In her December Michigan Meanderings, Bishop Deborah Lieder Kiesey reflects on how God’s Word speaks to global terror.
With the rest of the world, I watched in horror as the reports of the tragic bombing in Paris came across my computer screen.
It was far too easy to put myself in the place of those who had simply been out for an evening meal, or attending a local concert, now running for their lives.
It was far too easy to imagine the grief, as the memorial of flowers and notes continued to grow. It was far too easy to imagine the fear.
How many times over these past several months have we mourned the unnecessary loss of lives? How many shootings – how many terrorist attacks – how many violent videos have we seen on the nightly news?
And the words of the Psalmist come to me:
How long, O Lord? Will you forget me forever?
How long will you hide your face from me?
How long must I bear pain in my soul,
and have sorrow in my heart all day long?
How long shall my enemy be exalted over me? Psalm 13:1-2
“How long, O Lord?” “How long?”
And my initial reaction to this latest attack? Fear. And when I heard there might have been a threat against Germany, I had to text my son and daughter-in-law in Berlin, Germany, and make certain they weren’t taking any chances. And his response to me: “Mom, we’re going about our usual business. I have a marathon I will be running this weekend. We can’t let the terrorists sow fear. We can’t let them win.”
So true. We can’t let fear win.
We live in a world where fear is an everyday experience – an ever-changing world often filled with unknowns and uncertainty. Places we expect to be safe – schools, theaters, shopping malls – are no longer. And it is far too easy to allow our fears to control us.
What are we, as people of faith, to do? We turn once again to our sacred scriptures for guidance.
In even just a quick reading of the Gospels we see how often Jesus speaks to our fears.
Whether the disciples were worrying about tomorrow
– or a storm at sea
– or enough food for the crowd
– or the reaction of the authorities
– or following the rules
– or who would sit at Jesus’ right hand
… fear (both perceived and real) was part of their lives.
And again and again Jesus responds (to them and to us),
“Do not fear, do not be afraid, oh you of little faith.” (Matthew 14:31)
Faith and Fear. Jesus links these two. Faith is what helps us deal with the fears that surround us and sometimes threaten to overwhelm us.
It seems so simple, and yet we all know it’s not.
My Mother shared with me this phrase. I know I’ve shared it with some of you before, but it’s worth repeating. In fact, you will find these words on the bottom of all my emails:
“Live by what you believe, not by what you fear.”
Wise words. Words I need to hear. Words I need to remind me that my call is to walk in faith – not fear.
“Live by what you believe, not by what you fear.”
And what do I believe?
- I believe that this world – created and shaped by a loving God – is basically good.
- I believe that we, as children of God – again, created and shaped by a loving God – are at heart, also good.
- I believe that God gave us a tangible sign of God’s presence – of “God with us” in the gift of Jesus Christ.
- I believe that Jesus Christ came to offer Hope in the midst of fear – light in the midst of darkness – life in the midst of death.
- I believe that faith is easy in good times, but when our fear is greatest, we must dig deeper in our hearts to find the promised hope of our faith.
- I believe in the power of prayer – in the power of goodness to overcome evil – in the power of forgiveness – and in the power of faith to overcome all that life can throw at us.
When the angels came to the shepherds on that night over 2000 years ago they came with these words:
‘Do not be afraid; for see – I am bringing you good news of great joy for all the people; to you is born this day in the city of David a Savor, who is the Messiah, the Lord.’” Luke 2:10 -11
As we step into this New Year, let’s move forward in faith – not fear.
With Christ beside us and with the vision of God’s Kingdom before us, let us lay aside every fear and move into God’s future with faith, with joy, and with hope.
So … a blessed Christmas to you all! And may we live out what we proclaim to be true – “God with us” – now and always.
THE CHRISTMAS SPIRIT by Ann Weems
The Christmas spirit
is that hope
which tenaciously clings
to the hearts of the faithful
and announces
in the face
of any Herod the world can produce
and all the inn doors slammed in our faces
and all the dark nights of our souls
that with God
all things still are possible,
that even now
unto us
a Child is born!
Peace,
Bishop Deb
Last Updated on December 15, 2023