Coronativity

I found myself musing the other day about what it would look like if the Christmas story unfolded in 2020, and then chuckled to myself when imagining a “Coronativity” with Mary, Joseph, Magi, and shepherds donning masks and social distancing from one another. As I enjoyed the levity and absurdity of it, it struck me that there might be more to gain from this imagined scene than meets the (inner) eye.

I realized that as I “looked in” on that stable, some of the poignancy of the moment was lost, since the beatific expressions on the faces of the participants were hidden from view. Thus the invitation to join in the experience was lessened. I was reminded that the greatest meaning in a moment of profound wonder is derived in the sharing of it.

Because of the static nature of traditional nativity sets, I don’t think I’m alone in imagining a sort of hushed silence over the scene. The knowing glances among the participants would be enough to convey the shared meaning. But with masks on, that wouldn’t quite work.

Celebrating the wonder of the holidays in 2020 will be masked both literally and figuratively. We will all miss the boost that comes from the public smiles and well wishes that are a normal part of the festivities. (Unfortunately, it seems the most typical shared glances this year are squinted eyes and wrinkled foreheads of concern when appropriate social distance is being violated.)

And, of course, it’s more than challenging to focus on themes of joy and peace in the face of the devastating effects of the pandemic in so many peoples’ lives, both medically and financially. How are we supposed to experience the wonder of a story of divine Love inhabiting the world, when there is so much uncertainty, brokenness and pain all around us?

Well... I’m not the first to suggest that those two things don’t have to be mutually exclusive. We can fully acknowledge our own and others’ suffering and grief, while also choosing to stay in connection, hold on to hope, and experience the joy of caring for each other. But living in that tension doesn’t happen easily. It takes effort. And this year, it will take more effort than normal. Rather than succumbing to imposed isolation, we can make the effort to reach out to others, and not just those whom we normally stay connected with. We can make the extra call to someone who might be especially lonely, and we can make that caring call to someone who is hurting and just needs a listening ear.

Thankfully, such effort usually doesn’t go unrewarded. The meaning it brings is the joy of sharing in the wonder of Love.

Please do wear your mask, especially when necessity takes you out of the house, but don’t let the current circumstances mask you from seeing and acting upon the deeper truths of what it means to be a human in divine connection with others, the very truth which this season commemorates.

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