There are so many heroes in this world. Ordinary people doing ordinary things that make an extraordinary difference. And, because this is the season of light, the time to celebrate the coming of the Chirstchild and the significance of his message of peace, hope, love and joy, I want to celebrate people of faith who walk the truth of their faith by creating a world of beauty, by sharing their gifts and talents, their hearts and love.

At the shelter where I used to work, there was never a week when one or two and even more faith groups came in to contribute. Some of the groups have been doing it for 5, 10, 20 years. They sponsor the food (that’s food for a minimum of 800 people a meal and on special occasions can be as high as 1200)

Like the B’nai Brith team who once a month sponsor a meal and come in to help cook and serve it. And the Tzu Chi Compassionate Relief group who buy cook and serve a meal every month. Their beautiful, peaceful hearts spread joy and love.

Suni is a man of deep faith. Every month, for at least 15 years, he organizes a group of Hindu to sponsor a meal and serve it up, all the while smiling and laughing with clients.

Wild Rose United Church were huge sponsors of the shelter. In fact, they were the original sponsors of the Arts Program I started while working there.

All the saints are represented from churches from the Anglican, Evangelical, Catholic, United, Baptist and many more coming in to make a difference.

And it’s not just at the Drop-In where I used to work that they help out. From Inn from the Cold, the Mustard Seed, AlphaHouse, Servants Anonymous, and all the agencies serving the homeless sector including the Calgary Homeless Foundation, they turn up and make a difference.

They are all heroes. They make a difference because they believe that the expression of their faith is best shared through being of service in and to the world. 

The great humanitarian, Albert Schweizer once said, “I don’t know what your destiny will be, but one thing I know: the only ones among you who will be really happy are those who have sought and found how to serve.”

To be of service to the world is to live on purpose. In the Living an Evolutionary Life course I am taking, Andrew Cohen describes it as moving beyond personal growth to knowing that whatever you do, doing it in service of the evolution of consciousness is vital to creating a peaceful, loving world.

On Tuesday, I will be cooking up dinner both for family and friends at my home, as well as for the residents of The Madison. At The Madison, I’ll be joined by several people who have come forward to say, “How can I help? What can I do?”  One young woman, Amanda, who I had the pleasure of working with at Calgary Counselling Centre offered to help and said, “I’m Jewish. We don’t celebrate Christmas in our house. I can bring friends too!”

I am so blessed.

People are still emailing to ask, What can I get on the wishlist? What do you need?

You are all heroes.

Thank you.

From my heart to yours, may your celebration, be it Christmas or Kwanzaa or Hanukkah or anything else be filled with hope, peace, love and joy. May your world be merry and bright.

And… because I love to share my ‘finds’, I am sharing this beautiful version of “Il est ne le divin enfant”, a French Christmas carol from the 1800s. I remember my mother singing this when I was a little girl. One of my favourites….