Our Chief Medical Officer, Dr. John Oertle, shares his Christmas reflection and well wishes with us. Join him in contemplating the birth of the Christ Child during this wonderful Christmas octave.
Dear Members of Solidarity,
It is with great joy that we wish you a merry Christmas season!
We thank you for your fidelity to Christ and His people. It is because of you and out of your faithfulness that our members suffering with medical conditions this year continue to experience relief from the burden when they receive your monthly shares for their medical bills.
A Story of Two Kings
In reflecting on the birth of Jesus this Christmas, the scriptures begin with a story of two kings, Caesar Augustus and Jesus.
“In those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that the whole world should be enrolled…And Joseph too went up from Galilee from the town of Nazareth to Judea, to the city of David that is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and family of David, to be enrolled with Mary, his betrothed, who was with child.”
– Luke 2: 1-5
The leader of the Roman Empire, Caesar Augustus, had just called a census for the whole world, a political play in the Roman Empire for more power and taxation. Jesus on the other hand, the Son of God, is born of a young virgin in a stable at midnight in the piercing cold. The dichotomy presented here reveals the beauty of Christmas –true power and wealth are not seen in the grasping of control, rather the meekness of an infant who holds the world in His hands.
Come to the Manger
“For my thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways my ways— says the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, my thoughts higher than your thoughts.”
– Isaiah 55: 8-9
No matter what trials you face this year or what powers you are up against, we pray that this Advent you have journeyed with the Holy Family to Bethlehem and have come to the manger to receive the Christ Child and His unassuming victory over the whole universe.
May joy and peace fill your home as we celebrate this season of Christmas.
Sincerely in Christ,
– Dr. John Oertle, Chief Medical Officer