Hope in the Season

 It's after Halloween.....you know what that means....CHRISTMAS!  (just kidding) But in all seriousness, if you've been to any store recently you've noticed it.  Aisles and Aisles of Christmas decorations, candy, trees, and gifts.  If you know me at all, you know that I love Christmas!  I would decorate my house on November 1st if my husband would let me.  I love all things red and green, silver and blue, gold and white.  I love the gatherings and the gifts and the joy.  Which is why this year already feels so different.

What will the last two months of 2020 bring us?  There's no denying its been a strange, difficult, lonely, weird year for most of us.  And with no end to this pandemic in sight, it seems the Christmas season will be just as strange.  It will be quieter, less busy, less hustle and bustle, less shopping, less 'all the things that make the season bright'.  Except Christmas isn't cancelled because of the pandemic.

I know all this talk of Christmas seems premature when its only a few days into November but I think its timely to consider.  Family and friends probably won't gather for Thanksgiving, for Christmas, for office parties and gift exchanges. There may not be visits to Santa at the mall. There may not be Christmas Eve Mass. Christmas may look different.

Jesus entered this world when life was strange.  People all over the Empire were traveling for the census. Hotels were full.  Journeys were tough.  And yet, the Savior of the world chose then to come.  A glimmer of Hope is a crazy hectic time.  The long-awaited son of God was born into a messy time.  Not unlike now.  I don't think its any coincidence that God chose then to send Jesus.  It is often in the midst of crazy that our greatest joys are found.  Remember that as we enter this crazy, hectic time. 

But friends, Christmas isn't cancelled.  We will adapt, change and grow. Instead of Christmas cards, send letters.  Reach out to those you would normally see in person by phone or video chat.  Make a donation to a local charity instead of buying gifts that will sit unopened. Make it a point to spread joy in small ways however you can. Because, even without gatherings and gifts and in person church services, Hope is still alive.  Don't forget to share that with those around you!