Virus and Vaccine

I am writing this on the very day that the vaccine is being first administered in our country. It has been dubbed ‘V-Day’ by some of the media, and there is certainly a sense of hope beginning to emerge; hope that we may be beginning to turn a corner with regard to COVID-19.

 Of course, there has also been all the ludicrous and ridiculous campaigning by a motely crew of conspiracy theorists, anti-vaxxers and general nutters about how it is all just an evil plot by governments and/or some shady ‘international ruling cabal’ and/or aliens or whatever and whoever to manipulate and control us.

 Yeah, whatever…

 …but meanwhile, back in the real world V-Day – a bit like D-Day in the Second World War – does not mean that the battle is over or the struggle ended. But it does give hope that there is an end in sight and that eventually we will be able to control and contain (and perhaps ultimately even defeat) this nasty coronavirus.

Hope and promise… these are important Advent themes.

Advent is a time when we prepare to celebrate the coming of Christ as the Babe of Bethlehem. Hope and promise are fulfilled. And yet Advent is also a time when we recognise that hope has not yet been finally fulfilled and that the promise still awaits its day. We live in these ‘in-between’ times.

With regard to virus and vaccine, in terms of our every day experience for the time being, nothing in fact has changed. We are still living under considerable restrictions and need to follow particular guidance and are still in danger of catching or spreading this nasty virus. And yet with the vaccine, everything has changed – if only potentially at this stage. Hope is kindled and a promise held out of better days ahead.

Yes, it is a bit like Advent.