December 23, 2017
Dear Friends,
This month most of us within the #IPMFamily will gather with those we love to celebrate the Holiday Season and New Year.
For those of us of the Jewish faith, #Hanukkah has recently concluded—an eight day Festival of Lights not too dissimilar from the Hindu Festival of #Diwali or the Muslim concept of finding God’s light in all things–ending this year on the eve before the Winter Solstice in the Northern Hemisphere. Similarly #Kwanza, beginning on December 26th, marks the celebration of more than 5million U.S. citizens, who utilize light to honor their African heritage and emphasize the power of coming together, (#Harambee in Swahili).
For those of us of the Christian faith, the annual celebration of Jesus’ birth not only coincides with the lengthening of light that comes on the heels of the Solstice, but also a deep connection to our #AbrahamicBrothersAndSisters in the hope that divine justice—not division or conquest—will reign on Earth.
All of us, no matter our faith or which holidays we celebrate these few weeks, live in times when justice is defined quite differently. Our nation seems to have lost its moorings. The coming week caps a year when hope and love have seemed fleeting. A time when the very concept of Sanctuary, for the poor amongst us and especially for those whom we call “stranger,” is in particularly short supply.
But it is times like this when the story of any child to a family on the run from an Empire and its authorities, is deeply relevant. The story of a particular Holy Family seeking shelter and a child born in a manger remind us that our faith is grounded in marginalization, simplicity, and familial love. A season of light is upon us in the midst of a world darkened once again by fear and intolerance.
We remain deeply divided from our fellow citizens & immigrant neighbors. Simplicity often gives way to grandeur, family often comes second to possession, and love struggles to find voice in a climate of hate.
But we can’t give in to that. #Faith and #hope and #love are needed more than ever and they are exactly the values that IPM has sought to nourish and uphold for more than four decades. As you continue to celebrate in the week ahead and as you nourish the need for light in out lives, please know how grateful we are that people like you continue to ensure that fear won’t win.
May this special time with family and friends, refresh and embolden you for the struggles ahead. And, may each of us reflect this season of light and love throughout the coming year!
#Peace,
Joe
Joe Cistone 