AMERICA: Moral problems, solution

An acquaintance asked what my perspective is on the upcoming election. After a short discussion, he said, "Frankly with what is happening politically and economically in our country I am scared." We all know that he was echoing the sentiments of millions of people not only in America, but the world over. People have lost their homes and hard earned financial security. Savings from honest, sound retirement planning have evaporated. They feel deceived, angry, hurt and scared.

Who would have ever thought that just five years ago we would be in this predicament? Who would have guessed just 10 years ago that suicide bombing terrorists would have caused so much chaos around the world and become the dominant topic of the news? Periodically, one of my clients has said, "I feel so alone. I have nobody." Their loneliness causes depression, which in turn leads to having suicidal thoughts. Thirty-five years ago I worked in the ghettos of several large cities with members of some of the notorious gangs. Most gang members when away from the acceptance and empowerment of the gang are very lonely and scared. Studies have shown that this is also true of terrorists and dictators.

Political leaders, corporate leaders, union bosses, and yes, sometimes even religious leaders in their quest to find fulfillment become greedy which in turn leads to corrupt thinking and action. They lie, cheat and steal to gain power and monetary advantage in order to manipulate and control people. It is obvious that we don't only have political and economical problems, we have a huge MORAL problem!

Last week while discussing the aforementioned issues with a friend he said, "I don't have much hope anymore." Well, there is hope! It is found in the Christmas story, not in the news making story that the economy must be improving because holiday spending is up. Much of this spending is only a temporary attempt to make us feel good for a few days. The deficit spending via the use of the credit card will come back to haunt millions of Americans leaving more emptiness and regret.

HOPE is found in the Christ of Christmas. Matthew 1:21 says, "Jesus came to save His people from their sins." The message of hope was prophesied at a time in Israel's history when she was ruled by a succession of corrupt kings. Isaiah 6:12 says, "There was a great forsaking of God and righteousness in the land." The message of Hope came from God Himself when He said in Isaiah 7:4 "Behold, a Virgin shall conceive and bear a Son and shall call His name Immanuel" meaning God with us. Sending His Son Jesus is God's way of filling the loneliness vacuum. He further emphasized the prophesy in Isaiah 9:6, 7 when he stated what kind of a person this Child would be by the names and titles given to Him. "His name shall be called Wonderful, Counselor, the Mighty God, the Everlasting Father, the Prince of Peace. Of the increase of His government and peace there shall be no end." Through faith in the Christ of Christmas we can experience Hope and Peace.

This is the Christmas story!

RON VIESELMEYER

Coeur d'Alene