Christmas got run over by a virus

 I hate that song "Grandma Got Run Over By A Reindeer." Doesn't everybody? So it's only fitting I have it stuck in my brain heading into December 2020. There is not a lot to be excited about this Christmas.

This would normally be high time for church activities - even those on lower rungs who don't follow the liturgical calendar. Yet this year... not only will there be no (or few) pageants, special productions, live nativity scenes and the like... most churches will probably not be meeting at all! No Christmas caroling, no candlelight services, no decorating the sanctuary into Santa's paradise...

Shoppers may also have to alter their ways, what with stores limiting customers, mask requirements, etc. Even online buying may be hampered by sold out products and slower deliveries due to higher demand.

And... I arrived at work today and was greeted by our decrepit little Christmas tree (above). Humbug.

I am not in the mood for Christmas this year. Unlike other years when I'm not in the mood, this one seems different. A worldwide pandemic causing constant worry about losing my job, no relaxing suppers eating out or going to shows, not to mention the hundreds of thousands of extra deaths and over-run hospitals. I'm getting a bit tired of covid. There seems so little joy left in the world...

Yet... here we are and Advent is upon us...

I realize it's a made-up season, but I don't think that makes it meaningless. Shoot, sometimes maybe we need to make MORE stuff up! I think it's good to be reminded that life is not always peachy. There is something 'more'... Something 'coming,' and the need to wait patiently - like a woman carrying child, getting heavier and heavier, life becoming more and more unpleasant and burdensome... Until.

In my reading yesterday I came across this line from American farmer and poet Wendell Berry:

"Sabbath observance invites us to stop. It invites us to rest. It asks us to notice that while we rest, the world continues without our help. It invites us to delight in the world's beauty and abundance."

Yeah.... maybe it's not an entirely bad thing that churches take a break from traditional Christmas celebrations, or shoppers suffer a setback in seasonal sensationalism. Maybe this would be a good year to take in the Christmas season with more of a sabbath mindset. Instead of it being about us, maybe we could notice what else is going on...

Maybe it's time to shut up and listen to Linus. You know, from 'A Charlie Brown Christmas.' I'm sure you've seen it. Everything is going haywire and Charlie is about to lose his mind, and he finally shouts "Isn't there anyone who knows what Christmas is all about?!?"

Little ol' Linus steps up...

Sure, Charlie Brown, I can tell you what Christmas is all about.

And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them, 'Fear not:" for behold, I bring unto you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the City of David a Savior, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.' And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host, praising God, and saying, 'Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.'

That's what Christmas is all about, Charlie Brown.

[Luke 2:8-14]

 ***

You know, that reindeer song is stupid. So are a lot of the traditions we've developed about Christmas, church, and what it means to be human. I think everyone gets a pass this year on doing whatever-the-hell-it-takes to get through this Christmas season... But maybe it's not such a bad thing if it takes a little different turn.

Peace out, my friends; and in.