The Night Before Christmas 2020 version

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​The Night Before Christmas 2020 Version
T'was the night before Christmas, and all through the town, 
All the people wore masks, that covered their frown.  
The frown had begun way back in the spring 
When a global pandemic changed everything.  
They called it “corona”, but unlike the beer, 
It didn’t bring good times, it didn’t bring cheer.  
Airplanes were grounded, travel was banned. 
Borders were closed across air, sea, and land.  
As the world entered lockdown to flatten the curve, 
The economy halted, and folks lost their nerve.  
From March to July, we rode the First Wave, 
All the people stayed home, and they tried to behave.  
Then when summer emerged, the lockdown was lifted, 
But without being cautious, many folks drifted.  
Now it’s December and cases are spiking, 
Wave Two has arrived, much to our disliking.  
It’s true that this year has had sadness a-plenty, 
We’ll never forget the year Twenty-Twenty.  
And just ‘round the corner - the holiday season, 
But should we be merry? Is there even one reason?  
I’ll garnish the house and trim up the tree, 
But who will then see it?  No one but me!  
So I say a quick prayer, as the “snow" gently falls
And the Lord gently whispers: “Go deck the halls!”
Christmas isn’t canceled and neither is hope.
Remember the Savior and hold on to hope!
His birth is the reason, we’re all filled with joys
Not just gathering families, and sharing some toys
His presents to us, from heaven above
Is His presence inside us, that shows us His love
So, I gather the ribbon, the garland, and bows, 
As I play those old hymns, my happiness grows.
I turn to my neighbors and friends that I know
And instead of “bah humbug” or “ho-ho-ho-ho”
I offer a prayer for blessing and peace
And ask my great God that our faith would increase
So that we would all change in this upcoming year
And live lives of faith and not lives of fear.
 
Christmas Blessings,
Fr. Greg+

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