Christmas 2023
Snow has come and gone a few times this winter and once again the ground is white. Snow brings with it a lot of work. With the snow comes the inevitable shoveling. I’ve even used the snow blower to clear the lane once so far.
But the snowfall also brings pleasant thoughts of the approaching Christmas season. It seems that a serene white landscape glistening with thousands of shimmering lights as the cold, winter sun reflects off the snow blanketing the earth makes Christmas feel like Christmas.
But not everyone celebrates Christmas with snow and frost covered windows. Years ago, Shirley and I celebrated our 25th anniversary in Hawaii over Christmas. It was different seeing people with Santa hats on the beach in their swim trunks and bathing suits. But our hotel still had a decorated tree in the lobby and churches still displayed the familiar nativity scenes. It wasn’t cold, and it wasn’t white but it still was a special experience.
Christ comes to us at Christmas regardless of where we live. Whether it’s the cold of a northern winter, the heat of a southern summer, the coolness of tropical breezes, or the deep freeze of a polar vortex, Christ is there. And Christ is there, not just at Christmas, but throughout the whole year with those who are suffering in an imperfect world. He is there in the refugee, in those suffering from hunger, in the one fleeing conflict. “For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat. I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink,” (Matt. 25:35). He is there in you and me, in the work we do, in the compassion we bring. What you are doing by growing crops, having concerts, hosting dinners, and a whole myriad of other fundraising activites, you are doing for Christ. “Whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me,” (Matt. 25:40).
Thank you for exemplifying Christ to the “least of these brothers” (and sisters) of His.
Merry Christmas and may your New Year be filled with blessings of all sorts.
With peace and love,
Henry Reinders
Ontario Regional Representative
Canadian Foodgrains Bank
519-373-2769
ontario@foodgrainsbank.ca