December 3- by: George Munro

Is Christ still with us? I was struck this past week by the generosity of a Weld County farmer who opened his fields to what turned out to be 40,000 people who were in need of the farmer’s potatoes, onions, and carrots. The overwhelming level of the turnout really spoke to the extremely serious level of our economic predicament. Like most serious setbacks, the current economy provides an impetus for spiritual growth.

So what can we as Christians do in these troubled times? First, at a personal level, we can reduce our expectations and consumption. The author, Tony Hillerman, formulated this as a Beatitude: “Blessed are those who expect little….For they are seldom disappointed.” We can pray and dream of a simpler life, with a focus on the essentials: personal attachment and devotion to family and to God. See if you can live with less. If you want to know about your lifestyle, look at your trash. It’s all there!

At a community level we should make it a point to give generously to others, both to organizations and to the people we contact daily. For example, perhaps we could tip the waiter a little bit more, not expecting anything in return. Gifts can also be in the form of time spent listening to the problems of others and showing simple respect for them. Truly now more than ever, we need to be our brother’s keeper.

On a national level we can resolve never again to condone torturing our enemies. (Isn’t that what is supposed to separate us from them in the first place?) We need to demand business and government leaders who put society before themselves.

Lastly, and most importantly, we can rededicate ourselves to Christ who should be our guide in all that we do. Christ was present in ancient Israel and is with us now in our time of need. Perhaps, good can come from the difficult times in which we live by helping us to get back to the love, clarity, strength, and peace offered by Christ.

Merry Christmas!
George Munro