By Helen Smith, NRPE Program Associate
Christmas is upon us. This season is unlike the others of years past though. We are kept in our houses, away from those we love. There are long hours on the road ahead for some who will embark on driving to loved ones instead of flying. These long hauls remind me of the wise men, traversing for long periods of time to be able to give treasures and experience togetherness as they celebrate God’s gift of healing for the world.
Christmas means many things to many people, but I see it as a time for healing. Humanity was hurting and confused and needed guidance, so God sent help. The pandemic and its domino effect has been hard on so many people and their families. It’s not easy to be apart from people you love during this season, or for months on end. In this time, we need healing. Healing from sickness, tragedy and loneliness.
Through this time, healing of the earth has been happening. When the human world halted this spring, we saw the earth begin to heal. Streams became clearer. Smog began to clear. We saw firsthand that if given a chance, the natural world can help in the healing--both physically and spiritually.
During the pandemic we saw ways that God's creation can heal itself and help heal us. Since the pandemic began, people are spending more time on public lands than ever before. Spending time in God's creation provides an ideal safe/socially distanced activity. And, activities outdoors can provide much needed physical activity and can feed us spiritually.
The healing of the earth has begun, and we get to be an integral part it helping to accomplish a clean earth for many more to come. And just as we begin to celebrate, the Bethlehem star can be seen this week around the world. A reminder of God and the care for us and creation that continues.
Christmas is upon us. This season is unlike the others of years past though. We are kept in our houses, away from those we love. There are long hours on the road ahead for some who will embark on driving to loved ones instead of flying. These long hauls remind me of the wise men, traversing for long periods of time to be able to give treasures and experience togetherness as they celebrate God’s gift of healing for the world.
Christmas means many things to many people, but I see it as a time for healing. Humanity was hurting and confused and needed guidance, so God sent help. The pandemic and its domino effect has been hard on so many people and their families. It’s not easy to be apart from people you love during this season, or for months on end. In this time, we need healing. Healing from sickness, tragedy and loneliness.
Through this time, healing of the earth has been happening. When the human world halted this spring, we saw the earth begin to heal. Streams became clearer. Smog began to clear. We saw firsthand that if given a chance, the natural world can help in the healing--both physically and spiritually.
During the pandemic we saw ways that God's creation can heal itself and help heal us. Since the pandemic began, people are spending more time on public lands than ever before. Spending time in God's creation provides an ideal safe/socially distanced activity. And, activities outdoors can provide much needed physical activity and can feed us spiritually.
The healing of the earth has begun, and we get to be an integral part it helping to accomplish a clean earth for many more to come. And just as we begin to celebrate, the Bethlehem star can be seen this week around the world. A reminder of God and the care for us and creation that continues.