Released on December 9, 2014
700 years before the First Christmas, one of many promises by Old Testament prophets was made about the coming of the Christ.“For unto us a child is born,” wrote Isaiah, “unto us a Son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace”.
Peace? Isn’t that the promise of Christmas? Not just peace between nations but between each of us…toward each of us…for each of us.
Should we not then be about the work of keeping that promise? Not just this season but all the year?
How then can we keep it? We need only look to the examples all around us in this amazing Saskatchewan…to find that answer.
Years ago, for example, an Indian family immigrated to Canada and ended up in Victoire, Saskatchewan. They found warm hospitality in a church in the nearby town of Canwood.
It was there they were first invited into a home to share the Canadian family’s turkey dinner.
They were impressed by the food and the love shown to them and the next year another new friend came and helped them prepare their first turkey dinner. It is now their own tradition that they have passed down to their kids.
Someone kept the promise of Christmas for them…and now they do it for others.
A young boy from Waldeck, Saskatchewan, said to his Mom, “Ya know Mom, people should be buying toys for all those kids who don’t have toys. I don’t need more toys. I’ve got lots. Actually I should be giving more of my toys to all of those kids who don’t get anything.”
His Mom recognized a teachable moment, and she made good use of that caring thought and together they packed some shoeboxes for Samaritan’s Purse.
And that Waldeck Mom and her son…kept the promise of Christmas.
In Prince Albert, two young women, First Nations University students started a blessing bag project to reach out to the homeless.
The blessing bags are full of helpful small items, meant to add a little spark to someone’s life, just when they need it most. And with each blessing bag, the promise of Christmas is made anew and kept anew.
Do we not, each of us have promises to keep this Christmas…for unto us a Child is born…the very Prince of Peace.
From me and my wife Tami, and our children: Megan and our future son-in-law Kyle, our son Colter and our youngest Faith, and on behalf of my colleagues in the Government of Saskatchewan, I wish you a Christmas full of shared blessings, and kept promises in surroundings filled with love.
Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
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For more information, contact:
Kathy Young
Executive Council
Regina
Phone: 306-787-0425
Email: kathy.young@gov.sk.ca
Cell: 306-526-8927