The COVID-19 Diary: Sunday 12 December

I haven’t heard much complaining about the so-called “War on Christmas” this year. I guess the people that get upset about it have other things to gripe about right now. Or maybe I’m not paying attention.

Setting aside the idea that it’s just another form of outrage porn, it seems incongruous for a Christian to make a fuss about people saying “Happy Holidays” instead of “Merry Christmas” and voice grievances about other perceived slights before 25 December, because from a liturgical perspective it’s not Christmas. It’s Advent, which is a season of preparation, much like Lent is a season of preparation for Easter.

As an aside, I don’t recall ever hearing about a “War on Easter,” given that Easter is the most important day on the Christian calendar. It’s the reason the religion exists. As far as I’m concerned, that says a lot about many Christians’ perspectives.

When I lived in Richmond, VA I knew a family that didn’t put up their Christmas tree until Christmas Eve. Their position was that it wasn’t appropriate to do so before then. I respect that.

Anyway, in my denomination (among others) it’s the third Sunday of Advent, which is the day the rose colored candle is lit and we get to hear John the Baptist thrown down some fire and brimstone. Buckle up.

Stay healthy and safe.



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Song of the Day

The entire Song of the Day playlist is available on YouTube.