Background Notes:

Along with the violence related to racial oppression and injustice in the United States, the COVID-19 pandemic is arguably one of the most disruptive and impactful events of the past century, one that has altered or devastated nearly every aspect of societal functioning (verses 1 and 2). In 2021-22, when daily COVID case numbers and civil unrest are still at an all-time high, seeing new light can be challenging. Signs of hope – walking with Christ on “newfound roads” – are still in formation and not well known to us. These signs may feel delicate and fragile, and yet they are slowly and gently coming into view.