To my family in Christ,

For the first time in my life, I found myself waking up on Christmas morning all by myself with no friends or family around. I was living in Lawrenceville at the time and working at the United Church of Christ on Smithfield Street in downtown Pittsburgh. I was not at my parents’ house that Christmas morning, because I could not go home till after our Christmas day service, which I volunteered to host, since I was the only staff without children or a spouse. I wondered how I would feel that Christmas morning waking up all alone without the fuss and glam of Christmas. I would not get to hear the Christmas music pouring out of the speakers from the living room at 7:00 in the morning. I would not get to see my parents’ giddy excitement as we kids entered into that same space to gather and celebrate with one another the birth of Jesus. I would not get to smell or taste the cinnamon rolls baking in the oven as we sat buried in the chaos of what used to be neatly wrapped gifts and talked animatedly together. What would Christmas be like this year?

That is a question that is no doubt playing on a lot of our minds. We just recently received an advisory that request we limit our gatherings this holiday season. As leaders of our community tasked with the safety of the people who reside within it, I believe that advisory to be a necessary one. As the numbers in those testing positive for COVID-19 continue to rise, how could our leaders not think about safety? However, if you are anything like me, that call for more restrictions came with another break in my heart. The last thing I want to do this year is not gather together with those whom I love after having spent most of the year away from them. What will Christmas be like this year?

As I made the mile hike to Smithfield United Church of Christ that Christmas morning, I took a dozen roses with me. I knew I would pass by some people who were also alone on Christmas or who were just out and about getting from one place to another. As I passed people, I would hand them a rose, simply wish them Merry Christmas, and continue on my way. The surprise in their faces and reciprocated smiles made it one of the best Christmas mornings I have ever had. Yes, Christmas was different that year, but the magic of day could not be taken away. There is nothing that can change the fact that Jesus Christ was born in some pretty unsavory circumstances, so you and I can always have hope no matter what the world brings our way.

On December 14th, I will officially start back in full capacity as your pastor. I am so thankful for Rev. Beth Nelson and her leadership during my maternity leave. I am also grateful for the many members of this church who participated in worship, offered up a meaningful message, and continued to follow Jesus. I look forward with that same great hope and anticipation to be with you all again. Yes, the advent season will look different this year. Yes, Christmas will look different this year. We will not be gathered for in-person worship throughout the month of December. I am working on finding a safe way for us to gather for Christmas Eve. Please stay tuned for more information to follow. I know this news comes with great disappointment and probably even some heartache as the new advisory was met with. Christmas will be different this year, but it will not FEEL different because no matter what, as we recommit every morning to follow Jesus, we are once again met with that same great HOPE!

From One Light to Another,
Pastor Hannah Loughman

Photo by slgckgc