It is hard to hear the Gospel on the Sunday after Christmas. Amid the familiar glow of Silent Night and angel songs, the lectionary turns us toward a darker truth. An angel appears to the Magi in a dream, warning them not to return to Herod. Another angel comes to Joseph, urging him to flee with Mary and the child to Egypt. The Holy Family becomes refugees, crossing borders into unfamiliar and uncertain territory in order to survive.

This is not a sentimental story. It is a story of fear, displacement, and resilience. It is a reminder that Jesus’ life begins not in safety, but in migration.

In a time when many immigrants are living in fear—when neighbors are scapegoated, dehumanized, and targeted by hateful rhetoric and harmful policies—this Gospel calls us to speak clearly and courageously. Immigrants are not a threat. Immigrants are human beings, beloved by God, deserving of dignity, safety, and welcome.

At Lutheran Engagement and Advocacy in Nevada, we continue to stand with and support our immigrant siblings. Guided by our faith and the story of a refugee Savior, we reject anti-immigrant prejudice and hate, and we work for policies and practices rooted in compassion, justice, and love of neighbor.

The Christmas story does not end at the manger. It moves into the world—and it calls us to move with it.

Join us this Tuesday at 5 PM. Calling all hunger champions: join this network of the Grand Canyon Synod! Meet to hear updates on national and local Hunger and Food Insecurity efforts and initiatives, to learn from one another, and to share with the group what’s happening in our congregations. Anyone interested in alleviating hunger is welcome. Prepare to be encouraged and supported! Tuesday, 12/30/2025, 6-7pm MST.

If you have any questions about this group, please contact Solveig Muus (LAMA).

Click here to access the meeting, at 6pm on the last Tuesday of every month.

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Recent federal spending cuts to Medicaid, refugee resettlement, and disaster response are already impacting Lutheran ministries across the country. In this Living Lutheran Voices of Faith column, Debra Madaris Efird reflects on how these changes affect agencies like Lutheran Services Carolinas—and asks what it means for us, as Lutherans, to respond with compassion, advocacy, generosity, and prayer. This timely reflection invites congregations and individuals alike to discern faithful action rooted in our shared call to love our neighbors. Read the full article at Living Lutheran.

What does God’s boundless love look like in everyday life? In this moving reflection from Living Lutheran, Augustana University campus pastor Shawna Day shares the story of Benedict Owusu, an international student from Ghana navigating culture shock, loneliness, and racism—and discovering God’s presence through community, care, and faith. Rooted in the conviction that God’s love knows no bounds, this story reminds us how the Holy Spirit works through human connection to create belonging and hope.

Read the full reflection at Living Lutheran

Nevada is one of the strongest clean-energy states in the nation. Today, more than 30 percent of our electricity comes from renewable sources, and Nevada ranks sixth in the country for total installed solar capacity. The state has set a goal of reaching 50 percent renewable energy by 2030, signaling a continued commitment to a clean-energy future.

Nevada also leads the nation in per-capita utility-scale solar generation, reflecting both our abundant natural resources and decades of smart public investment. The state has installed more than 8,000 megawatts of solar power, supporting over 8,500 solar jobs statewide—jobs that cannot be outsourced and that strengthen local economies.

In addition to solar, Nevada ranks second nationally in geothermal energy generation, providing steady, reliable, around-the-clock clean power. Geothermal is a reminder that renewable energy is not only about innovation, but also about reliability and long-term resilience.

And yet, Nevada still has significant untapped potential in solar, geothermal, wind, and energy-efficiency investments—opportunities that could further reduce costs, create jobs, and cut pollution across our communities.

Clean energy is already making a real difference. Public solar arrays in Carson City save taxpayers tens of thousands of dollars each year, demonstrating how renewable investments deliver direct financial benefits at the local level. Even major employers like Nevada Gold Mines now rely on solar energy for approximately 20 percent of their electricity needs, lowering operating costs, reducing pollution, and supporting Nevada workers.

At Lutheran Engagement and Advocacy in Nevada, we see firsthand how clean-energy investments lower energy costs, strengthen communities, and promote care for our neighbors and God’s creation. These investments are not abstract—they are already improving lives across Nevada, and they point the way toward a more just, sustainable, and affordable energy future.