The African nation of Uganda celebrated its jubilee in October, marking 50 years of independence from Britain. During the national “week of prayer,” its professing Christian president, Yoweri Museveni, led the nation in a prayer of repentance and dedication to God (New Vision, October 18, 2012).

On March 3, 1991 on a California freeway, the driver of a speeding vehicle was arrested after a car chase. As the arrest unfolded, the officers involved used excessive force in subduing the driver, a recent parolee, who happened to be intoxicated. The videotape of the incident quickly hit the news cycle and was shown worldwide. The incident became racially charged, and riots occurred in the Los Angeles area causing widespread, extensive damage resulting in many in injuries and several fatalities.

As Syria’s President Assad clings to power, rebel forces tighten their grip on Damascus. Rebels have captured military bases and are now closing in on Damascus, as Assad’s regime bombs more of the city’s suburbs.

Did you go Christmas shopping this year? Did you spend money you have not yet earned on items that probably will not fill anyone’s needs, and will only temporarily satisfy a selfish envy or greed? Do you feel like Christmas is more about spending money than spending time with God and family?

Consumer counseling agencies anticipate a 25 percent increase in the number of people seeking help in January and February. Most of that traffic is driven to their doors by holiday bills that haunt consumers like the ghost of Christmas past.

Although many critics deny the Bible as an accurate historical source, evidence to the contrary continues to surface.