"Fear hardens lives, dares not acknowledge failures, and closes borders. Fear leaves us cynical, immobilised, and turned in upon ourselves," cautions Hanson, who is also presiding bishop of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America.
The LWF president affirms that to be human is to have fears. "Fear has permeated life in this past year and haunting images will remain with us," he says. He recalls children's fear of abandonment as their parents die from HIV/AIDS; parents clutching their children, terrified there would not be enough food to keep death and disease away; and people struggling for survival amid natural disasters.
But, he notes, God sends messengers to hold back the walls of fear and people can hear the good news of God's love in Christ Jesus for the whole creation. "We entrust our lives to God's promise. Faith rather than fear defines us," Hanson affirms in his message.
The LWF president notes that faith "compels us" to bear witness to the signs of God's reign of justice, mercy and peace. "We receive the future, trusting in the power and promise of Christ's death and resurrection," he adds.
The full text of the message follows:
2005 Christmas Message from the LWF President
Dear Sisters and Brothers in the worldwide Lutheran communion,
"Do not be afraid." So began the angel's announcement of Jesus' birth. It was also Gabriel's greeting to a bewildered Mary, "Do not be afraid." To the grieving women at Jesus' tomb, angels again declared, "Do not be afraid." To exiles in Babylon who felt forsaken by God comes the announcement, "Be strong, do not fear!" (Isaiah 35:4)
