The world faced numerous losses this year. Although it is part of the human condition that we lose loved ones every year, this year was collectively difficult as we were struck by a pandemic that was not even on many of our minds one year ago today. As we watched the numbers climb on our television screens, we could lose track of the incalculable individual personal tragedies, largely because taking it all in would be too much to bear. The affected people we knew brought the impact home. And people in the spotlight killed by Covid, like Charley Pride, might bring together a divided country in unified grieving, if only for a moment.
One of the earlier deaths of a national figure occurred in April, when singer-songwriter John Prine passed away from complications related to Covid-19. From his lyrics and his warmth, many of us felt a special personal connection to Prine, even if we had only heard his music and seen him on stage.
And so it seems appropriate that for this Christmas, we remember those we lost and reflect on the coming year with one of Prine’s perfect Christmas songs from his 1993 album A John Prine Christmas, “Silent Night All Day Long.”
We held hands and stared at the lights on the tree,
As if Christmas was invented for you and for me;
When the angel on the treetop requested a song,
We sang, “Silent Night” all day long.
Even as we are reminded, through memories of a year ago, that we can never know what tragedies and joys await us in the new year, we look forward to this coming year with guarded hope. As we persist through this winter, we pray for the changes from the new vaccines, new leadership, and the coming seasons.
And most of all we keep our faith that, as in the images of love in John Prine’s song, somehow we will get through it all together.
Peace to you this holiday season.
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