Joy in a Pandemic
It seems almost surreal to begin to think of any joyous occasion in a worldwide pandemic where the threat of one's life becomes imminent. Jobs are being lost, food is becoming scarce and this year's Christmas presents are wrapped in quarantining and social distancing. It seems almost incredible, isn't it? That we as a world have seen it almost STOP.
Yet friends, we are still called as one body of Christ to reflect on the Season of Advent. The past week has stirred us to think of Joy as we have lit our Advent candle in many churches and homes. But how can we think of joy when everything seems absent of it?
The lectionary reading last week came from the prophet Isaiah. In Chapter 61, specifically vs 1-4, Isaiah proclaims the favour of the Lord to the people of Israel. The vivid imagery used encapsulated an Israel full of darkness, chaos, corruption and sorrow. Yet, he prophesies a new morning of gladness, restoration and a brighter future. As a Church, we firmly believe in this vision becoming a reality; the birth of Christ.
The fact that we revisit this scripture every Advent season gives us a reminder; what should be our joy? Is it the gift? money? the delicious food? the expensive Christmas decorations? For many of us, this is not possible, especially in this economic climate. Our Joy should be the miraculous truth of God coming down to earth to be with us; Immanuel. Our Joy should be the truth that He has promised to never leave us, even in this pandemic. Our Joy should bring warmth to our hearts when we learn that if we call ourselves children of God, our Father shall keep us safe, even when the world seems so dark. We do not know how long Covid will last, but with Christ as the vessel, we can smile at the storm.
If it is one thing that brings joy to my heart, it is knowing that this suffering, pain, loss, sorrow and mourning of this pandemic in the world does not go unseen by our God in Heaven. He sees everything, knows everything, and calls us especially in a restricted time like this to remember the ultimate joy of the gift of His son, born in the most humblest of forms, a manger. This shows us that joy is not in money, position, or status, but knowing that in the storm of this world, we have the joy of a baby born in Bethlehem, who saves, redeems and gives us true life.
Friends, if we look at scripture closely, the Lord never told us that life would be easy. However, the joy we should have is that we are assured of our position in Christ as His people. As things seem dark, and the pandemic continues, remember that we serve a God who protects and guides us in our triumphs and our trials.
As we journey to Christmas, let us remember that the true joy is knowing that for God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believes in him, shall not perish but have everlasting life. Friends, that is joy!
—Stefan Wilson
Presbyterian Church of Trinidad and Tobago
Presbyterian Church of Trinidad and Tobago
Stefan Wilson was born in the United Kingdom and migrated to Trinidad in 2003, where he joined the Presbyterian Church of Trinidad and Tobago. He holds a BA Literatures in English with Spanish and Linguistics from the University of the West Indies, Dip. in Interreligious Studies from Bossey Ecumenical Institute (Geneva) and a Masters Degree (MA) in International Education from the University of Leicester. He currently teachers Spanish and English at one of the Presbyterian High Schools, St. Augustine Girls' High School and is also a Student Minister of the Presbyterian Church.