7th Day of
Christmas, 2020
Dear Ones,
It is -15° outside (w/wind chill, -25°). I am sitting in the peaceful darkness of our living room, late at night, with only the small white bulbs on the Christmas tree creating an aura of light. There is just a crack of light coming out from under the bedroom door; Merle is reading with only a small lamp. Fido (our cat) is done mousing in the garage now; she is curled up on the soft afghan on my lap. Sleeping. Purring. Content - as am I.
The horrors of this year have given us a lot to ponder this Christmas season. The celebration/s of Christmas can’t be the escape it has been for many of us in the past. So I will be blunt. The recurring violence openly and proudly displayed by armed, nationalist, racist groups against Americans of all colors - primarily Black, Indigenous, and other people of color – and by so many police in so many places that we can’t just shrug anymore and say, “One bad apple…,” as well as scores of government officials acting badly (understatement?); not to mention a miniscule microorganism we’re calling Covid bringing the entire world to its knees – have all gotten our attention and held it. Every. Day.
Those religious folks who support the hateful, bigoted opinions, and the violence they spawn, name themselves “the Christian right.” The name of Jesus Christ and his followers, and the term “Evangelical.” have been hijacked in support of a distinctly nonChristian worldview and ethic. We all know “Christian” means “little Christ,” which is what we have been called to be. I have had several experiences now when identifying myself as a Christian, especially if I include – of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America – it is assumed I am of the “Christian Right,” because that describes all Christians, right? I am either argued with, dismissed on the spot, or sent emails and text msgs. describing just how evil Christians are. We certainly have a shameful history in many respects regarding systemic bigotry. At the same time, Jesus Christ continues to redeem and redirect us into his Way of love, community, and justice. That is the worldview and ethic which identifies a person as one who is earnestly trying to be a Christian/little Christ.
All of which is to say: There’s a lot we can’t control right now, but what we can control is if and how we show up for others. That is huge.
And, given all things this year, God still comes. God still comes in peace and in joy, smack in the middle of all of the troubles of the world. Suffering and death don't intrude on Christmas; Christmas intrudes on suffering and death and, in the midst of them, brings us the Hope only God can give.
Our kids and grandkids have shared the same Covid struggles as most people in our nation – insecure employment/reduced hours, several exposures, the schooling at the school or on the computer at home question and all the back-&-forth which that has involved – BUT! So far they are persevering wonderfully and staying healthy and quite positive, as are Merle and I. We miss hugs, sloppy kisses, and being able to travel, but those are hardly sacrifices compared to what so many are suffering.
I look forward to when we
can gather together with friends and family again, and enjoy good wine and even
better conversation. It will be so interesting to hear all of your
ponderings about this period of history we are living in.
Merle and I love you, and hold each of you in the Light of Christ, praying for health, hope, and the future.
Joan & Merle
"The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to bring good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim release to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to let the oppressed go free, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor."
-- Luke 4:18-19
