Why Not? It's 2020!

Ready or not, Christmas is coming. On second thought, it’s already here. Though the calendar only flipped last night, the season started several weeks ago as house eaves sprouted colorful lights, front doors donned garland wreaths, and fir trees relocated from forests (and attics) to family rooms. As my friends posted evidence of (dare-I-say premature) holiday decor, their photos were often accompanied by the recurring phrase “Why not?  It’s 2020!” 

Please don’t think I’m being negative.  Far from it, for though my decorations don’t make it up early, my Christmas tree stays up late.  Last year’s came down on Memorial Day. Yes, it was real. Yes, the bright green was dulled by hints of brown, but, yes, it still smelled divine and made me smile every morning, so “Why not?  It’s 2020!”

In the past few months those words have become a mantra to explain the irrational and to exclaim at the exasperating, a byline to express “Why not??” or “What next?!?” 2020 has been a different year for all, and a difficult year for most.  Its days have brought much loneliness, loss, anxiety, and fear.  Many have been sick. Too many have died. Workers have been laid off.  Students have been sent home.  Businesses have taken down their shingles, and churches have closed their doors. Our getting together has been thwarted by a devastating pandemic and our getting along threatened by a divisive election. 

People are weary of feeling apart, alone, and anxious. They are tired of being discouraged, despondent, and disappointed.  Desperate to find good in a grueling year, many are holding out hope that the brightness of the holidays will lift their spirits and cheer their souls, and though for a few weeks, hearty ho, ho, ho’s and jingle bells can bring some happiness and a sense of delight, those feelings will fade as soon as the presents are ripped opened and the decorations packed away.  As Jesus-followers we have an opportunity this Christmas like never before to share and shine the One who stepped into the darkness and brought us true light, the One who stays the same as circumstances change, the One who holds us together when things fall apart, the One who knows all our messes yet loves beyond measure, the One who made us His own when we didn’t belong, the One who defeated death and offers real life.  Those who by God’s grace know the “reason for the season” should this year, more than ever, be like the ecstatic shepherds who “when they had seen Jesus, spread the word”(Luke 2:17).

It’s time to string the lights, trim the tree, gather the gifts, and plan the parties, but as the fun and festivities begin, let’s rejoice that we’re not chasing a feeling but are instead celebrating a fact—the only fact in the entire universe that brings lasting peace, certain hope, and eternal joy.  “Unto you is born this day in the city of David, a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.”

May the merriment of Christ’s coming commence (and continue) like never before because “Why not? It’s 2020!”