her faith in Christ is reported to be standing firm in her new faith despite her family’s ongoing hostility and the challenge of living in a camp for displaced people, Morning Star News (MSN) reports.
Around the World
Dutch Court Sentences Men Over Pogrom
A Dutch court handed down sentences Tuesday of up to six months imprisonment to the first men to be tried over what had been described as “the first pogrom in the Netherlands since World War Two.”
Turkey: ‘Explosion Kills 11’
Investigators rushed to the scene of a blast that ripped through an explosives factory in northwest Turkey, killing 11 people and injuring seven.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
Israel Sees More Foreign Investments Despite Wars
Foreign investments reportedly increased in Israel despite the Jewish nation’s multifront war in Gaza and Lebanon as well its confrontations with Iran and groups in Syria and Yemen.
Israel’s Mossad Shares Details About Deadly Devices Operation Against Hezbollah (Worthy News In-Depth)
Two ex-senior agents of Israel’s Mossad intelligence service have, for the first time, revealed details about a deadly operation that targeted thousands of “Hezbollah terrorists” in Lebanon and Syria using exploding pagers and walkie-talkies.
Inside the United States
Biden Defends Commuting Death Sentences After Vatican Pressure (Worthy News Focus)
U.S. President Joe Biden defended his decision to commute the death sentences of 37 inmates Monday, citing “moral and policy” objections, after facing pressure from the Vatican and others opposing capital punishment.
Christian News
Nigeria: Christian Woman Acquitted After Imprisonment for Alleged Blasphemy
A Christian woman who was jailed in northern Nigeria’s Bauchi state in 2022 for allegedly insulting Islam was acquitted last week, Morning Star News (MSN) reported on December 20.
Jailed Church of Iran Leader Released
A leader of the Church of Iran, one of the Islamic Republic’s largest evangelical house church movements, was free Monday after being released from Minab prison in Hormozgan province in southern Iran, Christians told Worthy News.
Dutch Court Sentences Men Over Pogrom
A Dutch court handed down sentences Tuesday of up to six months imprisonment to the first men to be tried over what had been described as “the first pogrom in the Netherlands since World War Two.”
Turkey: ‘Explosion Kills 11’
Investigators rushed to the scene of a blast that ripped through an explosives factory in northwest Turkey, killing 11 people and injuring seven.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
Israel Sees More Foreign Investments Despite Wars
Foreign investments reportedly increased in Israel despite the Jewish nation’s multifront war in Gaza and Lebanon as well its confrontations with Iran and groups in Syria and Yemen.
Israel’s Mossad Shares Details About Deadly Devices Operation Against Hezbollah (Worthy News In-Depth)
Two ex-senior agents of Israel’s Mossad intelligence service have, for the first time, revealed details about a deadly operation that targeted thousands of “Hezbollah terrorists” in Lebanon and Syria using exploding pagers and walkie-talkies.
Inside the United States
Biden Defends Commuting Death Sentences After Vatican Pressure (Worthy News Focus)
U.S. President Joe Biden defended his decision to commute the death sentences of 37 inmates Monday, citing “moral and policy” objections, after facing pressure from the Vatican and others opposing capital punishment.
Christian News
Nigeria: Christian Woman Acquitted After Imprisonment for Alleged Blasphemy
A Christian woman who was jailed in northern Nigeria’s Bauchi state in 2022 for allegedly insulting Islam was acquitted last week, Morning Star News (MSN) reported on December 20.
Jailed Church of Iran Leader Released
A leader of the Church of Iran, one of the Islamic Republic’s largest evangelical house church movements, was free Monday after being released from Minab prison in Hormozgan province in southern Iran, Christians told Worthy News.
Around the World
China Warns US on Taiwan: ‘Playing With Fire’
China's government protested U.S. military aid to Taiwan, warning that the U.S. is "playing with fire" and cautioning that such actions "will get the U.S. burned."
Pentagon: US Has 2,000 Troops in Syria, Not 900 as Previously Stated
The US Defense Department confirmed Thursday that there are actually around 2,000 American troops currently deployed in Syria, rather than the previously stated figure of around 900, MediaLine reports. The updated information follows the ouster of Syria’s President Bashar al-Assad by the Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) Islamic insurgent group on December 1.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
Iranian-Backed Iraqi Militias Declare Halt to Actions Against Israel
Iranian-backed Iraqi militias have reportedly agreed to cease actions against Israel, according to the Hezbollah-affiliated newspaper Al-Akhbar.
Israel Intercepts Ballistic Missile Launched From Yemen
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) announced that it successfully intercepted a missile launched from Yemen toward central Israel in the early hours of Tuesday morning. The projectile, which triggered sirens across central and southern Israel, was intercepted before entering Israeli airspace, preventing any potential damage or casualties.
Inside the United States
Biden Defends Commuting Death Sentences After Vatican Pressure (Worthy News Focus)
U.S. President Joe Biden defended his decision to commute the death sentences of 37 inmates Monday, citing “moral and policy” objections, after facing pressure from the Vatican and others opposing capital punishment.
Trump Vows to Designate Mexican Cartels as Terrorists, Announces Anti-Drug Ad Blitz
President-elect Donald Trump announced on Sunday his intention to designate Mexican drug cartels as terrorist organizations in an effort to combat the growing influence and violence associated with these groups. In addition, he revealed plans to launch a comprehensive anti-drug advertising campaign within the United States.
Biden Stops Execution of Nearly All Death Row Inmates
President Joe Biden commuted the sentences of 37 of the 40 Americans on federal death row on Monday.
SCOTUS to Hear Case on Defunding Planned Parenthood Abortion Provider
The US Supreme Court on Wednesday (Dec. 18) agreed to consider a request by South Carolina to deny public funding to Planned Parenthood on the grounds that, in addition to providing healthcare services, it is the nation’s leading abortion provider, Reuters reports.
Christian News
Hundreds of Christians Flee Papua Violence
Hundreds of displaced Christian residents will likely celebrate Christmas outside their homes in an area of Indonesia's conflict-stricken easternmost Papua province unless Indonesian security forces withdraw there, a bishop says.
Sudan Christians In Crossfire; Prayers Urged
With Christmas approaching, Christians urged prayers for their community in war-stricken Sudan, saying they are in the crossfire as a bishop and a pastor were among those being attacked.
China Warns US on Taiwan: ‘Playing With Fire’
China's government protested U.S. military aid to Taiwan, warning that the U.S. is "playing with fire" and cautioning that such actions "will get the U.S. burned."
Pentagon: US Has 2,000 Troops in Syria, Not 900 as Previously Stated
The US Defense Department confirmed Thursday that there are actually around 2,000 American troops currently deployed in Syria, rather than the previously stated figure of around 900, MediaLine reports. The updated information follows the ouster of Syria’s President Bashar al-Assad by the Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) Islamic insurgent group on December 1.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
Iranian-Backed Iraqi Militias Declare Halt to Actions Against Israel
Iranian-backed Iraqi militias have reportedly agreed to cease actions against Israel, according to the Hezbollah-affiliated newspaper Al-Akhbar.
Israel Intercepts Ballistic Missile Launched From Yemen
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) announced that it successfully intercepted a missile launched from Yemen toward central Israel in the early hours of Tuesday morning. The projectile, which triggered sirens across central and southern Israel, was intercepted before entering Israeli airspace, preventing any potential damage or casualties.
Inside the United States
Biden Defends Commuting Death Sentences After Vatican Pressure (Worthy News Focus)
U.S. President Joe Biden defended his decision to commute the death sentences of 37 inmates Monday, citing “moral and policy” objections, after facing pressure from the Vatican and others opposing capital punishment.
Trump Vows to Designate Mexican Cartels as Terrorists, Announces Anti-Drug Ad Blitz
President-elect Donald Trump announced on Sunday his intention to designate Mexican drug cartels as terrorist organizations in an effort to combat the growing influence and violence associated with these groups. In addition, he revealed plans to launch a comprehensive anti-drug advertising campaign within the United States.
Biden Stops Execution of Nearly All Death Row Inmates
President Joe Biden commuted the sentences of 37 of the 40 Americans on federal death row on Monday.
SCOTUS to Hear Case on Defunding Planned Parenthood Abortion Provider
The US Supreme Court on Wednesday (Dec. 18) agreed to consider a request by South Carolina to deny public funding to Planned Parenthood on the grounds that, in addition to providing healthcare services, it is the nation’s leading abortion provider, Reuters reports.
Christian News
Hundreds of Christians Flee Papua Violence
Hundreds of displaced Christian residents will likely celebrate Christmas outside their homes in an area of Indonesia's conflict-stricken easternmost Papua province unless Indonesian security forces withdraw there, a bishop says.
Sudan Christians In Crossfire; Prayers Urged
With Christmas approaching, Christians urged prayers for their community in war-stricken Sudan, saying they are in the crossfire as a bishop and a pastor were among those being attacked.