Christmas 2020. Wow. It’s not what we expected, is it? And who saw it coming? As I read about those who have cancelled family gatherings or limited them due to the pandemic, the reality hits again that we find ourselves in a world that has become very different. And I realize that each family has had to make difficult decisions regarding how they will celebrate Christmas. Some hold very strong opinions, even to the point of being judgmental toward those who don’t share those same opinions. Personally, I have adopted an attitude that I can only make decisions that affect me and protect those I love, and trust you to do the same. Some of you will say that I am too careful, and you may be right. Others will say that I am not careful enough. But even if we disagree, I hope, and I’m confident that we can disagree and still be friends.
Christmas 2020. It has been approached with apprehension, questions and an awareness of a need for greater caution leading up to and during our celebrations. We weighed the opinions of those who suggested that we skip Christmas. We considered the merits of the arguments of those who expressed an opposing viewpoint. We found ourselves with questions which had no conclusive answers. Ultimately, we made a decision to gather with immediate family, but to exercise caution during the weeks and days leading up to our annual gathering. We continued to wear masks, to socially distance, and do all within our power to avoid contracting the virus.
But, despite our efforts, one household of our family did contract the virus and is unable to share in our initial family Christmas gathering. In our close family, this matters. When one of us is missing, there is a significant void. The same may be true for your family. Thankfully, they are doing well and the virus was not as bad for them as it has been for many. And, we will gather with them in a couple of weeks, assuming no one else is infected. So, despite the fact that Christmas is different this time around, we consider ourselves incredibly blessed.
I know that for some of you, the toll of 2020 has been much, much greater than a temporary or one-time delay or postponement of your Christmas gathering Some of you have suffered the loss of someone during 2020 and their absence makes this holiday season difficult. We have as well. Our Christmas is forever different because of the loss of my wife’s mother earlier this year. We didn’t lose her to COVID-19, but we lost her and we’re missing her, just the same. And that void changes things forever. The same was true with the loss of my Mom and my Dad in years gone by. These losses permanently change our gathering places, our traditions and our celebrations. Those who are gone cannot be replaced, but can be remembered fondly. I’m convinced that wonderful memories are a gift from God. They don’t replace the loved one, but are a soothing salve for the painful loss.
It has been said that the Christmas season magnifies our losses and struggles. I believe this is true. But I also know that this season reminds us that we have reasons to live our lives with joy and to know, that despite the difficulties, the pain and the struggle, we can rest in assurance that these losses are temporary. That Child whose birth we celebrate on Christmas day is our Savior, and our celebration of His birth should not overshadow our worship Him as Lord and Savior. Our deliverance is found, not in His birth, but in his death and resurrection.
I love every aspect of Christmas. I love the secular and the spiritual, if you want to classify them in that manner. I choose to believe that they are all pieces of the same whole. The presents under the tree, the songs, the gatherings and even the chaos are all gifts given to us through the grace of a loving Heavenly Father. To not enjoy them to the fullest is to refuse that gift.
The truth of a Savior and the appreciation of the gifts of this life is the anchor that holds my ship in place during the times of joy, and the times of struggle that often come with Christmas. It is why there is laughter despite the struggle. It is why we have joy despite the loss. It is why we can find fellowship despite the loneliness.
If I only knew of a Christmas without knowing Jesus, I would only know of a day on the calendar, a time to give material gifts and receive them, a time to enjoy the gifts of a loving Heavenly Father without recognizing Him as the source and the reason for the gifts. A Christmas that would appreciate the pretty wrappings of amazing gifts more than the gifts themselves.
I would never be so presumptuous as to assume that I understand your situation during this Covid plagued 2020 Christmas. Sometimes, I am not sure I fully grasp my own situation! Your losses may be so significant that I can’t begin to imagine the struggles you face and the sadness that envelopes your days. And, you like the rest of us, have seen those struggles increased many-fold by the physical and emotional impact of this pandemic. And regardless of our view on how to best combat it or deal with it, it has taken a toll on our well-being.
But, despite not knowing your struggles, troubles and problems, I would say this. Don’t give up the fight! Don’t surrender to the temporary. This is not a new normal. This is abnormal, and I believe we should treat it that way. We need to look beyond what we see and grasp what is ahead. This virus will pass, whether by vaccination or attrition, or a combination of the two. I am not a doctor, or a scientist, but I know Who is ultimately in control. And by doing all that is within our power, we are actually recognizing that God always provides a way out. He will determine the fate of His creation. We are to use wisdom and discretion in our living this life, but we are to live our lives as a people with hope. To live in hopeless desperation is to deny the One who has given us life. It is to fail to trust His goodness and His purpose.
So, may I simply encourage you to live life with hope and confidence that these difficult days will pass. They always do. To believe this is not to be flippant or unconcerned about the situation we find ourselves in. Rather, it is to acknowledge that those who came before us faced far more difficult challenges and overcame them. The way we deal with the struggles requires a proper perspective, and reminds us that we must speak to ourselves rather than listening to ourselves. Speak truth and encouragement to ourselves and to others. Share the good news of Christmas in some form. Pray for those who are hurting. Give to those who are in need. Let us love our small circle, but let us look beyond it.
It’s good to be sharing my thoughts with you again. I have missed you. I appreciate your taking time to read my feeble thoughts, even if you disagree. We’ll talk again soon.
In the meantime, have a safe and Merry Christmas. It matters.
I truly believe every word you said
It was just my daughter and I and our phones out due to bombing. We had bonding time tho, talked about the good old days. I’m fighting cancer and my husband died of cancer 5 months ago. Too late for anything to be done, we tried. But God is working a miracle in my life and my testimony will follow to our friends and church . My dr and nurse can’t even understand even when I tell them . He surely has a plan for me. I believe God is giving the nation a wake up call. I’ve been awake since 3am praying for lost souls. Appreciate your post. God bless you.