To everything there is a season

Photo by Mohamed Mohassi on Unsplash

This Wednesday Joe Biden will be inaugurated as the new President of the United States. Many months of campaigning and several weeks of wrangling over the result will finally come to an end. With concerns over violent protests already overshadowing the event the inauguration of the 46th President seems set to be like no other that the 'land of the free' has known.

Since the election in November, Senator Biden has spoken often about the need for a healing process to begin. 2020 was a difficult year for Americans. As elsewhere in the world, the effects of the coronavirus pandemic heightened tensions over social inequalities and ingrained prejudice. Conspiracy theories and mistrust led to rioting in many cities las summer. President Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris face significant challenges as they seek to heal rifts and the nation in this new season of political life.

Similar challenges lie ahead in Britain, in Europe and across the world. Few countries have escaped the impact of COVID-19. Businesses and public services alike have struggled to manage the consequences of the pandemic. Either unemployment or extreme pressures in the workplace have affected millions of individuals and families. Existing inequalities and longstanding resentments continue to produce social tensions in many local communities. Healing rifts and rebuilding nations could be the most significant worldwide challenge in 2021. 

As Wednesday's inauguration takes place many will be praying that 20th January 2021 marks not just a new presidency but also a commitment to healing and rebuilding in the season that is just beginning. 

To everything there is a season; a time for every purpose under heaven. (Ecclesiastes 3)