Sunday, December 27, 2020

Although the day we call Christmas is over, liturgically we are still in the Christmas Season which will last until Epiphany. So in this Christmas Season we still have Christmas carols in worship. Christmas is really more than a day and it should be more than just a liturgical season.

Keeping Christmas in our hearts is not easy especially in this time not just of the Covid illness but of its economic and social repercussions.  Unemployment benefits expired as the Congressional compromise relief bill has not been signed.  Evictions could begin as early as January 1, and there is still a great deal of political uncertainty as at least one Senator has threatened not to certify the Electoral College results.

And, of course, there continue to be surges in the virus and now fears of its mutation which seems to be defying border lockdowns. We try to keep up our Christmas hope in the vaccines now being administered.  We also need to keep up our Christmas faith that gives us hope for a new world beyond the virus and its mutations.

Prayer for the Day

We look to you, O Lord, in expectation and anticipation,

    But we fear what you want us to anticipate;

So we take hope in your righteousness and mercy.  

    For you do not forsake us when we are fearful.

We pray that you will be with us in the darkest of times

    As well as times of joy and gladness.

In the name of him who is always with us,

    Even Christ Jesus our Lord, Amen.

Thoughts for the Day

Christ is always with us, always asking for room in our hearts , and giving shelter or food to anyone who asks for it, or needs it, is giving it to Christ.
                                          - Dorothy Day, social activist (1897-1980)

We are better givers than getters, not because we are generous people but because we are proud, arrogant people. The Christmas story —the one according to Luke, not Dickens—is not about how blessed it is to be givers but about how essential it is to see ourselves as receivers.
                                           - Rev. William Willimon, American theologian

I will sing of your might; I will sing of your steadfast love in the morning,

   For you have been a fortress to me and a refuge in the day of my distress.

                                           Psalm 59: 16