Just as we are heading into Christmas week, the Omicron variant is taking off. Cases of Covid reporting surged even among vaccinated persons, though evidently the illness is not as severe as the initial Covid among the unvaccinated. Denmark, with a population less than that of New Jersey has spent a great deal of its time and energy tracking this new variant.
There seems to be no question that the variants, Delta and Omicron, took hold in poor countries where vaccination rates are low. We pay for our neglect and hoarding of all kinds of resources, whether vaccines or energy. We have our boosters but that may not be enough to stave off this virus variant.
Testing is one way to protect ourselves, making sure we are always checking ourselves even when we think we are fine. The home test kits are expensive but at many drug stores and pharmacies, one can obtain free testing. It almost seems unreal but within this past year the number of persons who have died in the United States as a result of the virus has doubled to over 800,000. We all need to be careful.
Prayer for the Day
Frustrated and fearful, O Lord, we are also tired of this virus,
And we wonder how generations past dealt with plagues;
Christmas lights seem to belie our concern, O God,
As we try not to fret over our Christmas plans in a time of uncertainty.
Grant, O most merciful God, that we protect not only ourselves,
But the ones we love and our community in these days ahead.
In the name of the One who cares for all,
Even Christ Jesus our Lord, Amen.
Thoughts for the Day
You can really change the world if you are enough.
Marian Wight Edelman, founder Children’s Defense Fund
The trees which are pruned, watered and nurtured by caring hands bear the greatest fruits; it is the same with people.
Bryant McGill, activist and social entrepreneur
I am the Lord, I have called you in righteousness,
I have taken you by the hand and kept you;
I have given you as a covenant to the people, a light to the nations,
To open the eyes that are blind, to bring the prisoners out from the dungeon,
From the prison those who sit in darkness.
Isaiah 42: 6-7