What Does The Coronavirus Have To Do With Christmas?
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Photo by Sam Beasley on Unsplash
It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas…🎶
Okay, maybe not where you are, but here in Fairbanks we’ve been getting tons of snow over the last several weeks—and there’s more in the forecast.
A few weeks ago, all the fresh snow was putting me in the Christmas spirit. I even joked with my nephews about having a Christmas party, an idea they loved. So, just for fun, we planned a Christmas party sleepover where we were going to make Christmas cookies and watch a Christmas movie. Sadly, we had to cancel our party due COVID-19. (I still made cookies, though.😂)
Nationwide Christmas Celebration
Oddly enough, it turns out my nephews and I weren’t the only ones with Christmas on the mind in the middle of March. Not long after our canceled Christmas plans, I learned that Hallmark aired a Christmas movie marathon on the weekend of March 19 as a way to comfort and cheer those who are isolated at home because of the coronavirus outbreak.
And the Christmas festivities didn’t end there. Not only have people been watching Christmas movies, but apparently residents across the country have adorned their homes with Christmas lights and decorations to brighten up their neighborhoods.
I find it fascinating that in the midst of the toughest challenge this generation has faced, we are turning to Christmas to comfort us. Which means, whether they realize it or not, people are seeking the comfort of Christ.
Though many may not recognize this truth, the fact is, we all love Christmas because it’s about Jesus. The reason it feels so good, the reason it brings so much comfort and joy and hope and peace is because it’s all about Jesus.
It’s all about the Good News that Jesus is Emmanuel, God with us. It’s all about the Good News that we are not alone, that we have a Rescuer, a Provider, a Healer and a Deliverer.
Jesus Is Emmanuel All Year Long
The spontaneous Christmas celebrations of this past March highlight the reality that Christmas is not just for December. Sure, we might relegate our decorations and colorful lights to the closet 10 months out of the year. But the underlying message of Christmas, the truth of Christmas, is meant to be carried through every season. Jesus is Emmanuel all year long.
So as we huddle in our homes, remember: God is with us. When we have to leave the safety of our dwellings to shop for groceries or to work in essential jobs, remember: God is with us.
Remember the words of the angel who appeared to the shepherds on the night of Jesus’ birth: “‘Don’t be afraid!’ he said. ‘I bring you good news that will bring great joy to all people. The Savior—yes, the Messiah, the Lord—has been born today in Bethlehem, the city of David!’” (Luke 2:10-11 NLT).
A Savior has been born, a Savior born to save not just our souls, but our bodies and minds as well. He came to save us from depression and poverty and spiritual darkness, and He came to save us from the coronavirus too. We don’t have to be afraid. He is with us in this pandemic, and we can trust Him to see us safely through.
You are in my thoughts and prayers! Much love and many blessings!
In purpose and faith,
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P.S.
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