Hopes and Fears
 
“The Lord is my light and my salvation;
whom then shall I fear?
the Lord is the strength of my life;
of whom then shall I be afraid?”
Psalm 27:1
 
Here we are, Christmas presents have been opened, holiday food eaten and we are headed towards the new year. The next few days might be a good time to reflect on the year that is past and begin to anticipate the new year ahead.

As I look back at the year 2022, there have been ups and downs, good times and bad times. There has been news of violence and aggression locally and globally, and we have also learned of heartwarming acts of generosity, kindness and compassion. I feel like we are on “the other side” of the COVID pandemic, with the development of vaccines and learning to live in the new normal of facemasks and isolation when illness occurs.

There are daily events and circumstances that might cause us to freeze and to become immobile with fear. Should we live in fear or do we move forward in confidence, doing the best we can to be safe? While we do not want to be foolish in our risk assessment and subsequent protective measures, it is important to remember this: With the Lord as our strength, our light and our salvation, we can live looking forward with hope to the eternal life promised to us through Jesus Christ, our Lord. 
 
This prayer, attributed to St. Francis de Sales, provides comfort as we look toward the future, not knowing what changes we might face.
 
Be At Peace.
Do not look forward in fear to the changes of life;
Rather look to them with full hope that as they arise,
God, whose very own you are, will lead you safely
Through all things;
And when you cannot stand it, God will carry you
In His arms.
Do not fear what may happen tomorrow;
The same everlasting Father who cares for you today
Will take care of you today and every day.
He will either shield you from suffering or will give you
Unfailing strength to bear it.
Be at peace and put aside all anxious thoughts and imaginations. Amen.
The Rev. Lisa R. Neilson
Vicar for Pastoral Care
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