December 21, 2025
Welcome to Praying the News!
One horrific act of violence followed another in the headlines this week, including Australia facing the deadliest terrorist attack in its history.
Gloom at first felt rather dissonant with the building Christmas cheer, but then I looked again at Immanuel’s story as told by Isaiah:
“The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light;
those who dwelt in a land of deep darkness, on them has light shone…
For the yoke of his burden, and the staff for his shoulder,
the rod of his oppressor, you have broken as on the day of Midian…
For to us a child is born, to us a son is given;
and the government shall be upon his shoulder,
and his name shall be called
Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
Of the increase of his government and of peace there will be no end,
on the throne of David and over his kingdom, to establish it and to uphold it
with justice and with righteousness from this time forth and forevermore.
The zeal of the Lord of hosts will do this.”
Isaiah 9:2, 4, 6-7 (ESV)
Darkness is smack dab in the middle of the Christmas story, the very reason we desperately need the light of deliverance. And God’s solution to the violence and grief that’s swallowed up the weary world… is a baby.
If you’re feeling the weight of gloom and sorrow this season, you’re not doing Christmas wrong. It is to you, in your pains, that the Prince of Peace comes. The child is given to bear our griefs and carry our sorrows.1
Cast your cares on Him now:
Everlasting Father,
thank You for the gift of Your Son,
whom You gave to swallow up death forever.2
We are waiting for You to banish the darkness,
waiting for You to wipe away tears.
Come quickly, Lord Jesus!
Immanuel, draw near to Australia with comfort for those who are mourning.3
Heal the critically wounded and terrorized,
giving them and their loved ones hope for restoration and renewal.
And restore and renew the suspected gunman Naveed,
shining cleansing light into his deep darkness.
Mighty God,
deliver us in Your mercy from those who plan evil.
Save the vulnerable from the strong who plot harm.
Wonderful Counselor,
give governments clarity and courage
to respond to hatred with goodwill and prudence.
Use them to bring justice, establish righteousness,
serve their constituents, and protect their communities.
Prince of Peace,
quiet the anxious fear of those who were at Bondi Beach on Sunday.
As they’re confronted with human brokenness and frailty,
awaken them to their need for a Savior
who will defeat the darkness and swallow up death forever.
Hasten the coming of His Kingdom,
where hatreds cease, and tears are no more.
Amen.
Yours in Christ,
Steph Juliot
Recommended Reading
1. Isaiah 52:13-53:12
2. Isaiah 25:6-9
3. Isaiah 7:13-14
Recommended Resource
My favorite ways to consume the Bible are fast and slow. Coffee and a fireplace help me with slow reading… and Dwell helps me with fast. This top-tier, customizable audio Bible has helped me through my Bible in a Year plan for three years running, and it’ll help you, too. Highly recommend.*
*from TPO’s partners
Prayer Requests Dropbox
How can we pray for you? Click here to leave us a prayer request. Our staff will pray for each one. Please let us know in the form when the Lord answers your prayers!
Questions or comments about this edition? Hit reply and let us know.
Was this email forwarded to you? Subscribe here.