But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people.”
With these heralded words spoken over two millennia ago to shepherds in a field, the birth of the Savior of the world was declared. His coming was long foretold by prophets while His arrival occurred in the most humble manner possible. Born in a manger, our Christ would become the “King of kings”.
As we take time to celebrate yet another Christmas Holiday, we can’t help to re-read those simple words, “Do not be afraid….”. In our present world now engulfed in the throes of a Covid-19 pandemic, millions of people are in distress and are afraid. Their fears are well-founded as they worry about the health of loved ones and about daily living necessities. However, there is always hope. The promise provided by our God for salvation through His only Son Jesus is recalled each year specifically by our remembrance of His birth on Christmas day. We Christians draw strength from the power of our Christ and know that everlasting joy and happiness may be found by following His teachings.
To state the obvious, the year 2020 has been wildly out of the ordinary. Shutdowns, quarantines, social distancing became all too familiar refrains for all of us. We lament the loss of opportunities to greet our members at the countless number of cultural, sports and social events which normally occur throughout the year. These social interactions have always been a mainstay of our fraternal organization and a strength which set us apart from the field. With the advent of multiple vaccines on the horizon, we firmly believe that a resumption, albeit a cautious one, in activities will be possible sometime in the year 2021. This remains our fervent hope for the coming New Year. That good health reigns upon the earth as a continued gift from our God through the hands of His people.
On behalf of the National Administration of the Croatian Fraternal Union of America, we extend our most sincere wish for a joyous and blessed Christmas to CFU members both near and far. We trust that the saving grace of the Christ child will fill everyone with gladness as they come to know the joy of Christmas.
Edward W. Pazo
National President