photo by: Journal-World Photo Illustration

Lawrence Journal-World Editorial

We are still learning what can successfully fight the COVID-19 virus. There is great hope that a new set of vaccines will be a difference-maker, but we likely won’t know for sure until closer to spring.

In the meantime, there is winter.

There is no shot in the arm to protect us from that season, which can be a bleak one during even the best of times. But perhaps what a needle lacks a noel can provide.

This Christmas may be difficult and challenging as families and friends have a harder time safely gathering. Or worse yet, remember those we have lost too early. Despite it all, this may end up being one of the more meaningful Christmas seasons ever. Surely America is in a more reflective mood than it has been in years. Reflections during the Christmas season can be powerful medicine.

As our normal routines wither, perhaps our attention will be more trained on the wonderful acts of kindness that happen during the holiday season. As one brief example, a reader recently called the newsroom to let us know how the Ballard Center and the North Lawrence Improvement Association received more than $1,000 in new donations just hours after the Journal-World had published an article about how the community was rallying around those two organizations and their holiday charities.

Yes, it is good to know that words still have power, but even better to know that hearts are still open to them. There is much that this virus has not sickened. Let’s make this Christmas a great example of how strong the human spirit remains. Nothing shows that spirit like kindness and thanks.

On that front, the Lawrence and Douglas County communities have been very kind to us at the Journal-World. Thank you so much for your support and understanding during these trying times. We certainly have needed some grace from our supporters as we worked to adapt to new working environments and new challenges. We’re proud of the coverage we have provided during the pandemic and are heartened by the fact that our number of subscribers has grown during the pandemic. Whether you are a reader, an advertiser or both, thank you for your support and kindness.

We wish everyone a very merry Christmas and are optimistic that this is a season that can boost all of our hopes. Better times are coming, but first we must survive the winter. While the Christmas season is a reminder of miracles, let’s not make that our strategy for fighting the virus. Continue to wear a mask and practice proper social distancing. While a miracle can happen at any time, the Lord has shown he prefers to do his work through our hands.

But let’s do use the Christmas spirit to our full advantage. By taking time to share thanks, to give kindness and to remember that there is no bounds to the gifts that have been given to us, we can not only survive the winter but do so much more.

Peace and best wishes to all.