This was the year of "I" issues-immigration, Iraq, Iran, Israel/Palestine/Lebanon. Each is divisive in our congregations, implying both how complicated the issue is and the different values and fears we hold. Each will again top the news in the coming year.

In addition to beginning with "I," they hold in common our basic human need for security, our fear that our lives might change and we might have less control. We tend to link security to military might that keeps others out, and us and our things safe. Usually this is another "I" - ineffective.

Immigration is the easiest to link to false security - the building of a 700-mile fence on the U.S.-Mexican border at a cost of over $1 billion. Let's remember that the Oklahoma City bomber was one of our own and that 9/11 was orchestrated by people here legally and not from south of the border. Then let's take into account that about half of the undocumented immigrants have overstayed valid visas. While a fence is solid and visible, it likely won't solve the broken machinery of U.S. immigration policy.

Our other 'I's are also issues for which we look for false security through military protection, spending billions, brave posturing.

Into a similar world of military occupation, migrants attempting to feed their families and warring factions, came a squalling baby. The angels promised "good news of great joy to all people." Most of these people expected "Good News" to mean military deliverance, plenty of food in the bellies and victory over oppressors. To their great disgust, the babe grew to a man who proclaimed that the way to vanquish enemies was to love them, the way to stop the hordes from stealing to feed their children was to share generously with them, the way to win was to serve.

Amazingly, he proclaimed that these ideas were already present in their scriptures (See II Kings 6:8-12 and the Jubilee texts.), and emphasized that true security comes from right (just) relationships between people, not distance created by walls and guns. He walked among us, saying that he came to live with us so we could better understand God. Perhaps our security comes when we walk beside and live with one another?

To celebrate the birth of the child who said that taking risks of love leads to security, consider:

• Buying fair trade products so people earn enough to feed their families with dignity