And what have we done...to help reduce the spread of the virus. An awful year over, and a new one about to begin. Let’s hope it’s a good one, without any fear. Indeed, there is a thrill of hope as the weary world rejoices, for glad tidings of comfort and joy will usher in the new year in which the ground-breaking new anti-Covid-19 vaccines will be rolled out gradually across the world.
The ominous shadow of Covid-19 hangs over us threatening to turn a wonderful Christmastime into a blue Christmas. This small, invisible, and invasive shapeless element of nature has wreaked havoc in our lives, such that we cannot wait to see the back of it. Until then, we will carry on with the drill of washing our hands very frequently using soap and water. More importantly, we will continue to keep a safe distance even from the persons we know and love.
In the meantime, the world continues to suffer a huge loss of life in the wake of the deadly Covid-19. Thousands of people would still be alive today were it not for the virus. They will not be home for Christmas, if only in our dreams. May their souls sleep in heavenly peace and wake up to behold love’s pure light.
We have been warned against forecasting gloom and doom because it’s the most wonderful time of the year, and the hap-happiest season of all. Nonetheless, we cannot help getting lost in a wave of nostalgia for the past as we deck our halls with boughs of holly and continue with our preparations to celebrate the birth of Mary’s child, away in a manger with no crib for His bed, in a stable all forlorn because there was no room for them at the inn.
Indeed the clock ticks ever nearer to the twelve days of Christmas, but people are not in a celebratory mood. Instead, they are resigned to the probability of a restricted festive season during which families will not be able to get together in order to stay safe. No mix and a-mingle in the jingling beat of the jingle bell rock, nor any rockin’ around the Christmas tree. Alas, for some of us, it will be terribly lonely this Christmas.
Luckily for many children, and I’m telling you why, Santa Claus is coming to town. He’s making a list and checking it twice. And may they be warned that he’s going to find out who’s naughty and nice. Tiny tots with their eyes all aglow will find it hard to sleep that night, because they know that Santa’s on his way and he’s loaded lots of toys and goodies on his sleigh, guided by the reindeer Rudolph with his nose so bright.
On the other hand, there are children whose parents may be out of work in these Covid times, or who cannot afford to have their children on Santa’s list. A little comfort can be drawn from the simple gesture of the little drummer boy, who did not allow his poverty to rob him neither of his dignity, nor his worth. He offered his talent instead. He played his drum for Him; he played his best for Him. When He smiled at the boy, it was a Divine blessing. And a valuable life lesson in humility.
As we step into Christmas, we would do well to take some time to narrow our focus and concentrate only on the real message of Christmas. Which is that the Eternal God came to earth in the form of a man in order to save His own creation. He came to die for us, to redeem us from our sins. So, come all ye faithful, come let us adore Him. Fall on your knees, it is the night of our dear Saviour’s birth.
Our best Christmas comes not from the brightly wrapped presents under the Christmas tree, but from the Child wrapped in swaddling clothes lying in a wooden manger in a lowly cattle shed, once in royal David’s city, while shepherds watched their flocks by night. The Christ-child is at the very core of Christmas and God’s amazing gift to us all. Joyful all ye nations rise, join the triumph of the skies. Hark! The herald angels sing. Glory to the new-born King.
The impact of Covid-19 is such that this Christmas will probably evoke memories of happier Christmases past. Notwithstanding the restrictions, it is an event that almost everyone is still looking forward to. So, here’s to you if you are reading this piece! Have yourself a merry little Christmas. Let your heart be light. From now on our troubles will be (hopefully) out of sight. Oh, and hold on a little longer. The Covid cloud may have a silver lining after all!