Four more sleeps to go… Christmas is nearly upon us. But for millions (maybe even billions) around the world this will be a very different Christmas. Due to Covid-19 some families will be separated, others may be able to meet but without the festive hugs and family selfies. Some people will spend it in isolation due to recent travel or because they have the virus or simply because those who they would normally spend it with they cannot be with them this year.
Stockings may remain empty or half full due to shopping restrictions and shipping issues. Some may not be able to fill the stocking or put food on the table due to financial burdens caused by the virus.
Others will sit at their table with an empty chair, not just because of those who could not come because of the virus, but because of those who they lost this year. Hundreds of thousands of people who last Christmas were alive and well, who were taken so soon because of the virus. When I face grief I find comfort knowing Jesus knew the loss of loved ones. He knows the deep grief that can cause us to struggle to face living with the loss.
But Christmas isn’t about what gifts we give or receive, nor is it about who we spend our Christmas with or where we spend it. Christmas is about the ultimate gift God gave to us, Jesus, who’s birth we celebrate at Christmas. My hope and prayer amongst the isolation separation and strangeness of this festive season is that wherever people are that they find Christ this Christmas, especially those who find themselves alone and isolated.
Stockings may remain empty or half full due to shopping restrictions and shipping issues. Some may not be able to fill the stocking or put food on the table due to financial burdens caused by the virus.
Others will sit at their table with an empty chair, not just because of those who could not come because of the virus, but because of those who they lost this year. Hundreds of thousands of people who last Christmas were alive and well, who were taken so soon because of the virus. When I face grief I find comfort knowing Jesus knew the loss of loved ones. He knows the deep grief that can cause us to struggle to face living with the loss.
But Christmas isn’t about what gifts we give or receive, nor is it about who we spend our Christmas with or where we spend it. Christmas is about the ultimate gift God gave to us, Jesus, who’s birth we celebrate at Christmas. My hope and prayer amongst the isolation separation and strangeness of this festive season is that wherever people are that they find Christ this Christmas, especially those who find themselves alone and isolated.