A November Devotional - November 2005

Welcome!

Hasn’t it been a glorious Fall in Ontario! In southern Ontario where we’re located we’ve travelled from summer into autumn with very little frost until late October, and even now, in November the days are mild, with frosty nights reminding us that the seasons are indeed changing.

Yesterday I led a care home worship service for our senior friends in Tufford Manor. I chose the Gospel of Matthew, chapter 6 verses 25 to 31 and 33. "Therefore, I tell you, do not be anxious about your life, what you shall eat or what you shall drink, nor about your body, what you shall put on. ... v.33 But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things shall be yours as well."

As I meet people on the street now, their standard comment following an initial greeting, is a comment on the weather. -- Some years ago, while ministering in Saskatchewan, I became very aware about people’s legitimate concerns about the weather: rain during harvest, icy roads, insufficient moisture for the crops, excessive snow-load on the roof ...

When the days darken and shorten, I hear similar concerns from my senior friends now, in southern Ontario. They know they won’t be able to get out to walk or sit on a bench to soak up the sun as they did a few months ago.

-- But, don’t worry! The Advent messages coming soon point us to God’s creative love. God is doing something new, even in this ‘dreary’ season! The Prophet Isaiah wrote: "The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who dwelt in a land of deep darkness on them has light shined. v.2

The light of Christ is also offered to us through his words as they are recorded in Matthew chapter 6: "Don’t be anxious." "Look for God for company." "Look at the birds and look at the flowers [ that are still in bloom around you, despite the frost ...]." Everything is the same as it was when God first began creating. Nature remains on course. God is watching over you.

The Gospel also comforts me as I reflect on the terrible storms of this past year or so. The ongoing wars in the Near East and their countless victims both alive and living, come to mind too. Perhaps these are also worrying our seniors. Many have experienced war and flight and hardship first hand.

The Gospel comforts me not because God will magically end all this. But, God is Lord of history too. Despite the wars, the poppies still grow in battle fields the world over. Despite injustice, God is known as the righteous judge.

And, as I seek God, I am reminded of God’s goodness, and I will do my part to share that godliness within me, so others won’t have to worry -- or be afraid of me.

Does God’s Word speak these things to you? Don’t be anxious. Look up God; look up! Amen