Salvogesis

It is early in October and I noticed that there are two things in the grocery stores that just do not belong there this time of year: egg nog and hot cross buns. We have just finished Canadian Thanksgiving and my one daughter was quite put off to see that there was egg nog available. Egg nog is for Christmas. This morning I was picking up bread, milk, and produce from the grocery store for The Salvation Army when I noticed that they had hot cross buns in the bread bins. This makes even less sense than eggnog in October! Hot cross buns aren't supposed to come out until Easter. The reason that these grocery store 'sins' are upsetting is simple. In our Canadian culture and tradition eggnog is associated with Christmas celebrations. It is one of the things that even little children look forward to as a special treat once a year. Even some people who don't particularly like the taste of eggnog enjoy a glass at Christmas time. It is one of the things that sets that season...

"As people are made in the image of God (Genesis 1:27), we have been entrusted with the care of the earth's resources (Genesis 2:15). Stewardship requires that we use these resources in a manner which ensures the well-being of present and future generations. God's instruction to 'subdue' the earth and 'rule' over every living thing (Genesis 1:28) cannot be interpreted to justify abuse or disregard for any life, not only human life. The privileges granted require our accountability to Him and one another" (TSA Canada Position Statement). God cares about the environment, the land itself. He lays out some important commands concerning it (specifically relating to Palestine; Lev. 25, 26) in a part of Scripture that is – interestingly enough - known as the 'Holiness Code'. We are directed that the land itself shall enjoy its Sabbath rest (Lev. 25:2, 26:34,35) just as man is commanded to (Exod. 20: 8-11, Deut 5:15), and as God did (Exod. 20:11, G...