There is a practice among some churches to hold what’s called a Blue Christmas service in December. It is, in part, for people who are struggling emotionally at a time when they are being bombarded with messages that Christmas is a time of joy and family togetherness.
This is turning out to be bit of a blue holiday for many of us. Gatherings are being cancelled, and we wonder if we Santa needs to take a rapid test before coming down the chimney. Whatever form the holiday takes, it isn’t the one we thought would be our reward for the past year’s sacrifices.
But in the midst of our Omicron angst, it’s worthwhile recognizing the many ways we’ve also shown ourselves resilient. The vaccination rollout over the past year has been a game changer. It didn't make COVID vanish, but it helped prevent a lot of serious illness. On the North Shore, our vaccination rates are among the best anywhere.
We saw how B.C. pulled together to help the victims of recent floods, including North Shore Rescue teams who helped pluck stranded residents to safety. This week’s limited re-opening of the Coquihalla Highway just a month after huge sections of road washed out, is also a testament to what we can accomplish when we put our minds to it.
On a smaller and sweeter scale we’ll also take heart from the neighbours of the late longtime toymaker Bill Chalmers, who stepped up this year to finish his work.
This week marks the winter solstice – the darkest time of year. But as many religions recognize, the solstice also means the return of the light, and of brighter days ahead.
