Every year finds us scratching our heads as the world is reshaped by events we control and things we don’t. Thus 2025 was no different. So I’m wrapping up the year with my own list of the unexpected.
Biggest political surprise of the year. Two words: Zohran Mamdani. What in the Charles Dickens were these New York City dwellers thinking? Apparently they weren’t. Mamdani made his views clear—aligning with his democratic socialist and Muslim worldview. He netted over 50% of the vote.
Cultural Disappointment of the year. Americas shift toward socialism and away from capitalism. Younger Americans (under 30) now have a much stronger positive view of socialism (around 44-62%) compared to older generations. Enough to rival capitalism’s favorability. (See studies from Pew Research and Cato/YouGov data cited by the Harvard Political Review.) Favorability for capitalism is now at its lowest levels in over ten years.
Crime of the year. Unfortunately, there are several candidates here. But the one capturing the title for me was the killing of Illinois born Charlie Kirk. Truly an amazing spokesman for a biblical worldview and conservative values. The killer was a young man confused about his sexuality and his politics. Who will God raise up next?
Person of the year. Time magazine has told us that the person of the year is … not a person! Time touts the creators of artificial intelligence. This might also lead my list of the Biggest concern of the year. So many unknowns as to where AI will take us.
False narrative of the year. Let’s stay right here in Illinois. Chicagoland media continues to celebrate protestors (for example, No Kings) and illegals as heroic. No conservative voices needed or wanted. Consumers of such media are blasted with just one viewpoint.
Medical miracle of the year. The ongoing developments of gene and cell therapy. The advances in CRISPR technology show significant progress in dealing with muscular dystrophy, cystic fibrosis, and possibly even hearing loss.
Fake news “medical advance.” Illinois Governor Pritzger signed an “aid in dying law”* earlier this month. Also known as Deb’s Law, a woman who struggled with a rare terminal illness, the bill passed out of the Illinois Senate on a 30-27 vote. The other culprits in the Illinois House had approved the bill in a 63-42. Whatever happened to “First, do no harm” in the physician’s code of ethics?
Spiritual blah of the year. I suppose it’s sort of a victory. Church involvement went unchanged in 2025. Better than a continued decline. Barna research does show a growing spiritual interest among younger adults.
Developing crises of the year. China has built an enormous power grid. They continue to threaten Taiwan. And Russia seems more active in becoming a threat to former Soviet bloc countries. On the good side, some forward progress occurred in the Israel / Palestinian conflict.
And last, but not least is my…
Personal health battle to end the year. As I write this, I struggle to recover from a foot infection. Thank the Lord for antibiotics! What I learned in this journey is a reminder that there are those who work in healthcare because it’s a job or career. But there are others who work in the medical field with hearts of true compassion and service. Patients can tell the difference. Bless those who serve from the heart.
And really, a life serving others is the call of all who follow Christ. As it’s written in 1 Peter 4:10,
“Just as each one has received a gift, use it to serve others, as good stewards of the varied grace of God.” (CSB)
May we all pursue our endeavors with that spirit in 2026!
*For more on this fiasco, click here.
