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.
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