Episode 9: Longing for Hope and Joy at Christmas During a Pandemic

This episode begins with the reading of Psalm 42, a Psalm where the writer expresses his grief and disappointment about not being able to walk among the crowds of worshipers. Maybe we can relate. In the year 2020, crowds of worshipers are a bad idea. There are disappointments, we feel weary and discouraged this Christmas. Many of our traditions have been canceled or changed. We long for how it used to be. There is hope that the pandemic will eventually end and we will be able to return to normal, but right now, we wait. This is the story of Advent. The people knew the Messiah would come, but they anxiously waited and hoped and longed for what could be. As we find ourselves waiting, let us remember that God is with us. God continues to pour out unfailing love upon us and give us life, even in a pandemic.