Christmas will be a
little different this year. Our church celebrations will be online, our family
gatherings may be smaller, and we will be doing our shopping in masks. And even
though 2020 has forced us to change many of our “normal” activities, somehow
the adjustment to this holiday season is a little more difficult. 

So, what can we do to
bring the cheer back to Christmas? What is God asking of us during this 2020
holiday? And what shall we practice so our spirits are uplifted and our lights
shine bright?

I watched a comedian
last night and he said his family celebrates Christmas every day. He said it is
because they all love God, and the celebration of Jesus’ birth is not something
that should only happen once a year. He said celebrating Christmas every day
brings joy to their life and helps them feel blessed and thankful throughout
the year.

Wow! What a
perspective! If we celebrated Christmas every day, maybe this pandemic would
not be so weary. Maybe we would understand that slowing down is a good thing.
Maybe we would approach the world with open eyes and see God’s beauty. And
maybe we would recognize that we are all affected by these changes in the world
and see each other as equals. Yes, this holiday season may be more difficult to
adapt to, but this perspective may be just what we need to get back on track!

Here in the March
house, we will still embrace Christmas with open arms! We will attend the
Christmas Eve service online, we will take communion as a family, and we will
dim the lights so we can raise our candles while singing “Silent Night.” It
will be different, but joyful. We will need to adapt, but we will be strong in
one another’s love. And we will miss seeing our friends, but we will remain
together in spirit, celebrating the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ.

We want to wish you
and your family a Very Merry Christmas! We pray you find the holidays full of
God’s love and take some time to appreciate the gifts he has bestowed upon you.
And we enter 2021 with anticipation that it will be the best year ever, and
that you find ways to celebrate Christmas every day!