It’s been a long time since we Americans have celebrated Christmas and Epiphany in a time of want. Even if our personal circumstances were a bit tight, the country around us, our neighbors, seemed to be enjoying a continual season of prosperity. So our personal celebrations, such as they were, took place against the bright canvas of life in the wealthiest nation on earth.<\/p>\n
No more. There is no hiding from the crash of overinflated values and overinflated expectations. As it always does, the capitalist system is finding the bottom, the place where market values and real values meet. The harsh realities of life defined by economic values can’t be ignored. And the continuing decline in the banking industry and the credit markets make it clear that our economic struggles will continue for much of 2009 and, perhaps, longer.<\/p>\n
Our churches are responding to the recession in a variety of ways. Some of us have had very strong annual giving campaigns. Many of us are struggling. Some of us have increased our outreach to the community. Many of us are worried about how we will meet our expenses and pay our clergy. And all of us are recognizing the ways this recession is impacting not only our members, but also our communities. Perhaps, feeling our own needs, we may be more sensitive to the needs of those around us. Perhaps these hard times can ignite in us the flame of compassion, can remind us what it is we are called to do and be as the body of Christ.<\/p>\n