Due to COVID-19...

Planning for Advent and Christmas has been delayed. The pockets of our Advent Calendar have yet to be filled. Shopping for the assortment of small items required has been trickier than usual due to the closure of 'non-essential' shops in November. With just three days to go this year's Advent calendar countdown will begin with a few empty pockets.

For Christians in England the picture is similar. Government announcements this week will allow churches to reopen for services on Sunday 6 December, the second Sunday in Advent. Full guidance has yet to be issued but it seems outdoor carol singing may be permitted during the Christmas period. With less than four weeks to go to Christmas Day, Advent this year begins with questions and empty spaces in church calendars rather than with the frantic activity that is usual in early December.

Despite the uncertainties it is already clear that, in our churches as well as in our homes, Christmas 2020 will be different. Shaping our celebration of the coming of the Christ Child in these unusual times will be challenging. Change isn't easy to accept but focussing on the possibilities rather than the losses could transform our worship and witness forever.

Due to COVID-19, Christmas may never be the same again. 

Advent 2020

Photo by Priscilla Du Preez on Unsplash

Speculation about Christmas in this year of pandemic has been much in the news this week. With five weeks to go the shape of this year's festivities remains uncertain. Planning is still impossible as everything depends on the daily coronavirus figures. Statistics and graphs are studied in the hope of detecting a downward trend in cases, deaths, and that all-important 'R' number.

In the midst of the national anxiety and media hype it seems that at least some of the familiar elements of Christmas will survive. Radio stations have begun using their Christmas playlists early. Food retailers are encouraging customers to book Christmas delivery slots. Despite the uncertainty all around Christmas 2020 has not yet been cancelled.

For Christians, the time of preparation for the coming of the Christ Child will soon begin. Advent Sunday this year falls on 29 November. With churches closed the lighting of the first Advent candle, the candle of hope, will be an online event. As the candle is lit, we will pray for the courage to continue to hope in the midst of uncertainty. 

May the light of the Christ child shine on each one as we begin the Advent journey.

All human life is there

Photo by Rich Smith on Unsplash

News this week has been the usual mix of the good, the bad, and the ugly. On the positive side, hopes were high that a COVID-19 vaccine might soon be available. When we humans put our minds to it and work together much is achieved. By contrast, infighting at Downing Street led to the resignation of two Government advisors. In the volatile world of politics, working together is always a challenge.

Towards the end of the week the death in prison of serial killer Peter Sutcliffe was announced. Old memories were stirred for the families of Sutcliffe's victims. The stories of those who chose to speak to the press when the news broke of the death of the man known as the Yorkshire Ripper were a reminder of dark and very ugly time in Britain's history.

On the day Sutcliffe's death was announced, the son of the killer's first victim gave a compelling interview. In response to the questions asked he agreed that the news of the death would bring some kind of closure. In quiet, measured tones, McCann explained that he had taken a decision some years ago to let go of his anger towards Sutcliffe and took no pleasure in hearing the news of his death. He went on to ask West Yorkshire Police to apologise to the families of victims for the way their loved ones had been described by officers at the time. In response to an official apology later that day McCann tweeted 'Now that's worth celebrating. Thank you.' 

All human life was there in the news this week. One man's grace and courage showed something of the best of which we humans are capable. Thank you, Richard McCann.

You can read Richard McCann's story here   

Remember, remember

 

Remember, remember, the fifth of November,
Gunpowder treason and plot.
I see no reason why gunpowder treason should ever be forgot.

November is the season for remembrance. One way and another, the first two weeks of the month are a time to pause and reflect. This year, with large gatherings banned and national ceremonies cancelled, the annual focus on remembering has taken on a different form.

Small scale firework displays in back gardens have been a nightly feature in residential areas. In Highams Park, an act of remembrance was held outside the library this morning. Tomorrow similar ceremonies will take place around war memorials across the country. Next Tuesday, a poppy drop over the streets of Bedworth in Warwickshire will mark Armistice Day. Remembrance in 2020 is going local.

In 2020 the season of remembrance takes place in the shadow of COVID-19. This November, amid the fireworks, the bugle calls, and the poppies, many people continue to mourn the loss of those who have died in this year of pandemic. As the noise of fireworks fades and the bugle calls cease, at the going down of the sun and in the morning, we will continue to remember them.