“And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, ‘Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.’

“Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying,

‘Glory to God in the highest heaven,

and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.'”

— Luke 2:8-14

Those words, the foundation of the season we now celebrate, tell us this, too, shall pass.

The virus. The unemployment. The death. The sickness. The loss of our favorite restaurant, the struggles of our favorite downtown shop.

That all will someday pass, because this is a season. And, someday, there will be a final season, because of a little baby boy whose birth we celebrate on Friday.

Because of Christmas, there is always hope, after all.

Merry Christmas, dear readers.

May your holiday be warm, and bright, and may any seasons of struggle pass for you and those you love.

(THE ALPENA NEWS)