No Room at the Inn
by Elizabeth Cervasio
As we approach yet another Advent, a time of waiting, still shrouded by COVID, we feel uncertain. It seems like this time of waiting should be over. And for many, the end does feel near. It feels as though we’ve made the journey to Bethlehem, we’ve knocked on all the doors, and finally someone has said yes, I have room, there is a way forward. Collectively, we release a sigh of relief. Surely the wait won’t be much longer. Yet in our relief, we cannot forget how many are still knocking on doors and still being turned away.
The group of people I’m talking about are our children and youth. As the pregnant mother of a three-year-old and the Missioner for Children, Youth, and Campus Ministries, I can tell you that, for many, “a way forward” still seems out of reach. And this isn’t just in Colorado, it’s nationwide and probably worldwide. Many young families are still in the season of waiting. Waiting on vaccines to become available for all. Waiting on a day when we won’t have to wear masks everywhere we go because it’s the main way we can protect ourselves, waiting for quarantines to be lifted because cases of COVID are three times higher in schools than they were last year, waiting to feel safe going back to church. We are still waiting.
But if there is anything Advent has taught me, it’s that waiting can be filled with gifts and with anticipation for the good to come. I have found joy in the extended time with my family. I have enjoyed all the creative tools our Sunday Schools have provided to help tell our stories of faith to my daughter. And my soul has been fed by the wonderful new ways to experience worship. I am given hope by those who still wear masks in public even though they are vaccinated because I know they stand in solidarity with children, offering protection to me and my family. I look forward to the day our Sunday School rooms are again filled with worry-free laughter and give thanks for all the children and youth leaders who continue to put forth effort and material not knowing if it’s being seen.
So, while we may still be knocking at the door, I wait, knowing that one day it will open and then we will be able to find a way forward. And while I wait, I ask this of anyone who has already had the door cracked open. Please don’t forget the children and youth. I know it may seem scary when attendance doesn’t bounce back the way you hoped, but there is a reason for it. Some families just aren’t comfortable coming back without the vaccines. Some families may have someone with suppressed immune systems or children younger than five, who are too young to vaccinate, and they are staying away out of an abundance of caution. Some families can’t bear the thought of having to make their toddler wear a mask in one more place. And some families may just be exhausted from having to weigh the risk with every outing. Families may not be back in the numbers churches wish they were. But that doesn’t mean they won’t be back once the door is open and the way clearer. So, give your younger families a call or pop a card in the mail and let them know you miss them. Please, keep supporting your Sunday school programs and your youth programs. Let your leaders know how much they mean and that you support them; their job is extremely tough right now and it’s about to get even tougher as the cold weather sets in and they can no longer meet outside. Making sure these ministries are still valued and alive is the best gift you can give this season.
And so, we embark upon another COVID-era Advent. May we all remember that the amazing gift we wait for in Advent is Jesus, born a babe. May we see Him reflected in the face of the toddler shrieking with glee through a Zoom call. May we see pregnant women and be reminded of the blessed Mother Mary and the gift she held in her womb. May we begin to think of the inconvenience of masking up as a gift we give to a child, not unlike the gifts given by the Magi. May we not forget those still waiting for a way forward. This is my Advent wish for the Episcopal Church in Colorado.
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ELIZABETH CERVASIO is the missioner for children, youth, & campus ministry for the Episcopal Church in Colorado.
