"For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord." Luke 2:11
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Merry Christmas!
To restate the obvious, 2020 has become one of those landmark and unusual years, or at least we hope that is the case. A world-wide pandemic which has not only affected world economies, personal careers, schools and school activities, but now even threatens our most revered traditions—Christmas.
While this year may seem “unprecedented” in some ways, we really do not need to search too long or too far to understand the Christian Church, Lutherans in particular, have wrestled with similar, and in reality, more devastating circumstances. In the 1500’s Martin Luther refused to flee when the bubonic (black) plague hit Wittenberg, Germany. In fact, Luther wrote an article entitled “Whether One May Flee from a Deadly Plague” reminding Christians of Jesus’ words in Matthew 25: 43 “I was sick and you did not look after me.” He urged them to stay and care for the oppressed. Luther’s words were relevant in his time as they still are today.
Centuries later in 1918 when an influenza pandemic, the Spanish flu, began in an obscure U.S. Army hospital in Kansas infecting U.S. soldiers. These soldiers would journey to the battle fields in Europe where poor sanitation and limited health services led to the spread of a pandemic that would claim nearly 50 million lives worldwide. Christians took to worshipping in private homes as opposed to large mass gatherings and they led the way as first-responders when it came to caring for the sick. They served in hospitals and in homes, praying, cleaning, or cooking meals. They even engaged in the morbid tasks of digging graves and burying the deceased.
Once again their message of Christian love and hope invigorated and encouraged both Christian and non-Christian alike. This is the attitude of Christian love and fellowship that we need to be about today. And not only because we are existing in the Spirit of Christmas, but rather because we exist in a relationship of Love. 1 John 4:18 “There is no fear in love. . .The one who fears is not made perfect in love.”
100 years later we find ourselves in the midst of another worldwide pandemic. Unprecedented? Hardly. “Fear not I bring you tidings of great joy” the angels announced to the shepherds. . .and to us. Fear is not usually associated with Christmas, but this is 2020 after all. We need to lead the way because we know the promise has been fulfilled. Rejoice and be glad a Savior is born! There is not only a reason for the season, but a reason for us to serve others as Christ serves us.
God Bless and Stay Safe
Dr. Stel