December has always been a special time of year. And, like most other events in this unforgettable year of 2020, our observances may be unique. No doubt, we each have unusually long lists of losses and heart aches. Some people may even prefer holidays to pass unnoticed.
But celebrate we shall, we must!
In a time when darkness, real and metaphorical, settles heavily on us, we can find joy in celebrations of light, indeed of miracles: Hanukkah and Christmas. Light those candles for Hanukkah, Christmas, Kwanzaa – creatively honor your faith/family tradition(s).
The image of our soldiers doing their best to celebrate in the midst of battle always touches my heart. Gain strength from them. Whatever their internal dialog at the moment, no matter how far from loved ones, despite the danger, they touched each other’s lives as best able with warmth, caring, and faith – and they endured.
We celebrate them, even as we mourn those so dear to us who have recently died. Take a moment to reflect on their lives and their impact on us. Although we cannot gather formally this December 16 to commemorate the 76th anniversary of the beginning of the Battle of the Bulge, please pay tribute in your heart to these brave service men and women who fought to preserve our freedom and our liberties. Honor their families, too – and all who supported them.
And now in this blessed season, permit yourself a little perspective shift. Don’t focus on what you’re missing! Focus, with joy and gratitude, on what you have – “hold fast what is good.” Invite the peace of the Lord to reside in your heart. Joyfully, believe that God has a plan far greater than anything of which we can conceive. Humbly, acknowledge that God uses difficult times to strengthen, to teach, to guide. Continue your faith journey, even when you stumble. “Do not quench the Spirit” (in yourself or in anyone else)! Let your light shine – you will feel better and so will those around you.
Prayer: Lord, keep us mindful of how blessed we are – and joyfully share those blessings. Open us, especially in challenging times, to an awareness of, and gratitude for, the many silver linings. Grant us contentment. Give us strength to live out our faith, to constantly reach out to you and rejoice in you, knowing you are always with us and you keep your promises. AMEN.
A blessing for today and for the coming year:
“May the Lord bless you and protect you.
May the Lord smile on you and be gracious to you.
May the Lord show you His favor and give you His peace.”
(Numbers 6:24-25)
Madeleine Bryant, BOBA Chaplain