The Christmas Story. Yes, it’s a familiar tale that fills us with a bit of sentimentality and a kind of romantic sensibility. We think of the silent night, the angelic choirs, and the star that led the magi. But when we pay close attention to the details of the story, we can’t escape that it’s a story of hardship, of people facing one challenge after another. Facing one challenge after another? Isn’t that the story of the pandemic? We think things will get better and then something else comes along. Perhaps it’s worth our while to allow the Christmas story to inspire us as we continue to live in the midst of this pandemic. They found hope and faith. Will we?