Have Yourself a Very Covid Christmas?
By Jenny Wilson, eConnect Editor
The clocks have changed, the nights are drawing in and our thoughts turn to one of the most important festivals in the Christian calendar, when we celebrate the birth of our Lord and Saviour. Usually for churches it’s a busy time of nativity plays, carol services and preparations for Christmas Eve and Christmas Day services.
However, we know that this year will be very different.
Gone are the packed cosy candlelit services, nativity rehearsals, children’s Christmas parties, carol-singing in care homes or hosting meals for others. Yes, things will be very different.
So, how do we navigate a Covid Christmas? How do we as individuals and as churches become beacons of light in this season, pointing people to the Light of the World? How can we make the most of our celebration of the Christ who came and dwelt among us, even though we cannot meet to celebrate in the same way?
Christmas isn’t cancelled because of Covid! We have the opportunity to celebrate in smaller, simpler ways and seek to be incarnational in our presence within our communities in more innovative (covid-safe) ways. Will this be a year where the true meaning of Christmas shines brighter than the glittering lights of shopping malls?
What is your church doing? I know of one church who is looking to bless local children, guests at a foodbank and 
a local homeless hostel by bulk buying advent calendars with the real meaning of Christmas on them to distribute to people and bless them. I am sure there will be many other churches looking to do similar things. Do please use our Facebook group to share ideas with others churches about your church are doing.
How do we support and bring comfort to the very elderly and the lonely this year, when restrictions will probably not allow us to have different people in our homes? I don’t know the answer, but I am praying that God gives us wisdom and creativity so that we can do what we can to bring hope and light, and even joy, in what might be a difficult time.
There is something very soothing about the flickering light of a candle. I’m going to light a candle and put it in my window every night of advent this year, as a symbol of hope and as a pointer to Jesus, the Light of the World.
Thank you God, that your light shines in the darkness, and the darkness cannot overcome it.
