In this week’s Brief: We walk through a heavy news cycle that collided head-on with the Christmas season. We unpack an attack on U.S. troops, the shooting at Brown University, the terrorist attack in Sydney, the horrific murders of Hollywood legend Rob Reiner and his wife, and a foiled NYE terror attack in California.

Then, we shift gears to some lighter—but still meaningful—moments: favorite Christmas movies and traditions, reflections on what Christmas actually celebrates from a Christian perspective. 

Plus, quick-hit updates on the Candace Owens and Erika Kirk meeting, the Heisman trophy winner, Michigan football head coach Sherrone Moore getting arrested, NFL updates, and predictions on this weekend’s College Football Playoff games.

And as always, we step back to ask what it looks like for Christians to process real grief, stay informed, and still hold fast to hope and joy in a world that feels especially loud—and tender—this time of year.

Topics

• (00:00 ): Introduction
• (01:46 ): US troops ambushed in Syria
• (02:53 ): Brown University shooting
• (06:07 ): Hanukkah attack in Australia
• (11:59 ): Rob Reiner's tragic murder
• (20:08 ): Foiled New Year's Eve terror attack
• (20:57 ): Christian response to evil
• (28:28 ): Top Christmas movies of all time
• (36:18 ): Reflecting on Christmas traditions
• (41:46 ): Candace Owens and Turning Point USA controversy
• (43:51 ): Fernando Mendoza wins the Heisman
• (44:45 ): Sherrone Moore scandal
• (45:36 ): NFL injuries and playoff implications
• (46:50 ): College Football playoffs preview

Resources

• Send us your thoughts, questions, and topic ideas: culturebrief@denisonforum.org
• Culture Brief Instagram
• Watch on Youtube! 
• Sign-up for Denison Forum’s daily newsletter: DenisonForum.org/subscribe

Articles on this week’s top headlines:

• Rob Reiner and his wife found dead; police probe homicide - Denison Forum
• Rob Reiner’s son arrested in connection with parents’ deaths - Denison Forum
• Two heroes of the Hanukkah massacre in Australia - Denison Forum
• What the controversial “God & Country” documentary gets right and wrong: Should you watch? - Denison Forum
• Thomas Massie on X
• Mike Lawler on X
• Jenna Ellis on X
• Attorney General Pamela Bondi on X
• Patrick Mahomes on X

About Conner Jones

Conner Jones is the Director of Performance Marketing at Denison Ministries and Co-Hosts Denison Forum's "Culture Brief" podcast. He graduated from Dallas Baptist University in 2019 with a degree in Business Management. Conner passionately follows politics, sports, pop-culture, entertainment, and current events. He enjoys fishing, movie-going, and traveling the world with his wife and son.

About Micah Tomasella

Micah Tomasella is the Director of Advancement at Denison Ministries and co-hosts Denison Forum's "Culture Brief" podcast. A graduate of Dallas Baptist University, Micah is married to Emily, and together they are the proud parents of two daughters. With an extensive background in nonprofit work, finance, and real estate, Micah also brings experience from his years in pastoral church ministry.

About Denison Forum

Denison Forum exists to thoughtfully engage the issues of the day from a biblical perspective through The Daily Article email newsletter and podcast, the Faith & Clarity podcast, as well as many books and additional resources.