The topic of the COVID-19 pandemic forced Steve McCoy of Elim Evangelical Free in Puyallup, Washington to reflect on a different Christmas. This post I appreciated as the COVID-19 pandemic turned life upside down for everyone in the United States.
“The Lord is coming, always coming. When you have ears to hear and eyes to see, you will recognize him at any moment of your life. Life is Advent; life is recognizing the coming of the Lord.“
Henri Nouwen
And at the end of eight days, when he was circumcised, he was called Jesus, the name given by the angel before he was conceived in the womb.
Luke 2:21 ESV
One of the Macy’s Christmas window displays in New York City with a very engaged child.
Out in Washington there exists Elim Evangelical Free Church in Puyallup. The interim pastor Steve McCoy wrote a post about having Christmas during the COVID-19 pandemic. I found this post to be interesting for what was said and acknowledged during the coronavirus situation. You can read the original post at ,”Longings during a Coronavirus Christmas.” This post some is quite reflective about the COVIF-19 pandemic and the issue of faith.
When I packed up my belongings in the church study and went to work out of my home office back in March, I thought it would be a few weeks or a few months before I would return. Now it’s been over nine months!
The year 2020 will go down as a year of infamy, to use President Roosevelt’s term.
Thanksgiving was a bust. Well, no, the giving thanks part was fine, but it was not the normal way we have traditionally enjoyed this holiday season throughout the years.
Now we are in December cruising toward Christmas. It simply will not be the same. You might be experiencing a similar grief.
What am I going to do about it?
First, I plan to refresh my spirit each Sunday as I listen to the carols of the season. (Perhaps not singing this year will make singing all the more valuable in the future. Perhaps I will never, ever take singing for granted again!)
Second, I want to renew my mind with the precious truths of the coming of Jesus. I will be preaching on how to start Christmas from Matthew 1:1–2:16.
Third, I want to gaze on the seasonal decorations that grace our worship center. They warm my spirit with their beauty, wonder, and delight.
Fourth, I want to reflect once again on the key words of Christmas as highlighted through the advent candles: hope, peace, joy, and love. Jesus’s first advent came after seemingly endless years of waiting. We now await his second return. (How many times have I muttered under my breath this year, “This is a great time to return, Jesus!” So far, He has not complied with my wishful prayer to escape current discomfort! Instead, He is waiting for the time to fully come [Galatians 4:4], just as He waited for the right time to send the baby Jesus.)
Perhaps my Christmas this year will be less frivolous and more untraditional, but I anticipate it being deeper and more reflective. Meanwhile, I long for Him all the more!
Wondering Eagle 
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I read this blog because it writes about issues at the church I attend. At that church, there happens to be someone with a name very similar to yours, who has just gone through an extremely devastating life event. I don’t know if that is a coincidence or not – if you just happen to have a similar name, or if there is some intersection of those facts (the issues at the church and your tragedy), but just in case, I want to offer you my deepest condolences. I know that no words from an internet stranger can ease the grief you’re experiencing, but at the very least, I want to offer some words that if you are being affected by issues at the church, you are not alone. I only ever spent a few brief moments with you and A, but I still offer you my sympathy.
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