Are You Ready for CHRISTmas?

Most of us who celebrate Christmas have asked (or been asked) the question: “Are you ready for Christmas?” What it usually implies is whether or not we are caught up on our Christmas shopping, or whether or not we have our Christmas tree and house decorations on display yet. The answer, however, really depends on the individual’s perspective of the season and the family traditions that they may follow.

In our home, Derick and I are creatures of habit. Each year we pull out the same old strings of multi-colored lights. And each year, it never fails, there’s bound to be one or two (sometimes more) burnt out bulbs on any given string. Derick is convinced that they add character to the illumination and reminds me that life isn’t perfect. From an analogy perspective, I tend to agree. Because these multi-colored lights that are randomly hanging in their imperfect splendor remind me of our wonderful Nation, Canada; a nation with a broad ancestral pool, diverse in many different cultures, and, for the most part, functioning as one race; the human race. We are not a perfect nation, per say. But we do tend to embrace each other’s differences and are known as a Nation that radiates kindness toward one another.  

These multi-colored lights that connect each other to a power source also remind me of a hopeful future, a reminder that as different as we are, we are all created equal under God. And if we work together, we can connect one another to the power source of His love. 

If you are fortunate enough to represent one of the brightly lit bulbs this year, feel blessed. And remember to be the light that illuminates the burnt out bulb beside you. Perhaps for them this year, they are mourning the loss of a loved one. Or perhaps it’s their first Christmas of being all alone. Or perhaps they have lost their job and are now struggling to get by. Whatever the reason, be open to reaching out. Let your light shine. In doing so, you will capture the beauty of the CHRISTmas light, the One who can illuminate us all.

The Breath of Life

My insert for our church newsletter. 

Life on Earth begins with our first breath and ends with our last. It’s the breaths in between that create our legacy. 

Lately, it seems the world is becoming more and more dysfunctional. The struggles of humanity are all over the news, including terrorist acts in the name of religion, bullying towards people that don’t fit the norm of the masses, the plight of the homeless (including refugees), or scenes of wars and threats of wars…

Yet, in the midst of all the chaos, it isn't hard to marvel over the miracle of God’s handy work through the birth of a baby. In the womb, the baby is physically fed by means of an umbilical cord. But once it makes its grand entrance into the world and the cord is cut, it draws its first breath. This innocent little baby is now entrusted into the care of the people who will mold and teach it the way it should go. What an awesome responsibility handed to us by God.

So, if we breathe in life, it stands to reason that upon exhaling, our speech and actions should portray thanksgiving and hope, rather than despair. Because the children and youth of this next generation are continuously learning from our spiritual and world view, through our daily interactions and reactions within those views. 

I believe that if we continue to teach our children to embrace each other’s differences and look out for one another, the majority will follow suit. Because regardless of their race or religious background, they are a key part of the solution needed to turn the tide of fear in the world, which is shown to us by the numerous media sources available. 

I was fortunate enough to catch a glimpse of this ideology put into action at our anniversary service on April 17^th. Several Presbyterian churches had rallied together to bring a Syrian refugee family to Canada, and through an interpreter, they thanked the congregation. But what impacted me the most was the words of their six your old daughter. “Thank you,” she said. “I am not afraid anymore.” It not only brought tears to my eyes, but it gave me a renewed sense of hope for humanity.

During our luncheon, I watched the Syrian children laugh and play, and it became apparent to me that even though they didn’t know our language, they did, however, recognize the universal language of a smile, of loving eyes, and a gentle voice. Children haven’t learned to hate or discriminate. They are humble and innocent until they learn not to be. It’s no wonder Christ said heaven belongs to such as these. It certainly reminds us to guard our heart against discrimination, doesn’t it? 

I truly believe that if we strive to make our daily life a legacy of love and hope, of grace and integrity, we will become a positive role model for this next generation. And in doing so, we will show them the inclusiveness of Christ, the true breath of life.