THERE’S MUCH TO PONDER this Christmas as we find our nation in turmoil. Anger simmers and boils. Discord rises. Oppression continues. Peace in our country, let alone throughout the world, feels more elusive than ever. These are difficult days.
Likewise, the newborn Jesus and his parents faced similar challenges some 2,000 years ago. They were refugees who fled their Judean homeland for Egypt under the threat of an oppressive and violent leader. King Herod ordered all baby boys in Bethlehem to be killed after learning that a “King of the Jews” was born there. He feared being replaced. When I consider a leader so cold, calculating and cruel that he would mandate the killing of any boy age two and under to retain power, well, it seems unconscionable. But it was reality. And, had I been Mary, I also would have done everything possible to save my son.
Consider that in the context of today. Here. In America. Threats to our immigrants may not be as severe as death, although some have died in ICE custody. But detention and deportation, or the threat thereof, are very real. This is happening all over the U.S., including right here in my southern Minnesota community.
For example, locally-based HealthFinders Collaborative, a community health center serving the underserved and uninsured in my area, has issued a statement that their patients, staff, volunteers and others do not feel safe due to visibly present federal agents in our communities. People are canceling appointments. People are afraid. In response to the very real fear people are feeling, HealthFinders is expanding virtual visits and is locking clinic doors. I expect those living in biblical times felt similar angst under the authoritarian rule of King Herod. No wonder Mary and Joseph fled with Jesus to Egypt.
This Christmas I can’t pretend everything is OK while hatred, disparaging rhetoric and injustices run rampant in this country. As a woman of faith, I look at Jesus and see how he lovingly embraced people. He showed love, care, compassion, kindness. To all. He would not be alright with certain groups of people being hated on. He would not be OK with people targeted, hunted, gathered, detained, sent away. Poof. Gone.
If there’s any message to take away from Christmas this year, it’s that we need to stand up for our neighbors. Ask ourselves the once-trendy question, “What Would Jesus Do?” We need to voice our concerns. Resist. Help. Encourage. Follow Jesus’ lead of serving, loving and supporting those who need us most right now. And that’s not the King Herods who choose power over humanity.
In closing, I hold hope that we, as individuals and a nation, will stand strong against that which oppresses us, that which is inhumane and that which is just plain wrong. We all, whether people of faith or not, inherently understand the difference between right and wrong, good and evil. Let us live as people who care about goodness, kindness, compassion, love and peace.
© Copyright 2025 Audrey Kletscher Helbling
Minnesota Prairie Roots 
this is so beautifully said, and once again you have used your gift in a message of compassionate and powerful words that are so full of love and humanity and now, pain and suffering.
this exposes the people who try to falsely hide behind what they call religion in their actions and words to hurt others. who act and speak against what true religious doctrines teach us: kindness, compassion, empathy, sympathy, integrity, love, family, friendship, faith, humility, and living a life in the service of others.
Thank you, Beth. And thank you for making the point that people are falsely hiding behind “religion” and using words and actions to hurt others. It’s really difficult to see this happening. I want to say, “Instead of holding up a bible, open it and read the words therein. Think about what Jesus would do” I could write an entire post on this topic, but will refrain from doing so today.
Merry Christmas, Audrey.
Thank you and a Merry Christmas to you and yours also!
Season’s Greetings Audrey, and too everyone, I like how you point out, your observations of beauty around you and what ” You take home”. I like your empathy, caring and concern for all creatures big and small and for our fellow humans. With all of those at the forefront of my thoughts, May Peace and Prosperity be with you and all who read your pages, Merry Christmas (- the celebration of Jesus birth – the reason for the Holy Day) and may you all have a very prosperous New Year.
Thank you for your kind and generous words, Gunny. From Minnesota to Texas, I wish you a blessed and joyful Christmas and a wonderful 2026!
A well-written message for these difficult times. My hope and wish is that 2026 will be one of more joyful and peaceful moments. We need to embrace humanity with dignity, compassion, and love every day in our lives.
Merry Christmas and enjoy your family time.
Well stated, Sue.
Have a joyful Christmas with your daughter, husband and friends! Our family arrives this afternoon.
I agree with you wholeheartedly, Audrey: “Let us live as people who care about goodness, kindness, compassion, love and peace.” Merry Christmas and hope for a better year ahead. 💕🙏💕
Thanks for reaffirming the importance of caring for others. Merry Christmas!
Oh, Audrey, I so understand and agree with your message. My heart breaks for people who have done nothing wrong and so much that is right being persecuted by those who cannot or will not see our common humanity. I pray that we can all use our voices in whatever ways we can to carry the message of compassion and love for ALL others, despite our differences and because of what is alike about us. Maybe some of our elected leaders don’t want to carry that message. Then, it is even more important that we do so.
God bless and keep everyone as we celebrate this Christmas season hopeful that we can change the dangerous, hurtful direction the country is taking. We have to believe in hope, in possibility.
We have to hold hope. And while holding hope, we must each do what we can for our neighbors. We must also raise our voices LOUD and clear against that which is destroying our country, harming our people, endangering democracy. I know you know that. Thank you, Sheri, for caring and being part of the movement for goodness and decency, kindness, compassion, respect…
Merry Christmas, Audrey. ❤
Thank you, Penny. I hope you had a lovely Christmas with your brother and SIL.
Such a lovely, crucial message delivered with care and compassion. I hope your Christmas had many moments of joy Let’s all try to remember that joy is a very powerful tool of resistance.
Thank you, Michael. I like your statement that joy is a powerful tool of resistance.
I agree with your thoughts, especially “We all, whether people of faith or not, inherently understand the difference between right and wrong, good and evil. Let us live as people who care about goodness, kindness, compassion, love and peace.”
…whether people of faith, or not we inherently understand…
May more eyes be opened in the coming new year, and may peace and decency be our goal.
A belated Merry Christmas to you.
Yes, more eyes need to be opened. Wishing you a blessed 2026, my dear friend!
A belated Merry Christmas!
Thank you and the same to you, Nicole and Ethan!