On this Christmas Eve, things are so very different. It is weird and a layer of sadness lingers in the separation from all that usually occurs on this not-so-silent night. Yet, I am taking comfort in proclamations of God with us not only in virtual worship services, but also makeshift sanctuaries like the local hospital where I went for blood work. I saw and heard first-hand testaments to Immanuel as nurses and medical personnel shared of their experiences receiving the vaccination just around the corner from my appointment. While the strangeness of a quarantined Christmas is real, I am all the more grateful and lift endless prayers for those who have worked tirelessly- even this night- for the health and well-being of all of us. They have been shepherds of love, magi of hope, and proclamations of good news that we are not alone in the human struggle. Thanks be to God! Merry Christmas!
Here’s a poem written in light of being deeply, yet unexpectedly, moved yesterday.
—-
It was like church
the hospital entrance
made vaccination distribution center
I wanted to linger longer
in my lobby chair
as nave pew
to take in the energy
savor the work of the people
collective vibes of hope
I had not felt in so long
to witness relief on its way
proclamations of a new day
so very close
the waiting room
for simple bloodwork
became to me
a new narthex of masked fellowship
as front line workers
emergency personnel
nurses and administrators
greeted one another
pointed to their arms
sacramental injection locales
of the first round of the
vaccine
calls to celebrate and
litanies of joy lifted
by those who pilgrimaged
through the trauma
passing the peace with their eyes
as the wise affirm
the courage and privilege to receive
the first dose
the days will be darker still
confessions and laments
the war is not over
though this battle won
we hear their proclamations
good news in shared laughter
of those who have shed
so many tears
bearing the hopes and fears
of all this year
now a choir of joy and life
affirmations of faith
in the night
as I walked out
I offered words of gratitude
silent prayers of solidarity and
petitions for God with Us still
all the while wearing
a mask as benediction
in the midst of the affliction
encouraged for the road ahead
go in peace
with an end now,
just barely,
in sight
—-