COVID-19 Nativity

When, most recently, was a baby born in your family?  This year?  Maybe it was your cousin or grandchild?  Or, your own baby, your first!  How exciting!  Family gathers round, and everyone exclaims how beautiful the baby is.  One aunt, her words soaked in sentiment, swears the little tyke has “Grandpa’s eyes.”  It is a moment for gathering, good feelings, and family closeness.  

         Except not this year, not in 2020.  In 2020, we need to protect each other from the spread of the virus, so we don’t gather.  How many grandparents will meet their new grandchildren through Zoom calls?  A baby can’t participate in a Zoom call.  Babies are

meant to be held, cuddled, and tickled.  A baby’s smile produces a smile on the face of everyone in the room, even the crustiest old codger. There’s no “social distancing” with babies!

         Joseph and Mary were far from home the night their first baby was born.  Joseph knew the baby wasn’t “his.”  He didn’t sire this child, but he sure acted like a good dad.  An unfeeling Roman census required Joseph to take his pregnant wife to his ancestral home, Bethlehem, miles from his current home and family.  The ancient Israelite people were more socially connected than we are.  Family was everything.  To be forced to have a baby away from the support of family was very hard, very sad.  Joseph did what he had to do, and Jesus was born with only farm animals and later shepherds there to celebrate his arrival.

         Is it possible this is one more way God-in-the-flesh, God incarnate, identifies with the struggles we face? Even the day of his birth, Jesus was confronted by obstacles that made life difficult.  His birth that evokes happy praise songs in our worship services was a night fraught with danger, uncertainty, and isolation.  Yes, this babe who lies at the center of our Christmas truly can identify with the things that make life a struggle for us.

         As you worship this year, in your heart, reach out to Christ.  When you do, appreciate this. He understands you and He loves you.  It’s why He came and it’s why his Holy Spirit is with you now, no matter your circumstances.  None of us wants a COVID-19 Christmas, but Jesus will get us through it and even make it special.  He knows our struggles and He won’t leave to face those struggles alone. God is with us.  

Rejoice!  Even socially-distanced, rejoice, give thanks, and sing.