Merry Christmas

Exams are over and we are moving into the holidays, but once again this pandemic is overshadowing many of our plans and expectations. Some of us are grieving the loss of in-person classes for this coming January. Some of us are saddened by reduced indoor gatherings and the difficulties this creates in joining with family members over the holidays.

Much like God’s people two thousand years ago, we are waiting for change. We are waiting for healing across our world. We are waiting for justice for the oppressed, for true community among our people, for resurrection in our lives. If you are down, frustrated, and disheartened in this time, please know you are not alone. At this time we remember that God came into our shadows, born into dirt, born in unprecedented times, to be with us.

If you cannot find the words to pray, consider praying Mary’s justice song, found in Luke 1:

“My soul glorifies the Lord
⁴⁷     and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior,
⁴⁸ for he has been mindful
    of the humble state of his servant.
From now on all generations will call me blessed,
⁴⁹     for the Mighty One has done great things for me—
    holy is his name.
⁵⁰ His mercy extends to those who fear him,
    from generation to generation.
⁵¹ He has performed mighty deeds with his arm;
    he has scattered those who are proud in their inmost thoughts.
⁵² He has brought down rulers from their thrones
    but has lifted up the humble.
⁵³ He has filled the hungry with good things
    but has sent the rich away empty.
⁵⁴ He has helped his servant Israel,
    remembering to be merciful
⁵⁵ to Abraham and his descendants forever,
    just as he promised our ancestors.”