Dear Ones,

Name that tune…

“Have yourself a merry little Christmas, it may be your last,
Next year we may all be living in the past…”

If you think this is a contemporary satire with new lyrics to “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas,” you’re … not right. These are actually the original lyrics for the first verse, written by Hugh Martin for the 1944 film, “Meet Me in St. Louis.” Judy Garland refused to sing the song as originally written, and Martin was persuaded to rewrite most of the original song.

We’ve been through a lot in 2020, as a congregation, a community, and a country. We’ve endured a lot of anxiety and other feelings on this roller coaster of a year. Pandemic. Polarization of people. Record turn out for elections, and an administration that’s not yet admitted that they’re out of office come January 20, 2021. 

Does it help to realize that this perennial holiday tune, extolling the joys of being together again, written during World War II, originally had less-than-happy lyrics? I wasn’t alive then, and I can only imagine how people were feeling. In the midst of blackouts, rationing, and the war churning on, I’m guessing the lyricist’s original words reflected the country’s mood.

During Joys & Sorrows this past Sunday two of our members – and I – all mentioned canceling traditional family holiday plans. Family and friends who are dear to us, will not be near to us this year. It won’t be the same, but we will get through this, too.

With the prospect of effective vaccines being widely available – perhaps in the second quarter of 2021 – we can have hope that this will not last forever. “Someday soon, we all will be together, if the fates allow, until then we’ll have to muddle through somehow.” * 

Thank you for being here, for being part of this Fellowship, and for staying connected! I love you. We will get through this. Keep breathing and stay safe, everyone.

Blessings,
Rev. Lori Hlaban

*P.S. If you’d like to hear Judy’s version, it’s on YouTube here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CreWsnhQwzY