The third Sunday of Advent is a day to Rejoice. This year it feels especially true as I cried watching the first trucks loaded with COIVID-19 vaccines pull away from the facility headed toward you. I was grateful for the scientist who used their intelligence to imagine new vaccines that can be produced quickly and safely. I was grateful for the FDA that insisted on following the safety procedures even in a crisis so we could all have faith the vaccines are safe. I was grateful to FedEx, UPS, and Boyles that are doing the deliveries, and for the U.S. Marshalls that are escorting them. I was grateful for all of those that have served on the committees that planned how to distribute the vaccine when it arrives in communities all across the country. And I am grateful for all of those that are working in their communities to be advocates for vaccinations.

Two days this week I am volunteering to administer COVID-19 vaccinations. It will be the first time since March that I have been inside in a room with a large group of people I don’t know except to go to the grocery store. While I have concerns about doing indoor vaccination I think it is worth the risk to keep hospitals and communities from using nurses that are caring for patients. I also believe it is a small way to give back to all of the frontline personnel that did so much for all of us during this pandemic. When this over we owe them so very much more.

The first day I’m eligible I plan to show up, roll up my sleeve, and get vaccinated. It is important for everyone to get vaccinated. We need to reach a minimum of 70% of the population vaccinated to achieve herd immunity and that means the majority of us have to play our role as good citizens. It is what Americans do. We show up when we are needed and we come together. We see the whole as more important than any one individual. And we enter each crisis as a community. I don’t want this crisis to be any different.

To me it is simple:

• Love yourself enough to stay healthy by being vaccinated.
• Love your community enough to reduce risk and be able to fully participate.
• Love your country enough to help end this pandemic, end the isolation, and make it possible for everyone to get back to work, school, and church.

I miss seeing my friends and my students. I miss taking the time to talk to the people in the grocery store. I miss restaurants, concerts, plays, and travel. Most importantly, I miss a time when the daily news didn’t involve numbers of the dead, ICU availability, and new positive tests. I hope each of you will do your part and get vaccinated.

I know that many fear vaccinations and there have been things in our past that add to that fear. There are others that believe conspiracy theories, it will most likely be impossible to change their views. By their nature, conspiracy theorists are not rational. They can no more control their irrationality than a person who is afraid can control their fear. The difference is the person who is afraid may recognize the fear as not in their best interest, but the person that believes conspiracy theories will not. Therefore, it is important to walk with the people that are afraid and be their strength and comfort. We should not equate people who are afraid with those who buy into conspiracies. I hope that each of my friends who has influence and trust in their community will take the time and effort to walk with those that are afraid or lack trust. Lend them your compassion and your strength.

The light at the end of the tunnel may just be UPS and FedEx headlights. Give them a warm welcome and for the next few months pull to the side and let them through traffic.