As I write this reflection this morning, our two granddaughters are still sleeping. They stayed with us last night. Their last overnight stay with us was almost three years ago, prior to the COVID-19 pandemic. Sharon and I enjoyed our time with our granddaughters thoroughly. We are so thankful that we can have our bedtime routines together again with them. We read Bible stories and pray together before they go to sleep. Those are the treasured moments that we cherish.

For the last three years, due to the pandemic, we have been concerned and worried about the potential risks of this virus and how it may affect our daily routines, family commitments, and even attendance at church activities. At times, we have been anxious and not sure whether we can find appropriate ways to address and mitigate the potential risks of the virus. Concern over this virus has become a significant factor impacting our daily lives and all aspects of the environment around us. Like all of us, I also face challenges in maintaining my normal way of life and in making tough decisions/choices regarding otherwise common and regular daily routines. Even today, some ECC members are still deciding whether to attend church activities in person or virtually.

Throughout our history, viruses and infectious diseases have been a part of our lives, and our struggles with them have been on-going. Thanks to the tireless efforts of scientists, researchers, and health care professionals in finding solutions to address these challenges, with the practice of precautionary infection control measures and treatments to mitigate the ill effects of these viruses and other infectious diseases, we are gradually no longer intimidated by these viruses and infectious diseases.

A few months ago, I caught the COVID-19 virus. By the grace of God, I was able to recover from it, regained my health, and returned to my normal way of life. As we are in the Advent season, let us focus on the blessings our Lord Jesus Christ brings us through His birth. May we prepare our hearts to celebrate the coming of our Lord, who gives us peace, joy, hope, and salvation.

I must finish the writing of this reflection as I hear our granddaughters calling, “Yeh-Yeh, what is for breakfast? We are hungry.”