A Saviour for all seasons

A Saviour for all seasons

Today is the 'second day of Christmas' in many parts of the world. Here in Canada we call it 'Boxing Day'. After the busyness of the Christmas season with additional worship services at Care Homes and at our own church, this first week 'after Christmas' is my time to personally reflect on the meaning of Christmas -- and I did just that as I spent the first hour+ of Boxing Day crushing cardboard and bagging wrapping paper for the recycling-pick-up trucks circling our neighbourhood on an otherwise quiet morning. Our household was certainly exceptionally blessed with a wonderful year of ministry, with many friends -- and way too many gifts!

Starting in 1984 we spent 13 years in Saskatchewan. There, many people celebrate the Orthodox Christmas because of their easten European roots. We always felt a special kinship with our neighbours there because -- then as now -- we were just catching our breath after that busy 'western' Christmas season. On the other hand, we've always felt that Christmas isn't over until the Epiphany readings have been heard in church and the magi are on their way home to share the Good News of Jesus' birth with others!  Our children experienced the 'Twelve Days of Christmas' in a whole new way!

Christmas celebrations do not need to stop as soon as the calendar changes. Often our decorations of the season stay up for months so that the Gospel of our Saviour's birth has a chance 'to sink in' for our busy household. Christmas cards are written until 'they are done'.

This Christmas holiday, as in past years, the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation again interviewed people who have spent Christmas in other latitudes than north of the 49th. People mentioned the different weather over Christmas in Mexico, Egypt and Australia -- and how our cold weather helps us 'get in the mood for Christmas'!  Others mentioned the more serious nature of the religious observances in California when compared to Canada ...  Canada seems to 'take Christmas less seriously'. * Is that really true? Many Canadians -- even those not Christian -- show great generosity at this time of year. That's 'pretty serious', it seems to me!

Jesus really is a Saviour for all seasons! He is also the Saviour when our circumstances change. Whether in joy or in grief; whether just divorcing or suddenly widowed, our Lord wants to be your friend and helper. "Come unto me all ..." he said to those who felt burdened and downcast. Our Lord came into this world as a vulnerable child, not as a powerful prince -- so we can all relate to him and cast our burdens upon him. His vulnerability gives us the opportunity to share care for others too, as we would for Him. Need has no limits. Need is not restricted to a certain age, gender or season.

Call your church if you want some help. Help your church to serve your community in Jesus' Name.  Amen