Look at the stars

While reading today’s passage of scripture from Luke, I was drawn repeatedly to Luke 2:8-10: “Nearby shepherds were living in the fields, guarding their sheep at night. The Lord’s angel stood before them, the Lord’s glory shone around them, and they were terrified. The angel said, “Don’t be afraid! Look! I bring good news to you—wonderful, joyous news for all people.”

The events of the past 2 years, right up until today with the unjust war taking place in Ukraine, feel like night. Cold. Dark. Night. And, like the shepherds, there is fear. Our world right now offers plenty of chances to fear, and we can be rather creative in thinking of new things to be fearful of, even beyond current events. Maybe that’s why one of the most oft-repeated commands in the Bible is do not be afraid.

Why shouldn’t we be afraid? Because there is good news. And this news is for all people. ALL people. The savior is born. With this news comes real, lasting, wonderful, full of glory, JOY.

I read this Scripture and I know in my soul that this is true. This is faith. I also know that faith and fear are opposite poles. Still, I find myself afraid.

This past November, I attended the “Remembering Auschwitz” exhibit at Union Station in Kansas City with the group from our church. Among the relics of unspeakable, unfathomable violence and tragedy were stories. Stories of people who had found joy. It was a deeply moving and profound experience.

After touring the exhibit, I revisited the works of Viktor Frankl, and was reminded of a woman he mentored, Dr. Edith Eger. Dr. Eger, like Viktor Frankl, is a Holocaust survivor, having been imprisoned in Auschwitz. She is now an eminent psychologist who works with victims of physical and mental trauma. I recently re-read her book The Choice and then read her newest book, The Gift.

In her books, Dr. Eger explores, among many things, the concept of fear. She states, “We should never stop seeking safety and justice, doing everything in our power to protect ourselves, our loved ones, our neighbors, our fellow humans. But we have a choice how much of our lives we give over to fear. You never know what’s coming from the outside. You can’t predict who might show up to cause harm—yell an insult, throw a punch, break a promise, betray your trust, drop a bomb, start a war. I wish I could tell you that tomorrow the world will be safe from cruelty and violence and prejudice, from rape and depravity and genocide. But that world may not ever come. We live in a world with danger, and so we live in a world with fear. Your safety isn’t guaranteed. But fear and love don’t coexist. And fear doesn’t have to rule your life. Releasing the fear starts with you.”

Every day we have a choice. We can release the fear. We can remember the good news. We can find the joy. If you are struggling with this too, I encourage you to reach out. Reach out to Scripture, to a friend, to a pastor, to Dr. Eger’s books, to a counselor, to me. Get outside and take a walk, meet a friend for coffee, journal, notice that amazing sunset, sign up to serve or help in your community in some way. You are not alone. And you do have a choice. May you choose joy today.