Reach

As 2024 draws to a close, the Christian community in India reflects on a year marked by increasing challenges and persecution.

Data from various organizations paint a sobering picture of the difficulties faced by this religious minority, which comprises approximately 2.3% of the country’s population of 1.45 billion.

A look at national news events in February 2024:

01 - The federal government announces spending of an additional $362 million to help provinces and cities temporarily house asylum seekers. Immigration Minister Marc Miller called the interim housing assistance program a stopgap measure, saying the system needs to be rejigged to reflect a large flow of international migration that is not about to stop. 

A look at national news events in January 2024:

1 - Former world cycling champion Rohan Dennis is charged in connection with the death of his wife, 32-year-old Olympic cyclist Melissa Hoskins. She died late Dec. 30 after being struck by a vehicle while riding in suburban Adelaide, Australia. Dennis is charged with causing death by dangerous driving, endangering life and driving without due care.

Luke 2:28-32

Simeon took him in his arms and praised God, saying: “Sovereign Lord, as you have promised, you may now dismiss your servant in peace. For my eyes have seen your salvation, which you have prepared in the sight of all nations: a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and the glory of your people Israel.”

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Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

Isaiah 9:6

For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

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Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

This Christmas, many of us will sing our favourite carols. But how often do we ask where they come from?

Very rarely, if ever.

Some of these songs trace back centuries, each with its own story to tell. Take “In the Bleak Midwinter,” for instance — Christina Rossetti’s 1872 masterpiece brings together winter’s chill, the arrival of Christ and a gentle portrayal of the nativity. It culminates in that poignant moment of quiet reflection: The poem-turned-carol invites a depth of contemplation that resonates long after the last note fades.

Here is the Apostle Paul’s version of the Christmas story:

But when the fullness of the time came, God sent forth His Son, born of a woman, born under the Law, so that He might redeem those who were under the Law, that we might receive the adoption as sons. (Gal. 4:4-5)

Immigration measures announced as part of Canada's border response to president-elect Donald Trump's 25 per cent tariff threat are starting to be implemented, beginning with a ban on what's known as "flagpoling."

This is when someone who was in Canada on a temporary visa leaves for the U.S. then quickly re-enters Canada to access immigration services at a port of entry. 

The restriction on providing work and study permits to flagpolers takes effect today.

Canada appears to be barrelling toward a spring election now that the NDP is vowing to vote down the government early next year — whether Prime Minister Justin Trudeau stays on or not.

Political watchers are abuzz over the possible scenarios that could play out in the coming year following last week's drama that rocked Trudeau's government, and a springtime national campaign is the one that's solidifying the fastest.

It's been a whirlwind month for the Smallbone family as they wrap up their Drummer Boy Christmas Live tour.  

This was an extra special tour, with several special guests joining their side including The Voice contestant Jaukeem Fortson and Luke's 10-year-old son, Phoenix.

Joel's wife, Moriah also joined the tour singing with her husband.