Season of love: Mary and Joseph on the dusty road
A dancer dressed as a Christmas tree bauble and wearing a face shield approaches a child in a shopping mall in Bangkok in December 24, 2020.
What you need to know:
- During this Covid-19 pandemic, it is of utmost importance to be thankful for the many acts of kindness.
We are experiencing a difficult time occasioned by the Covid-19 pandemic, yet it coincides with a monumental period in the Christian calendar: the birth of the son of God, Jesus Christ. We all wonder what lies in store for the next months, or probably years. As a people, are we going to rise up to the challenge of tomorrow?
I wonder what Mary and Joseph were hoping for as they travelled the dusty road? A safe delivery? A healthy baby? Less turbulent times a head? In essence, God had a plan for them as he surely has for each one of us as well.
During this Covid-19 pandemic, it is of utmost importance to be thankful for the many acts of kindness.
The abundance of love shared by family, neighbours, and especially the medical fraternity who are day in and day out paying the ultimate price for others sake.
It is reminiscent of how the Maltese cared for Paul and crew after having been shipwrecked.
Pandemic
We are all pilgrims in this pandemic journey, an experience shared across the globe. The questions of youngsters on the backseat of the car: ‘How much longer?’ ‘When will we get there?’… come to mind. Nobody knows, but hopefully the pandemic is helping us to break barriers and allowing us to support one another wherever there is need. We have to run with patience as we live in these strange times.
The wonders of technology have enabled us to see faces, hear voices, chat, worship, and attend meetings, but there is no touch, no presence, and no comforting awareness of somebody in your living room or beside you in the pew, no reassurance of a gentle hug or squeeze of the hand.
Somehow, nature and the environment have kept the air unpolluted and all is quiet.
The birds continue chirping and the colours of the trees remain green and beautiful, at least in my locality. There is a glimpse of a cleaner world, friendlier to all species. The baby boom among elephants was spectacular. Those who predicted for apocalyptic times are ashamed. And what of the discovery of vaccines in various parts of the world?
I have enjoyed reading a variety of books, a positive for me as a result of the lockdown. First, I read Becoming and Michelle Obama writes so beautifully. I find it fascinating, reading about her early years on the South Side of Chicago. Merry Christmas!
Ayub Eli Osinde, AIC Theological College, Vihiga
