(U.S. Navy graphic by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Luke Cunningham)
Isaiah; Malachi; Luke
The four weeks of December are filled with very special days in American history.
December 7 is a sobering day as we remember Pearl Harbor Day. That day has become one of special meaning for these United States, and especially for our armed forces. Survivors alive today are very few but the memories shared and lessons learned keep it alive.
This year, December 10 began the celebration of Hanukkah. The miracles associated with that week will live on.
December 25, many will celebrate Christmas Day and those miracles will not be forgotten as well. Kwanzaa follows on the twenty-sixth. A few days later is our celebration of New Year’s Day and the beginning of the year 2021.
For many, saying farewell to 2020 will spark relief having faced loss, shutdowns, changing health precautions and restrictions, while others may feel much differently. In any case, worship, religious and civil observances and celebrations, this year will be different. Reduced in size and impact, because of COVID-19.
There will be no Rose Parade on the first of January. The long-running and anticipated January 1, 2021 Rose Bowl Game apparently will not be played this year (what will we do?)!
Through all such circumstances, focus on the inner joy and peace as people celebrate the religious significance in this last month of 2020. May we also draw assurance, hope and peace in knowing that the Lord God has been with us throughout 2020.
He will be with us in 2021.
The God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob has heard their prayers and visited His people. For this we have reason to celebrate. Do so with your families and friends – celebrate with thankfulness and hope. The entire world, and especially for us in America, actions and reactions to this unseen virus has triggered major frustrating adjustments in our life-style making it difficult for a freedom loving society.
Many have moved from face-to-face communication, adjusting to Zoom and other similar technology, Conference Calls, working out of an office in private homes, Facebook, plus all similar applications.
The language of December includes words such as Lights, Candles, Miracles, Kings, Angels, gifts – both giving and receiving, Messiah, Love, Hope, Peace, Compassion, Generosity and Stars.
Speaking of stars, I trust many reading this short Fitness Report have had the opportunity to see, in the past evenings, the two largest planets in our universe in special conjunction, appearing as one. What a rarity!!! Astronomers tell us it has been 800 years since the last such occurrence.
In closing, I would be amiss if I failed to remind myself these special days of December also brings a touch of loneliness, desperation, chaos and added stress. Many of our friends, neighbors and perhaps ourselves, have recently lost loved ones and this month is the first religious period without them. I have lost three friends these past weeks – all connected with military service. I pray for those families – especially at this time.
Please remember that Grief and Loss are love words for if we did not have love there would be no grief. In your Godly worship and celebration, may you find the joy and comfort that only God can bring. I cannot allow my circumstances to determine who I am and my response to God. This year I have become more and more appreciative of the Mayflower Compact, our Declaration of Independence, Bill of Rights and our Constitution.
These documents make this column possible.
I wish for you to have a most blessed and joyous time of remembrance and worship and 2021 your best year yet. May you experience God’s Peace, Comfort and Joy this season.
V/R
CH (COL) Sherman R. Reed, USA, (ret)
Army Reserve Ambassador, Emeritus
ROA National Chaplain