It is always a good idea to inject some humor into life these days. At our little Harmony United Methodist Church, one of our ushers’ jobs is to shoot folks in the head with the temperature gun. If you pass the temperature test, this particular usher loves to share spiritual nuggets, “Thou art worthy to enter into this sanctuary of saints. Now, go and sin no more.”
A few weeks ago, another usher shot my head several times and showed me the reading that simply read, LO. “Well,” he said in his Southern drawl, “looks like it’s reading your IQ.”
The sermon last Sunday was about the Inn Keeper and what a jerk many think he was to turn away pregnant Mary. Kind-a sounds like two thousand-ish years later with Covid-19.
What would this blessed’ event look like if there were a pandemic? Mary and Joseph may have had screenings on their journey to Bethlehem and been asked a few questions:
Have you been in close contact with someone who tests positive?
Joseph: “Yes, I’ve been be praying a lot. God is a positive force in my life.”
Mary: “Well, according to Gabriel, I am positive for pregnancy.”
Are you fatigued?
With child, Mary: “Ya think?”
Joseph: “Uh, yeah. I’ve been walking for 90 miles.”
When the Christ child was born, the shepherds came with their sheep. Would this be considered herd immunity?
How about the Wise Men? Do you think Mary would have suggested social distancing while wiping down with their gifts with sanitizer?
Well, all kidding aside, Mary and Joseph encountered many more challenges on their journey that we could ever imagine. Is it fair to say they were vaccinated with God’s promise and protection?
What would Mary and Joseph’s message be about Covid? God is bigger that our fears; He was with us during the pandemic of 1918 just as He has been with us for over 2,000 years.
“…in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.” John 16:33 ESV
Jane Jenkins Herlong is a SiriusXM Humorist, author of four best-selling books, professional singer, and member of the Speaker Hall of Fame. Visit her website for more information.
