The Book of Isaiah brings “glad tidings” this Christmas Day, while the psalmist speaks of “wondrous deeds.” On January 1, the Octave Day of Christmas, the gospel of Luke tells us that “all were amazed” by the news they heard from the shepherds. As the historical year draws to a close and salvation history begins anew, 2016 will be remembered on the international stage for breakthroughs such as the historic Paris Agreement on Climate Change as well as breakdowns such as the tragic Syrian civil war. On the domestic front, surprising levels of evangelical support contributed to Donald Trump’s presidential victory, and that support was voted the top religion story of the year.

The most comprehensive international agreement ever to combat man-made climate change took effect November 4, less than a year after negotiators from more than 190 countries reached a final deal on the issue, a deed that many considered a wondrous breakthrough. The Paris Agreement commits participating countries to working to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions and transparently reporting those results with the goal of keeping global temperature rise from pre-industrial levels below 2°C (3.6°F) by 2100.

“This is our chance to set us on course toward a safer, more sustainable and more just future for all on a healthy planet,” UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said shortly before the milestone was reached. “Let us seize the moment and be true to the values and aims of our organizations.”

The agreement represents a significant achievement for President Obama, who made addressing the issue on the international stage a top priority in his second term. In brief remarks from the White House in November, Obama called the achievement a “turning point for the planet.”

The milestone was celebrated immediately by climate policy makers and advocates, but many pointed out that the deal is just a first step in addressing climate change. The Paris Agreement provides a framework for countries to develop and share their plans to address climate change, but scientists say the current plans fall short of the agreement’s target. The framework requires countries to reconsider their pledges every five years, hopefully to improve upon them, but experts say those improvements should start now given continued signs of accelerating global warming.

Not all has been glad tidings on the international stage. The Syrian civil war looks to be entering a new phase after the fall of Aleppo, more than five years after the Arab Spring of 2011. The war gradually evolved into a complex set of overlapping conflicts that range from regional rivalry to religious conflict. President Bashar al-Assad, backed by Iran and Russia, is opposed by the Islamic State and a web of rebel groups that are believed to be funded by Sunni powers in Saudi Arabia and the Persian Gulf. The United States has so far chosen not to act except in opposition to the Islamic State, but with a change of administration looming, that stance may change.

A study by the Syrian Center for Policy Research released in February 2016 estimated the death toll of the war to be 470,000, with 1.9 million wounded (reaching a total of 11.5 percent of the entire population either wounded or killed). As of March 2015, Al-Jazeera estimates 10.9 million Syrians, or almost half the population, have been displaced. Close to 4 million have been made refugees. And tragically, no resolution is in sight.

On the domestic front, Religion News Association (RNA) reports that its member journalists were amazed by the support Donald Trump received from white evangelical Christians in his election as president of the United States. That support was voted the top religion story of 2016 in the RNA’s annual Top 10 Religion Stories of the Year Poll. 

Trump's election alarmed many on account of comments in which the president-elect vilified Muslims and illegal immigrants and in which white supremacists enthusiastically supported him. But others said they voted for the GOP candidate because of his stances against abortion and illegal immigration and in favor of gun rights and conservative judicial nominations, as well as concerns over the economy and terrorism.

In the first reading on the Octave Day of Christmas, Moses is called to speak to the Israelites. The RNA’s “Religion Newsmaker of the Year” honors are shared between Khizr and Ghazala Khan, the Muslim Gold Star parents of U.S. Army Captain Humayun Khan, who was killed in Iraq. The Khans were called upon to speak at the Democratic National Convention this July, where they denounced Trump's proposed ban on Muslims entering the country as unconstitutional. Members of the Standing Rock Sioux tribe, who gained national attention while protesting a pipeline route through what they consider sacred lands, received honorable mention.

This marks the first time in four years that Pope Francis hasn't landed at the top of the newsmaker list. He was voted Newsmaker of the Year three consecutive years beginning in 2013. Francis, however, is still going strong as he celebrated his 80th birthday on December 17. He celebrated the milestone by sharing breakfast with eight homeless people in the Vatican before heading to Mass.

Lessons drawn from the readings

Perhaps the psalmist says it best on the Octave Day of Christmas: “May God bless us in his mercy. May God have pity on us and bless us; may he let his face shine upon us. So may your way be known upon earth; among all nations, your salvation.” Let us hope and pray that the world might learn the works of salvation and lay aside the works of destruction this coming year.

Final thought in light of the news

Perhaps our hope and our prayers will be enough to tip the balance toward justice and peace this coming year. As you rejoice, rest, and regroup for a new year over the holidays, spend some time reflecting on small ways you can help tip the balance toward good this coming year. None of us can do everything, but each of us can do something. Merry Christmas and happy New Year!