Jim Mann
Obituary for 2020
The year 2020 breathed its last, COVID-infected breath on Dec. 31 at 11:59 p.m. It was one year old.
2020, known early on as “Baby New Year,” was born on Jan. 1. As the ball dropped in New York’s Time Square, the world anticipated the year and all that it promised. The excitement of the new year did not last long.
It began with trouble in Iran. Then, on the fifteenth day of the year, articles of impeachment were sent to the House of Representatives. The novel coronavirus, COVID-19, made its first appearance in the U.S. five days later.
In March, we began to learn new terms like lockdown, shelter-in-place, flattening the curve, pandemic, and social distancing.
It’s not fair to judge the year only in terms of the pandemic for which it will always be remembered. It was more diverse than that.
2020 came with multiple natural disasters, huge forest fires, terrorism, racial unrest, violence on the streets, talk of a giant meteor hurtling to the earth, a contested election, and even murder hornets.
When asked her thoughts on the year, one lady responded, “If 2020 were a movie, it would definitely be a horror movie. But at least it motivated me to put up my Christmas decorations early.”
Her husband added, “I am going to the funeral, but not to pay my respects. I’m going to make sure the year is really over!”
A requiem for 2020 will be held, but not many are expected to attend. When asked about this, the pastor responded, “It’s difficult preaching the funeral of such a unpopular year, there’s not much good to say about it—other than it’s over. But therein lies the hope, “Because of the LORD’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. I say to myself, ‘The LORD is my portion; therefore, I will wait for him.’” (Lamentations 3:22–24).
And so, at perhaps the first time in human history, the whole world can agree on one thing—Happy New Year!
Jim Mann, Ph.D. pastors New Life Church at Robson Ranch. This interdenominational church meets at the Robson Clubhouse on Sunday mornings at 8:30 a.m. and online. Visit www.newlifedenton.org for more information or www.drjimmann.com.