Today we face unprecedented upheavals in life as we’ve known it. We feel trapped in our homes and are invaded by fear from media and leaders. Yet we hear God speaking once more, saying, do not look back to what was, a new thing can come out of this.

Esther was a biblical heroine who saved the Jewish people. She is recognized mostly for her strength, bravery, and dignity. She was chosen by the Persian King Ahasuerus to be his wife in a contest, not knowing she was a Jew. All the Persian King could see was an incredibly beautiful woman. When the king’s right-hand man, Haman, came up with a plan to kill the Jews, Esther’s uncle Mordechai found her and pleaded with her to spare Israel. Even though she was the King’s wife, she knew she was not allowed to approach him without invitation, and if she did, it could end in death. But she believed she was chosen by God to save her own people and agreed to go in front of the king anyway to win his favor and save her people, the Jews. Esther foils the plan of Haman and wins permission from the king for the Jews to kill their enemies if necessary, and they do so. Israel is spared.

These stories emphasize the power of our own action when we stand on the side of God, never giving into human power or popularity. Over and over, we hear “BUT THERE IS A GOD” who reveals mysteries, who delivers life, who lives forever, and who works signs and wonders in heaven and on earth. We become not only a faithful servant of God but also a mighty witness for God so that others can see the God whom we know. Taking such a stance is not for the weak or the wishy-washy. It takes courage and trust in the very God upon whom we rely. But the results are worth the commitment!

Sometimes we just lose our way. We are preoccupied with “things”, which are often very important projects or responsibilities, and we suddenly find we have ignored other things that are also valuable—the way we know we must take in order to reach our goal.

In our human, power-needy world, it often seems necessary to “prove oneself” if we want recognition, or acceptance, or even just to do something we feel God needs or wants us to do. One time we do not need to “prove ourselves” however, is in connection with God’s love and acceptance of us. That is a gift free and clear. We don’t have to work for it, earn it, or go through any special hoops to attain it. It just is our gift.

A new preaching series will soon begin at Faith Lutheran Church in Shelton on Luther’s Catechism, beginning with the 10 Commandments. Many of us learned these commandments when we were in Sunday school and Confirmation classes. As a pastor for many years, I discovered that young people took these 10 Commandments as “the law” or only for what they said, never putting any further thought into their extended meaning. So, a kid might say, “Of course it is wrong to kill. Murder is always wrong!” Another student would say, “My mom would “kill” me if I stole anything!”

Perhaps it is time for us to revisit these Commandments and the rest of the Catechism to reaffirm what are the plans for God’s people. It is a very timely topic for us as we live in a very divided and tumultuous period of history. We are given the opportunity to stretch our thinking, to rectify the wrongs within us and around us, and teach our children and grandchildren how God wants us to live.

“A new year stands on our doorsteps. With fragile caution we move to open the door for its entrance. Our hearts leap with surprise and joy jumps in our eyes, for there beside this brand new year stands our God with outstretched hand! God smiles and gently asks of us: “can we walk together this year?” And we, so overwhelmed with goodness, can barely whisper our reply: “Welcome in!”

At the very moment when we are caught up in the opening of Christmas presents, nibbling on cookies, and bemoaning the separation from our families due to the pandemic, God comes with his great “Ta-Dah” to remind us that in the midst of all the anxieties and activities surrounding the holy day of Christmas, God’s coming in the form of the baby named Jesus, is greater than all these.

At a time when homelessness is such a huge issue and the immigrant is scorned, we need to consider our role in finding solutions. These homeless and foreign ones are God’s own children. How will we respond?

When disaster takes place, we sit in mourning and unbelief that such has happened. We cry out in anger, fear, or despair. Is there hope? Does God give a hoot? Yes, says the Scripture. God cares a lot about you and about those who have hurt you and even those whom you hurt. God is steadfast and God’s love never ceases—then or now.