A Tennessee pastor is making headlines after wielding a large sword during his Sunday sermon and declaring that the cancellation of The Late Show with Stephen Colbert was the result of divine intervention.

Pastor Kent Christmas of Regeneration Nashville delivered a fiery message titled “Urgent Word to the Church,” during which he took aim at what he described as “strongholds in politics” and in the entertainment industry.

Holding a sword aloft, Christmas told his congregation, “I declare by the word of the Lord that God over this nation… God can do anything He wants to. Stephen Colbert, bye-bye.”

The viral clip has sparked both support and criticism, especially as it came just days after CBS announced the abrupt cancellation of Colbert’s long-running late-night talk show. The Late Show with Stephen Colbert was originally expected to continue through May 2026. However, the network announced earlier this month that it would be ending the show ahead of schedule, prompting speculation as to whether Colbert’s recent comments about CBS parent company Paramount Global played a role.

Colbert had criticized the company for settling a defamation lawsuit with President Donald Trump, joking that it was a “big fat bribe.” Some believe the remark may have contributed to tensions behind the scenes at the network.

Though Pastor Christmas didn’t elaborate on why he singled out Colbert, the timing of his remarks has drawn attention among conservative Christians, many of whom view Colbert’s increasingly progressive views—particularly on faith-related topics—as problematic.

Colbert, a lifelong Roman Catholic, made headlines recently for supporting a female portrayal of Jesus in an upcoming production of Jesus Christ Superstar at the Hollywood Bowl. “First woman to play Jesus in a major production. Long overdue,” he said during an interview with British actress Cynthia Erivo, who identifies as bisexual and uses they/them pronouns. “I’ve said for years I’d love to see a woman in that part.”

Pastor Kent Christmas has long been known for his bold and often controversial statements. He previously prophesied that Donald Trump would win the 2020 election and has made strong claims about demonic influence in American culture, including attributing the rise in children identifying as LGBT to spiritual forces.

Despite the criticism, Christmas’ ministry reaches thousands. Regeneration Nashville claims over 3,000 members, and its sermons attract over 200,000 viewers weekly in nearly 100 countries.

While the cancellation of Colbert’s show may have surprised many in Hollywood, Pastor Christmas views it as a sign of divine justice and spiritual shifting in the nation.

“God can do anything,” he declared from the pulpit. “And He’s not done.”