A guest post written by Blake Windal

I work in the retail business, so I am very aware of the warnings to be vigilant about criminal threats while shopping and traveling. The volume of these warnings seems to increase during the holiday season and fear abounds that criminals are lying in wait to steal gifts, or that terrorists are threatening people in public gathering places. In praying about this, it occurred to me that not only is vigilance needed, but also an understanding of our unlimited protection through understanding God’s nature as all good and of man as His expression.

Although crime occurs when people feel an apparent lack, I find it’s good to recall that no ill motive, no chance, bad luck, statistics, or circumstance can play a role during the holiday season. Holding to the idea of God’s ever-presence and his infinite supply and compassion, I affirm that no other power exists to interject violence or fear into His harmonious creation. This idea of no other power is also helpful when dealing with terrorism, where there is the idea of two opposing powers at play, with a good power that you hope wins, and a bad power that you hope loses.

This us versus them terrorist mentality around the world occurs when people have different views God and their relationship to Him. A “holy war” is declared to eliminate people with these differing views. Viewing Christianity as not just another religion, in conflict with others, addresses these threats. The Christ idea that is celebrated at Christmastime reveals everyone as God’s loved, cherished, and protected children, superseding all labels of religious denomination.

A comforting thought comes from Psalms 91, “A thousand shall fall at thy side, and ten thousand at thy right hand; but it shall not come nigh thee.” Thought can banish hate and keep joy, compassion, patience, and integrity with us this holiday season. Our prayers are effective – we have the divine right of safety this holiday season.