The Most "Christmassy" Christmas Ever?

“What do you mean ‘change of plans?’” Emma anxiously asked her husband, Jay, but already she had a feeling the answer would not be a surprise.

Although they lived in a small town, miles away from the big city, they were up to date on all the news about the how “It” had been spreading, affecting everyone and everything. Up until now, it seemed they were still beyond “Its” reach. Up until now.

Jay put a gentle hand on his wife’s shoulder to reassure her.

“We’ll have to move closer the city for a while,” he said.

“For how long?” asked Emma.

“I don’t know, just until they get the latest stats and numbers,” he answered.

“But what about your job?” she pressed.

Jay sighed. This was the question he had been dreading. Owning his own shop had been a life-long dream, and, in this small town, it had been a dream come true! For years he had built up his business and reputation as one of the finest in his field. But the world was a fast changing place now, especially with the spread of “It.” And because of “It,” there were new rules, new restrictions, and new penalties. Jay, like many of the other small businessmen in his area, knew how lucky he was when he could work another day. The community was suffering on all levels, and hopelessness was creeping into the eyes of many.

“Em, I had to close the store today,” Jay replied softly.

Emma threw her arms around her husband and held him tightly.

“Oh love, I’m so sorry!” Her heart broke for him.

“It’s alright, Em. Hopefully, it’s just for now. Once this whole thing is over, things will get back to normal.” Jay was determined to stay strong for the both of them, but, at the same time, was fully aware of how much he needed his wife’s love and companionship to fill him with courage and hope.

“Well, maybe not totally ‘back to normal,’” Emma drew back a step and smiled coyly at Jay, placing one hand on her very pregnant belly.

“No, I suppose not!” Jay chuckled. Emma was right; their lives would soon be forever changed by the arrival of their first child. The very news alone of the surprise pregnancy had changed their lives so much already! They’d been preparing for months now; in fact, Jay had even built the baby’s crib with his own hands! But now, with the latest advancement of “It” and the newest government laws in effect, they were going to have to do a lot more than just adapt. It was turning into an all out fight for survival!

Jay and Emma stood for a moment in silence, staring at the empty crib in the corner of the room. Both of them had the strong sense that there would be no returning to “normal,” even after the government-ordered census that was forcing them to move was completed. Nor was the oppressive rule of the Roman Empire disappearing any time soon. “It” would continue to spread across the known world like a pandemic. But, as they looked upon the hand-crafted, wooden cradle, their hope was not in a “normal” life. Their hope was in a promise – the promise – of a new life so much bigger and greater and more spectacular than…

“Maybe if we took the crib apart, we could take it with us?” Emma suggested.

“Nah,” shrugged Jay, and he pulled her close again. “I’m sure there’ll be something in Bethlehem we can use.”

Our world today is reeling from one of the most fragile years it’s known in a long time. As a whole, humanity has taken the hit physically, emotionally, relationally, economically…you name it! It’s a long list of hits. However, considering the tumultuous time in which Jesus himself was born, this may be the most “Christmassy” Christmas we could ever have! God’s plans and promises are still at work, so during this season, let’s flex our faith muscles and celebrate that our hope is not in “normal,” it’s in Jesus Christ!

O Holy Night! The stars are brightly shining
It is the night of our dear Savior's birth
Long lay the world in sin and error pining
'Til He appears and the soul felt its worth
A thrill of hope the weary world rejoices
For yonder breaks a new and glorious morn
Fall on your knees; O hear the Angel voices!
O night divine, O night when Christ was born
O night, O Holy Night, O night divine!