Shadows and whispers

 For us, the world tilted off its axis on January 8th. For everyone else on the planet, it was about March that it became clear nothing in 2020 would be what we expected. We passed through this year recognizing and sometimes grieving that this year was simply a shadow of what it might have been. 

Now with Christmas lights casting shadows on the edges of the world, I can’t help but think that Christ experienced so much more of this shadow existence we have walked. 

We missed our churches, singing along to our laptops in our homes. He joined the broken voices of mortal men, having left the heavenly host singing to the throne. 

We missed our friends and family, keeping our circles small and safe. He left oneness with the trinity - a perfect harmony - a perfect peace. 

We treasured our walks in parks - a brief moment without a mask, seeing the trees and blossoming flowers - giving thanks for every sunset and starry sky. He walked on the earth he had breathed into existence - the Word that had brought something from nothing - and listened the ground groan beneath him as it longed to be restored to the glory He intended. 

As the hymn reminds us “Thou who was rich beyond all splendor, all for loves sake becamest poor”. 

While during Christmas we focus on the gift, putting off the unpleasantness of the crucifixion until Holy Week, Christ’s poverty began the moment He took a mortal breath and limited himself to mere shadows and whispers of the existence he knew in heaven. 

Maybe we needed this type of poverty. Maybe we needed to be shaken from our comfort and routine to remember that on our very best day on this earth - the most it can ever be is a step on the journey homeward. Maybe from this sense of loss we will finally glimpse what his gift really meant. 

We all have affirmed in our hearts and minds to never take for granted the joy of gathering together - or hugging and holding all those we love - of seeing each other face to face - being wholly present. 

And just maybe we can use this gift of perspective to see these moments as He did - shadows and whispers - and yet worth savoring - and saving.