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THE SPIRIT OF THE SEASON

The December holiday season is typically one of cheer, filled with messages about goodwill, peace, and families and communities gathered in celebration.

This year our holidays were launched by hateful words from the highest offices in our land. President Trump labeled groups of immigrants “garbage”; Secretary of Homeland Security Noem defined immigrants as “…killers, leeches and entitlement junkies.”

This rhetoric irrationally demonizes members of our communities and our places of worship and it serves to build hate at a time when unity is key to the vitality of our neighborhoods and our nation.

In Christian homes and places of worship, this month launches a celebration of a Holy Child who with his family is forced to flee as a refugee to save his life. Amidst this time, angels are said to have sung of peace and goodwill to all.

In Jewish homes and places of worship, this month launches a celebration which recalls freedom from the oppression of a demonizing ruler. Amidst this time, candles are lit as a message that light will prevail amidst the darkness of hate.

Our spiritual traditions, in this season and in all seasons of the year, inspire us to welcome the stranger, to ensure justice for the immigrant, and to treat the foreigner as a beloved neighbor.

Our differing faith traditions require us to put these beliefs into action. As such we decry the statements from the White House and we commit to our core beliefs of justice for the foreigner, of being beacons of light in this dark time and working for the goodwill of all people.

Rev. Dr. Jacob Buchholz (Claremont), Rev. Tino Cordova (Diamond Bar), Rev. Julie Wheeler (Pomona)

Co Conveners - Pomona Valley Spiritual Leaders for Justice (a collaborative of 22 spiritual communities)