COVID-19 has struck again, this time in New South Wales, throwing Christmas travel plans and celebrations into disarray. 

The short window of open borders, family reunions, and no quarantine period for many travellers is over, and parts of Australia are set to return to the ‘new-norm’ of restrictions, lockdowns, border closures, and self-isolation. 

The global pandemic is certainly making it difficult to celebrate Christmas as we are used to. This year it probably won’t live up to its reputation as ‘the most wonderful time of the year’. Although we still have much to be grateful for in Australia, given the spiralling numbers of virus cases in other countries.  

If we have learnt anything from 2020, it’s that life is unpredictable. But as Christians, we need not fear change. Why? Because of Christmas!  

What is Christmas all about? Surprisingly it’s not about Santa Claus, excessive spending and even more excessive food consumption! At Christmas we celebrate a supernatural event that changed the course of the world. At Christmas we reflect on the incarnation of God in the birth of Jesus Christ! 

The spiritual darkness which had covered the earth since the Fall was about to be rolled away! With the birth of Christ, God came to be with us in Immanuel. And the way to pardon and peace with God was about to be thrown open to everyone. 

Because of these events in Bethlehem more than 2000 years ago, we can face pandemics, and deluges and drought, and all their implications, with the knowledge that God is with us. Our confidence is not in our circumstances – because they are unpredictable and can change in an instant.  Our confidence is in our unchangeable God. Immanuel is with us through life’s many trials. We just need to trust and obey. 

Perhaps the pandemic will help us to be more focused and intentional as we celebrate Christmas and contemplate what it means to us. 

Whatever our circumstances might be this pandemic year, let us joyfully remember our Saviour’s birth, and praise God as the angels did that night. And may God bless us all with true spiritual fellowship with Jesus this Christmas season. 

Why not reflect on what you are most thankful to God for this Christmas? 

Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests” (Luke 2:13-14).