Author’s note: Christmas 2025 is upon us. This article, now slightly updated, was first posted/published December 25, 2006. I thought it still most relevant at this moment–perhaps more so than ever before.

The Visitation

One solitary birth is the basis upon which the future hangs for every person ever to enter this mortal realm we call planet Earth. How each man, woman, and child–who has reached the age of understanding salvation–views this visitation determines where their home will be for eternity.

Many believe Jesus was sent by God to show us how to live a good life. Some think He was a great prophet and teacher. Others regard Him as a philosopher right up there with Socrates, Plato, Aristotle, and the rest. A few among the billions who have lived since His birth have believed Jesus is the Son of God, but perhaps one among others of a created angelic order assigned to influence the affairs of humankind. Still fewer believe He was who He claimed to be: the only begotten Son of God; the Way, the Truth, and the Life (John 14: 6).

No birth of any individual has ever caused the excitement and controversy that the birth of Jesus has engendered. Was this baby a stranger of an otherworldly order sent to Earth to provide moral guidance? Was Jesus sent to philosophize on the vicissitudes of the human existence? Or was this visitation something more?

Jesus came into the world through the Jewish race. Only those inalterably antagonistic to the truth of history will argue against that. So, we should examine this birth–this visitation—through the prism of Israel and that Jewish nation’s dealings with the one called Jesus.

Although there are other histories about the era, the Bible’s historical account has, through archaeological unveilings, proven time after time to be accurate in details concerning matters surrounding Jesus, the Jews, and Israel. (One such example is the relatively recent discovery of artifacts and evidence that one called Pontius Pilate ruled the area of Judea during the times attributed to Jesus’ crucifixion. Until the discovery, Pilate’s existence as a historical figure was seriously doubted, even denied by many historians.)

We can know the accuracy of how Israel—and the religious Jews in particular—dealt with Jesus. We can know with assurance that He performed miracles and claimed to be God Himself by using the Bible’s documented veracity as proof that Jesus was born exactly as described in detail by Old Testament prophets. The Jewish religious leaders’ treatment of Christ’s First Coming as a baby lays groundwork for understanding what that means to the souls of all humankind. Understanding that First Coming also helps frame the importance of how each of us views Christ’s prophesied Second Advent.

Tragically, the pious Jewish leaders refused to accept that Jesus was the Christ, the Messiah sent from Jehovah to be their King and Savior. They rejected Him despite the precise prophecies He fulfilled in His coming and His ministry. They chose to have Rome rather than Jesus rule over them. The results of their rejection continue to reverberate not only in the Holy Land, but throughout the entire world. Armageddon is building, its nucleus grounded in satanic rage against God’s chosen people.

Jesus wept over God’s people of Israel and the city Jerusalem. He saw times ahead that would eventuate in calamity for them.

“And when he was come near, he beheld the city, and wept over it, Saying, If thou hadst known, even thou, at least in this thy day, the things which belong unto thy peace! but now they are hid from thine eyes. For the days shall come upon thee, that thine enemies shall cast a trench about thee, and compass thee round, and keep thee in on every side, And shall lay thee even with the ground, and thy children within thee; and they shall not leave in thee one stone upon another; because thou knewest not the time of thy visitation” (Luke 19:41-44).

Christ’s First Visitation was ignored and scoffed at by the religious leaders of the time. Their choice was their own way rather than God’s. They preferred to do what was right in their own eyes. True to Jesus’ prophecy, Jerusalem was laid waste, the Temple destroyed, and the Jews scattered to every part of the world. Genocide was committed against them to the point that their very existence as a race was threatened.

Israel continues to pay the price. Anti-Semitism is growing in Europe and around the world. The nation is becoming marginalized, just as the prophet Zechariah said in Zechariah chapters 12 and 14.

But there is a bright day coming for that people–those who accept the Messiah’s Second Visitation. Paul the apostle warned believers not to feel superior to Jews. He forecast a time when Israel would shine among the nations:

“For I would not, brethren, that ye should be ignorant of this mystery, lest ye should be wise in your own conceits; that blindness in part is happened to Israel, until the fullness of the Gentiles be come in” (Romans 11:25).

God said, again through the prophet Zechariah, that believing Israel will yet recognize the Lord Jesus upon His Second Visitation to the earth:

“And I will pour upon the house of David, and upon the inhabitants of Jerusalem, the spirit of grace and of supplications: and they shall look upon me whom they have pierced, and they shall mourn for him, as one mourneth for [his] only [son], and shall be in bitterness for him, as one that is in bitterness for [his] firstborn” (Zechariah 12:10).

The Apostle Paul said:

“And so all Israel shall be saved: as it is written, There shall come out of Sion the Deliverer, and shall turn away ungodliness from Jacob” (Romans 11:26).

A parallel can be drawn between the ecclesiastical Jewish leaders of the time of Jesus’ First Visitation, and many among mainstream evangelical clergy today.

Neither group has considered prophecies of Christ’s coming as relevant to their times. Their attitude is much akin to the one described by the Apostle Peter:

“Knowing this first, that there shall come in the last days scoffers, walking after their own lusts, And saying, Where is the promise of his coming? For since the fathers fell asleep, all things continue as they were from the beginning of the creation” (2 Peter 3:3-4).

This sin-darkened sphere is on the brink of another visitation. Unlike the first, when He came as a humble baby who was the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world, He will come the next time as the King of all kings and Lord of all Lords. Let us who claim Christ as Savior heed His words about His coming again. And the first phase of that Second Coming will be unannounced, in the twinkling of an eye–the Rapture!

“Watch ye therefore: for ye know not when the master of the house cometh, at even, or at midnight, or at the cockcrowing, or in the morning: Lest coming suddenly he find you sleeping. And what I say unto you I say unto all, Watch” (Mark 13:35-37).

—Terry

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Popular for All the Wrong Reasons

The widespread popularity of Christmas movies in our day reflects this troubling truth: The Christmas holiday is popular for all the wrong reasons. Of course, I enjoy watching several of these movies, especially the ones that don’t make Santa Claus the main attraction or leave us wondering about a nebulous “Christmas spirit” as though that’s the reason for the season.

This morning, I saw an article from the PNW (Prophecy News Watch) website that discusses the disconnect between the significance of Jesus’ birth and the world’s celebration of Christmas. Below are some excerpts from it:

Ask the average American whether Jesus was really born in Bethlehem, and most will say yes. Christmas, for them, is not mythology. It is history. The manger is not a fairy tale–it marks a moment in time when something extraordinary entered the world.

Even more striking, a large majority of Americans will tell you they believe Jesus is the Son of God. That belief stretches well beyond church walls, into living rooms where faith may be vague but respect for Jesus remains strong.

In a skeptical age, that alone is astonishing.

America has not rejected the event of Christmas. It has largely accepted it. The problem is not disbelief–it is incompleteness.

The article also states that the majority of Americans celebrate Jesus’ birth as that of a great man who didn’t exist until His birth in the manger. I believe that might even agree with the sentiment that “Jesus is the reason for the season,” but still miss the necessity of His death on the cross as payment for our sins.

There have been many great men and women in history whose accomplishments and discoveries have greatly benefited humanity. We enjoy our freedom in America because of the sacrifices of many who gave their lives fighting wars far away from home. We remember a few of our past leaders on their birthdays, and we have a holiday dedicated to those who died in battle so we could be free. Yet all of these remembrances and recognitions of past achievements fall far short of what happens each year in late December.

What If?

What if Jesus had remained in the grave after His crucifixion? There would be no such thing as the Christmas season with its gift exchanges and feasting with family with great food and delicious desserts and cookies. Jesus claimed to be one with the Father and the only path to eternal life. If He had not risen from the dead, no one would have believed Him or His claims to be “one with the Father” and the exclusive path to eternal life (John 10:30; 14:6). If anyone else in history had proclaimed his deity as well as the ability to forgive sins in such an unmistakable way, would the world celebrate that person’s birth in such a way?

Apart from Jesus’ resurrection, history would not even recognize Jesus as a great teacher. Josh McDowell, in his book Evidence that Demands a Verdict, argues that if Jesus is not Lord (all that He claimed to be), He must either be a liar or a lunatic. If He is not the eternal God and Savior sent from the Father, then no one today would celebrate His birth. His name might be a matter of trivia or a correct response on Jeopardy, but not the reason for exchanging of gifts and family get-togethers.

Jesus is the Word that Became Flesh

The Gospel of John describes Jesus’ birth in this way,

“In the beginning was the Word, and Word was with God, and the Word was God . . . . And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, the glory as of the only Son from the Father (1:1, 14).

Jesus’ birth represents God becoming flesh so that through His death on the cross, we might receive eternal life. John 3:16 says, “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.”

Jesus came to give us life; He walked out of the grave to prove He alone is able to forgive our sins and bring us safely to heaven. This is why the angel proclaimed Him as “Savior” in announcing His birth to the shepherds (Luke 2:11). He is indeed the Savior of the world; there is salvation in no other name apart from His (Acts 4:12).

The celebration of Christmas devoid of the Gospel misses the whole purpose of Jesus’ birth; yet the holiday remains insanely popular among many who reject the saving message of the cross. Could it be that it gives people a little bit of Jesus without really trusting Him? Or have they fallen for Satan’s lie that being somewhat religious is enough, even if they don’t truly believe God’s Word?

My prayer is that all of you have a truly blessed and wonderful Christmas as you celebrate the birth of our Savior in anticipation of His imminent appearing to take us home!

-Jonathan

Prophetic Stage-setting Continues

Stage-setting for the fulfillment of Bible prophecy continues through the acceleration of news, which I hope to show here.

A Catholic Church proclamation again has insinuated its centuries-old self-acclaimed replacement of Israel in usurping promises made to the chosen people—Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Pope Leo XVI has weighed in with remarks, suggesting support for a two-state solution to achieving Mideast peace. By so doing, the leader of 1.4 billion adherents to the Catholic faith has pitted a large segment of earth’s population against God’s declaration that Israel is His nation forever.

Such anti-God opposition by the world’s nations is the primary ingredient that will cause God to bring all rebels to Armageddon for humanity’s final war.

ABOARD THE PAPAL PLANE — Pope Leo XIV doubled down Sunday on the Holy See’s insistence on a two-state solution to resolve the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, saying in his first airborne news conference that it was the “only solution” that could guarantee justice for both sides.

Leo made the comments as he flew from Istanbul to Beirut for the second and final leg of his maiden voyage as pope…

In Gaza, he repeated the Holy See’s longstanding position supporting a two-state solution for Israel and the Palestinians. The creation of a Palestinian state in East Jerusalem, the West Bank and Gaza has long been seen internationally as the only way to resolve the conflict.

The Holy See had recognized a Palestinian state in 2015, but the push for a two-state solution received new impetus this year during the Israel-Hamas war in Gaza. Several more countries formally recognized a Palestinian state during the U.N. General Assembly.

“We know that in this moment, Israel doesn’t accept this solution, but we see it as the only one that can offer a solution to the conflict that they are living in,” he said, and help bring them closer to a solution with justice for all. (“Pope Leo XIV Doubles Down on Insistence for 2-state Solution to Resolve Israeli-Palestinian Conflict, Chicago Sun-Times, November 30, 2025)

Many who observe developments believe the Catholic Church will be a major part of the false worship system of Revelation chapter 17–the system that will be demanded by the False Prophet. I would add here that there are many within the Catholic system who know the Lord for salvation. However, these are saved in spite of, not because of, Catholicism. These are saved because of their belief in Jesus Christ alone for their salvation. The works system of any religion is a false belief system. It is Jesus Christ and belief only in Him, along with confession of Him with the mouth, that saves the individual (Romans 10:9-10).

The pope’s declaration that the two-state solution–Israel giving up land for peace by allowing a Palestinian state—is a declaration that God’s Word says is what will bring God’s wrath (Joel 3:2). This preachment by Pope Leo XVI is setting the stage for Armageddon.

Another stage-setting matter that leaps from recent news concerns the ongoing development of the Gog-Magog coalition that will bring about that disastrous assault, according to Ezekiel chapters 38 and 39.

Despite the recent reimposition of UN sanctions on Iran, Turkey has called for closer diplomatic and trade relations with the Iranian regime, as both countries seek to bolster their influence in the Middle East while openly targeting Israel.

In a new interview with the semi-official Iranian news outlet ISNA, Turkey’s Ambassador to Iran, Hicabi Kırlangıç, said Ankara was working to expand bilateral cooperation with Tehran by leveraging existing capabilities to increase economic ties between the two countries…

The Turkish diplomat’s latest remarks followed Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan’s visit on Sunday to Tehran, where he also pushed for stronger bilateral cooperation between the two countries and denounced what he called “unfair sanctions” on Iran.

In a joint press conference with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, Fidan reaffirmed Turkey’s support for Tehran while calling for the country’s nuclear program to be addressed through dialogue amid ongoing discussions to restart nuclear talks with the West. (“Turkey Pushes for Closer Ties with Iran Despite Mounting Sanctions as Both Countries Pursue Regional Ambitions,” Algemeiner.com)

It is more than interesting that the ties that are bringing Turkey (Togarmah) together with Iran (Persia) in a close, mutually advantageous relationship involve economy. Both nations are hurting in the world trade wars that are ongoing.

When thinking on Russia, the third major nation/entity of the future Gog-Magog assaulting force, it is economy that is most troubling to the Putin regime. Sanctions and other financial calamities continue to embroil the Russians.

The prophet Ezekiel said these three nations/entities will assault Israel in order to “take great spoil.” It is for economic reasons–at least partially—that the Gog-Magog force coalesces to come to plunder riches from Israel.

So, the setting of the prophetic stage continues on many fronts. This means that fulfillment of the Tribulation–the worst time of history, according to Jesus Himself—is coming ever nearer. But it also means the Rapture of all believers in the Lord Jesus Christ for salvation of their souls is also drawing ever nearer. You want to hear Christ’s shout when He calls God’s family into the clouds of Glory. Here is how to make sure you hear that shout.

“That if you will confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus, and will believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart man believes unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation” (Romans 10:9-10).

—Terry

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COP30 and the Coming One-World Religion :: By Jonathan Brentner

The closer we get to Jesus’ appearing, the more our understanding of Bible prophecy grows. Just ten years ago, I didn’t fully comprehend that antichrist’s kingdom would not suddenly appear after the Rapture, but would begin forming prior to our departure. As we approach the midnight hour, we see that the preparations for his reign are far advanced and perhaps near completion. The stage is being set.

Similarly, the book of Revelation portrays a religious element to the world governance of the Tribulation period. The false prophet will force people to worship the image of the beast and accept the mark of the beast (Revelation 13:16-18). The “great prostitute” described in Revelation 17 pictures the role of this religious spirit in deceiving and enslaving the masses.

Do we already see this demonic false worship taking shape in today’s world? We do, and not only that, but it’s also gaining worldwide acceptance, as evidenced by this year’s COP30.

COP30

From November 10-21, 2025, the nations of the world gathered for the thirtieth annual United Nations Climate Change Conference or Conference of the Parties, more commonly known as COP30. The meeting took place in Belém, Brazil, with almost every country officially represented apart from the notable exception of the United States.

At COP30, Communist China unveiled a grotesque, demonic image that it calls the “dragon jaguar guardian spirit.” It displayed devil horns on its head and human hands holding the world. It shows that Satan, whom Jesus described as “the father of lies” (John 8:44), is advancing the need for all the world’s religions to unite under one banner using the ruse of a climate change emergency as its justification.

Worship of the environment has long been a hallmark of the climate alarmists. On September 19, 2019, according to Fox News, students at Union Theological Seminary in New York City prayed to a collection of potted plants set up in the school’s chapel. They later sent out a tweet regarding their worship of nature:

“Today in chapel, we confessed to plants. Together, we held our grief, joy, regret, hope, guilt and sorrow in prayer; offering them to the beings who sustain us but whose gift we too often fail to honor. What do you confess to the plants in your life?”

At COP 30, the worship of nature emerged as central to the agenda of the radical environmentalists.

The Religious Framing of the Climate Movement

Alex Newman, Christian journalist and CEO of Liberty Sentinel and website, attended COP30 and reported his observations in an article posted on the Harbinger’s Daily website: In-Depth: UN COP30 Climate Summit Unites World Religions Under The Cult Of ‘Earth Worship.’ Below are a few of the paragraphs from his report.

“In addition to the political and economic agendas advanced at COP30, one of the least reported but most consequential developments in Belém was, in fact, the increasingly religious and spiritual framing of the global climate movement. Far from being a secular, science-driven assembly, COP30 brought together an unprecedented coalition of world religions. This alliance included everything from Catholics and Protestants to Buddhists, Muslims, Hindus, Jews, and Indigenous pagans and spiritualists. They all rallied under a reinvented global moral consensus built largely around climate action and CO2 emissions.

Two crucial spiritual elements long documented by The New American about this environmental holy war were on full display in Belém. First, COP30 showed unprecedented religious convergence — a “spiritual coalition” bringing all the major religions and religious movements of the world together behind the UN climate program. The unity revolves around an emerging new moral framework that replaces historic biblical understandings of sin with a new vision, where CO2 emissions and other alleged offenses against “Mother Earth” are the real moral evil. COP30 culminated with a virtual interfaith climate liturgy.

Second, COP30 and the broader climate movement are now increasingly and openly integrating pagan and pantheistic spirituality into everything — all while marginalizing the biblical worldview. This was on full display throughout the summit. At official events throughout COP30, Indigenous rituals and pagan earth-worship symbolism were not only present — they were center stage in discussions about the damage humans are supposedly doing to ‘Mother Earth.’”

Does this not represent the forming of the Tribulation period religion that will bring together all the world’s faiths under one banner and empower antichrist?

The Rapture Will Change Everything

During his Olive Tree Ministries’ interview on COP30, Alex Newman remarked how the elite are planning years in advance, and in particular, for when President Donald Trump is no longer in office. Those attending COP30 regard the President as the key roadblock to their demonic agenda, but they are sorely mistaken. The Bible tells us a much different story.

From 2 Thessalonians 2:3-8, we learn that the Lord is currently restraining the unveiling of antichrist and his lawless reign of terror. The Holy Spirit is the Restrainer, and when His work of restricting lawlessness ends with the Rapture, the utopian agenda of the elite, based on the illusion of a climate emergency, will kick into overdrive.

The Rapture will be the game-changer. It will be the crisis that will enable the elite power brokers to impose their will on all the nations.

The pieces for antichrist’s rule are already falling into place. I do not know how much more stage-setting needs to occur between now and the Rapture or the length of the interval between the Rapture and the start of the seven-year Tribulation. But should Jesus appear today and take us home, it would not take a lengthy period of time for the elite to subjugate humanity under their Orwellian nightmare and clear the path for antichrist to begin his reign of terror. That’s because the stage setting for these things is well underway.

The Rapture will change everything for us; it will also change everything for those left behind.

-Jonathan