A long time ago...back when life was simpler and infinitely more finite, there was this stable. We can assume it was inhabited by animals and was smelly and dark and maybe a little chilly. The stable was not a wing of the local children's hospital. There was no specialized doctor or midwife in attendance, no colour-coordinated nursery waiting at home. Just a man and a woman. And the imminent arrival of a baby. A seemingly inauspicious beginning.
But this was no ordinary baby. A simple gift to all of us, yet priceless beyond all measure. That gift is still there for all of us today. A gift of love. And of hope.
That gift wasn't professionally wrapped up and delivered to a pompous palace with crowds of admirers and a red carpet. But instead, a simple stable, a few locals, some weary travellers and most likely, a dirt floor. That gift was for everyone, not just the privileged few but also the prevalent poor. It was a symbol for all of us to remember those with little, because love should be for all. Inclusive, not exclusive. Civic leader Norman Rice said it well, "Dare to reach out your hand into the darkness, to pull another hand into the light." It is up to all of us to share the light.
Saskatchewan is in many ways, a land of blessing, of strength, of potential, of privilege. But still far too many of those in need.
As the beautiful carol reminds us, "Truly He taught us to love one another, His law is love and His gospel is peace." The simple truth of this story leads us back to all that's really important, faith, the love of family and friends, and hope. Hope for a brighter future for all mankind.
We can all do our part to help brighten the future for all by opening our hearts and our homes, helping those less fortunate, giving locally in important ways like food banks or across the world through many worthy organizations. I encourage all of us to give of ourselves, for it truly is in giving that we receive. Let's dare to reach out our hands.
So from me and my wife Tami, our children Megan, Colter and Faith, on behalf of our MLA's and the Government of Saskatchewan, to everyone in this great province that it is our privilege to serve:
"May all our hearts grow tender and more giving with the beauty and blessings of this season, so that those blessings spill over to bless others in all the days ahead."
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
