The Rev. Megan E. Thomas writes in the Episcopal Cafe:
"We did not offer our candlelit Lessons and Carols service. How we miss these beloved seasonal events. And though some congregations have enjoyed virtual concerts and hosted video watch-parties, and many are worshiping today by Zoom or Facebook live, well, “it’s not the same.” We did not hug the youth group members now home from college, or greet those who come for Christmas and Easter, or meet our parishioners’ extended family and houseguests..."
"... And yet, we still commemorate the moment that the God of creation chose to enter human history, in a time and a place that held its fair share of loss, of poverty, disease, death and oppression. We hear again the stories of Jesus’ birth as told in the Gospels of Luke and Matthew. We remember that Joseph and Mary traveled far from home because the emperor wanted a census. We remember that there was no room for an expectant mother in the inn at Bethlehem, so she gave birth among the livestock and placed the Baby in their feeding trough. We remember that singular poor and weary family, who like so many others sought comfort and safety in a poor old weary world."
