Hello Dear Friends!

As winter’s snows begin to accumulate (at least in most parts of Canada), our thoughts turn toward Christmas and traditional family gatherings, times of celebration, worship and reflection.

As we remind ourselves and our fellow-citizens every year, these Christmas celebrations are not meaningless events thrown together out of boredom or philosophical speculations. Joining our hearts together in worship and remembrance of the birth of Jesus is a significant and meaningful part of our life and family experience—both as Christians and as Canadians.

From our founding as a nation, a confederation and a dominion, Canada has been a place of shared traditions, values and world views. The immigrants who came to our shores in the 1800s and 1900s were mostly coming from countries where Christianity had been the dominant religion, although some were fleeing harsh jurisdictions and seeking a greater degree of religious freedom.

In spite of various denominational differences, the majority of Canada’s new citizens, then identified as Christians, acknowledged and reverenced the Christian God, were familiar with the main themes of the Bible and understood Jesus to be the Son of God. Children were taught—both at home and in the public schools, as well as in churches and Sunday schools—faith-building stories from the Old Testament and the teachings of Jesus from the New. With few exceptions, even very young children were familiar with the virgin birth of our Lord and His death, burial and resurrection to free us from sin and its penalty.

The same cannot be said of our national character today. Yes, we are still receiving immigrants and refugees by the millions…but many of them are now coming from countries where the name of Jesus is unknown or even treated with contempt and hostility. Fewer of the children born in this country are being taught the scriptures at home, at church or in the schools. In fact, children are taught—at least in most public schools—that the human race is merely an evolutionary accident with no eternal purpose or significance. No wonder there is so much hopelessness and despair!

How different from the beautiful gospel story we share with our children and with all who worship the Christ! No wonder that politicians who deny the existence of God are making terrible decisions and undermining so much of Canada’s potential for prosperity, freedom and justice, both at home and abroad. The Bible says that “. . . the fear of the Lord is the BEGINNING of WISDOM.” When elected politicians, judges, teachers and journalists reject God and His Son, they also reject even the “beginning of wisdom.” So then they make foolish decisions with unplanned and destructive consequences.

So what can we do as Christians in a society given over to foolishness and evil?

First, we must not allow ourselves to be entangled in or corrupted by the foolishness of the world. We must not give up in our efforts to educate, inform and reveal the sacred truths we have been taught. Jesus really is the Son of God. He really did die for our sins. Because of His shed blood, we really can live forever—not in this sin-stained world but—in the presence and kingdom of Almighty God…a place of perfect government, a government resting on His shoulders.

Secondly, we ought to rejoice and celebrate that our names are written in the Lamb’s Book of Life! Although our battles here may weary us, we ought to joyfully remember that our God is still on the throne and has prepared for us a secure dwelling place and promises a reward for our faith. And what a joy it is to see our faith being passed on to the next generations and to know that the promises of God are true and our inheritance is sure!

Thirdly, we ought to speak boldly as ambassadors of our King. We’re commanded to love our neighbours as ourselves. If we do that, we will surely want them and their children to know the King, the Son of God who was born of a virgin and who died for their sins (and ours) and who is willing to make them sons and daughters of the Most High God. As Christians in the political realm, we want them to see the joy that is possible for nations that choose to serve God. “Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord!”

As we approach this Christmas Day, Elaine and I want to wish each and every one of you—and your families and friends—a beautiful and meaningful Christmas, full of joy and wonder!