Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way. The Lord be with all of you.
2 Thessalonians 3:16
This Christmas — generally a peace-oriented time of year — I find myself thinking about another current thread in our society: fear. Even in moments of safety, it can feel like we’re standing yet again on the dividing line between possibility and scarcity.
For some people in our communities, fear is even closer at hand. Their concerns include: Will I eat today? Will I be able to stay warm? Where will I sleep? Will my negative thoughts and feelings overwhelm me? Will my possessions be stolen? Will I be able to avoid people who might try to harm me?
The Biblical story of Christmas is not without fear. After Jesus is born, Mary and Joseph flee to Egypt to avoid a genocide. The child born to bring peace on Earth has a tumultuous early life. But when the angels first appear to the shepherds in Luke 2, they say “Do not be afraid.” Instead, the shepherds are invited to go see the new Messiah for themselves.
It’s commonly held that the opposite of fear is faith — and faith remains an integral part of our journeys out of darkness. But an often-overlooked antidote to fear is actually curiosity. The ability to ask questions to gain understanding — to learn. To reach out. To overcome trepidation by stepping forward in tested, trustworthy faith.
That’s what men and women in our communities are doing each and every day when they look for help. In the face of great fear, they search for answers, for support, and for the services they need to push back against dismay. It’s your continued generosity and care that ensures that their curiosity is met with discovery and hope. It’s also thanks to you that 2,083 people received a warm holiday meal at UGM’s Christmas celebration this past Saturday — a wonderful testament to the wonderful community we can build through compassionate reciprocity.
Curiosity. Courage. Resilience. Faith. These are all things that help us stand in the face of fear. May you continue lighting the way for others this holiday season, as you resist worry and welcome in God’s eternal hope.
With blessings for Christmas and the New Year,
Dean Kurpjuweit
President
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