Opinion

 

Preparing for Christmas

Well here we are just fifteen days until Christmas. Something that I first heard about a couple of years ago is happening again all over the country. You know, the Elf has appeared again and children are aware or at least they believe that he is watching their every move so they are on their best behaviour.  They don’t want a bad report going back to Santa.

Wherever you go, you see great displays of decorations and hear Christmas carols being played. Almost makes me want to break out into singing, “It’s Beginning to look a lot like Christmas.”  

Christmas has become such a busy time, such a time of anxiety for many.  There’s the latest gift or game to be found and purchased.  Indeed there’s the stress of finding the money so that it’s possible to purchase that right gift.  

Christmas is an exciting time for sure.  But, how much of the real reality of Christmas do we experience in all of what Christmas has come to mean.

Please don’t misunderstand me. I love Christmas. I love being with my family. I love watching them open gifts on Christmas morning.  

I also love getting gifts from my children, grandchildren, and my wife. I know there has been real thought put into what they get me for Christmas.

However, may I help us to stop our hustle and bustle just for a moment or two and consider what Christmas is really all about.  

One of my favorite Christmas carols is, “Hark the Herald Angels Sing.”  You’ve probably heard it in some store as you have looked for gifts for your loved ones in recent days. 

Please allow me to quote some of the words of this carol that was written by Charles Wesley, back in the 1730’s.  

“Hark the Herald Angels sing, Glory to the new born King, Peace on earth and mercy mild, God and sinners reconciled.”  Another stanza says, “Hail the heaven born Prince of Peace.” 

Now I realize we don’t talk much like they did when this was first written, but the message of the carol is unchanged and very applicable for even our day. Please allow me to give a simple overview of that message. 

Man became separated from God because of disobedience to God, that disobedience is called sin and The Bible, God’s Word, tells us that sin and God cannot be in fellowship together. So man had a problem that he was incapable of solving on his own.

Thankfully even though we had rebelled against God, He still loved us. God is all knowing. He knew we would reject His plan for our lives and He had a plan already in place to help us. 

That’s what Christmas is all about, God sending His Son into the world so that He would pay the penalty for our sins and make it possible for us to be brought back into a right relationship with God.  

Christmas is all about the gift of love, mercy, grace and peace that God gave us, that we could live in hope. 

In all the hustle and bustle we experience, I want you to know that you can be at peace, that’s God’s will for you. Remember “ God and sinners reconciled”. 

This year as you do your best to get that perfect gift for your loved ones, don’t forget to receive the Perfect gift of God’s Son, whom He gave so that you could live forever.

John 3:16 says, “God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son that whosoever believes on Him should not perish but have everlasting life.”  

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One of the legacies of the former Liberal Government we inherited when forming Government in 2006 was the infamous and wasteful ‘long gun registry’. On numerous occasions between 2006 and 2011, we tried to eliminate this horrible legislation. However, because we had a minority Government, the Opposition parties blocked us from doing so. I am happy to report our Government has not only scrapped the long gun registry, but we have now introduced legislation to bring common sense to our firearms licensing regime.

The Common Sense Firearms Licensing Act will build on the significant action we have already taken to combat the criminal use of firearms and ensure a strong licensing system. It also continues our balanced approach- one that is helping us protect the safety of Canadians, while at the same time, reducing the administrative burden for law-abiding hunters, farmers and sport shooters.

First, we are proposing changes to the licensing system to:

• Streamline the licensing system by eliminating the Possession Only Licence and convert all such existing licences to Possession and Acquisition Licences

• Allow licence holders to retain lawful possession of their firearms, up to a period of six months beyond the expiry date on their licence, without the possibility of criminal sanctions for simply possessing their firearms

• Make classroom participation in firearms safety training mandatory

• Make important changes to the Authorizations to Transport when engaged in the routine transport of firearms.

These are common-sense improvements to the licensing system that will provide additional clarity to law-abiding firearms owners — all the while protecting the safety of Canadians.

This proposed legislation would also amend the Criminal Code to ensure that the property rights of lawful firearms owners are protected. To this end, we would amend the Criminal Code so that it contains a definition of non-restricted firearms, which it currently does not.  Moreover, we propose to give the Governor in Council the ability to make firearms non-restricted or restricted, in appropriate circumstances. We anticipate this authority being used in limited circumstances, such as if firearms are reclassified to be restricted or prohibited. 

This Bill also proposes important changes to the broader firearms controls regime. It would allow for improved information-sharing between the Canada Border Services Agency and the RCMP with respect to the commercial importation of restricted and prohibited firearms into Canada. It would also clarify that the discretionary authority granted to Chief Firearms Officers under the Firearms Act can be limited by regulation. This will help ensure, as appropriate and as needed, that the firearms program is applied fairly across the country.

And finally, consistent with our Government’s strong commitment to support families and stand up for victims of crime, we have also proposed a meaningful change that will allow us to better protect victims of domestic violence.

Specifically, this Bill would amend the Criminal Code to strengthen the provisions prohibiting the possession of weapons, including firearms, when a person is sentenced for an offence involving domestic violence. In this way, we can ensure that the firearms regime is actually targeting those we need to target in the name of public safety – those who have demonstrated that they pose a threat to society, particularly aimed at women and children in their homes.

I believe that the measures proposed in this Bill are common-sense and balanced. Moreover, they will enable us to better protect public safety and, at the same time, alleviate administrative burdens on law-abiding gun owners across the country.

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Waiting in Anticipation

The snow is falling outside as I write this and I can’t help but think about the excitement that must be stirring in children everywhere. 

I noticed one little girl out for a walk with her grandma and grandpa that was all bundled up in her snow suit. She couldn’t wait for there to be more snow so that she could play in it. 

I remember being her age and playing in the snow with my siblings. Every year I would be so excited when the first snowfall came bringing with it the prospect of that year’s very first snowman. 

There was an overwhelming sense of happiness when I would look out the window in the morning and there was a light covering of sparkling snow on the ground. It was something I always looked forward to. 

As the weather got colder and more snow began to fall, the feeling of anticipation for Christmas grew stronger. Christmas is a time of buying gifts, decorating trees and putting up lights. It is also the time when we remember Jesus coming to earth as a little baby in Bethlehem. Bringing with him peace, hope and promise that can be felt every day and seen in each fresh snowfall. 

Every family has their own Christmas traditions of giving gifts, turkey dinners, or traveling to visit family. Whatever the tradition is for you, if you don’t have a church family, we invite you to join us for our Christmas Eve Service as we celebrate the birth of Jesus together. 

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"Too far! You can still take a picture with him"

Distance is something we need. Life can be busy & demanding: family, work, social and financial demands and many other responsibilities can make us feel surrounded and leave us a very small space to move and breath. 

Distance in this sense can mean the possibility of being away from everything and everyone burdening us and doing what we like to do for some time even if that means not doing anything at all. 

Having enough distance in this sense on a regular basis is a very healthy sign for us and for the people around us. 

But on the other side, distance is a cold word; it can mean the barriers or the unwillingness of people to interact with each other on a deep and real level. The more this meaning makes its way into our close and nurturing social circles (family, friends & colleague) the more lonely, dry and even miserable we will be.

Some people believe this meaning to be the milestone of the time and age we live in.

I think of the word “distance” and its meanings every time I read Isaiah (55: 8-9). 

It says: “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways my ways, says the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.” 

Now, we are all able to handle “different” to a limit; some people can flex and stretch more than others, but a heaven-earth distance is too much for anybody to accommodate! 

The distance between us and God (creation and creator) must fall under the darker shadow of what “distance” means. We shouldn’t then be surprised to see many people avoiding faith or religion; why bother anyway!

In the course of our life, we are introduced to two kinds of “distance”. 

The first can be called a “conflict distance”: it’s when two parties are too far from each other to join hands or the barricades between them are too high and solid to climb or to break through. This kind of distance closes the doors between the two sides of the story and everyone would turn & walk away. 

The second is “discovery distance”: it’s when we realize that two parties are so different from each other, but still the space between them is a welcoming and inviting one. When a climber looks at the snow-covered mountain from a distance he/she realizes how far and different the two masses are (climber and mountain). But that distance is something to discover and explore. Every step toward the mountain and its top is a learning and changing experience. Somebody’s story will be very very different before and after such a climb. 

The same thing is true for the lakes, oceans, universe and all the grand things in life. From the very beginning creation revolted against the distance between us and God. Adam and Eve’s symbolic story was the first episode of that rebellion. 

God does not enjoy us staying on the foot of his mountain, but surly wants us to climb. A person flown to the top of the mountain is a very different person than who climbed all his/her way up.

Trying, failing, exploring, learning, crying, wanting to give up and finally laughing and enjoying the view from the top are always part of the journey. It’s the journey of building an authentic relationship. Only those who work up a sweat to climb know the songs of the journey. 

Shortly after starting to take “selfies” we discovered our need for more distance. Our arms are long enough to show us and a couple of friends within the same frame, but that was not enough. We quickly learned that our eyes and minds need more space and scenery to look at & reflect on to understand what we see. 

This is why commercial companies were so kind to come up with “selfie’s sticks”. Now, if we were to take a selfie with God can you imagine how long the selfie stick needs to be for us to understand what we see?   

“For my thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways my ways” is to be seen as invitation to climb and struggle with God to reach all the way up to the top and enjoy the company. 

[…]

 

Going forward, we remember

Over the last couple of weeks we as a nation have been angered and outraged. We have been saddened and disheartened. We have been astounded and dumfounded. We have been proud and patriotic. We have been reminded what is really important, and we have been encouraged to hug our spouse and children and grandchildren.

Some have spoken about a corporate Canadian loss of innocence. We have heard about home grown terrorists. We have seen divisions over the effectiveness of our political, social, and religious institutions. It seems in some ways our very way of life has been attacked and compromised. 

We mourn the loss of Nathan Cirillo and Patrice Vincent. We uphold in our thoughts and prayers their families and those whose lives have been drastically and forever changed.

And yet for most of us as these headlines faded into yesterday’s news we got back to life as normal.  From the distance most of us have to these events, once the initial shock and horror subsides it is business as usual. So we go back to doing what we do. Maybe changed in some ways but resigned to the realization that these are the facts of life in the world in which we live. 

As Remembrance Day rolls around once again maybe this year’s remembering will be a little bit different. Take the opportunity to remember for it is a bit more real this year. 

Maybe we will have a slightly deeper sense of how this all does touch our lives and the lives of our families and friends and communities. 

What we have has been attacked and threatened and compromised. And the sacrifice of those who gave of themselves in the past, in the long ago, in recent events of our world, in days just gone by, and those who will continue to serve and give of themselves into the future may give us something more to remember and to live for and commit ourselves to. 

We cannot go on as though these things never happened. We have all been changed by these events. We can ponder and lament and mourn, or we can remember and keep remembering and can go forward and make a difference. Living in ways that declare that the sacrifices have been recognized and have become a part of who and what we are here and now and a part of what we carry into tomorrow. 

Long ago, Paul writing to a community in some chaos and confusion in Rome put it this way: Do not repay anyone evil for evil, but take thought for what is noble in the sight of all. If it is possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all. Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good. Romans 12:17-20

May this be our act of remembering.

[…]

Last Wednesday morning started as a typical morning. I travelled to Ottawa from my home in St. Andrew’s West, attended our Eastern and Northern Ontario Regional Caucus meeting, and then began to Chair our regular National Conservative Caucus meeting in Centre Block at 9:30 a.m.

With the meeting just underway, things changed instantly when the sound of gunshots rang through the Hall of Honour and our adjacent meeting room. I won’t recall the minute by minute moments of the day, but it was certainly an experience that was tense, saddening, and emotional for many colleagues, and Canadians across the country.

I have been overwhelmed by the caring emails, calls, and messages of concern from friends and neighbours throughout Stormont-Dundas-South Glengarry in the aftermath of the tragedy. It means a lot as your federal representative that so many of you took the time to check on the well-being of both my staff and I. We are grateful for the security team on Parliament Hill that did a great job on Wednesday morning.

Most importantly, our sympathies and condolences continue to be with the families of Cpl. Nathan Cirillo and Warrant Officer Patrice Vincent during this difficult time. Our country suffered the loss of two brave men who were dedicated in their service to making our country a better and safer place. Their lives and their contributions will not be forgotten. My Cornwall constituency office has a book of condolences where local residents can offer their sympathies to the families.

I was very supportive of ensuring that the House of Commons and activity on the Hill returned to normal the following day. My staff and I returned to our office and went back to work. As the Prime Minister said last week, we will not be intimidated by those who attempt to instill fear in our lives.

Canadians can be assured our government will expedite legislation to ensure our military, police, and security forces have the necessary resources to combat extremism in all forms. We have committed to bringing these enhancements and changes to the House of Commons in the very near future.

In the meantime, from a grateful Member of Parliament, please accept my thanks again for your concern last week. More importantly, thank you for your strong and patriotic outpouring to commemorate the lives of Cpl. Cirillo and W.O. Vincent this past week. Particularly, I know many constituents from the area joined Canadians along Highway 416 and the Highway of Heroes Friday to wave flags and pay tribute to Cpl. Cirillo. I’ve never been more proud of my constituents and our country.

Let’s commit to remember their lives and service to Canada by continuing to stand for what they did: freedom, democracy, and a great quality of life here at home. Together we can show our profound respect to our veterans on Remembrance Day by attending a local ceremony.

[…]

 

How Does That Make You Feel?

Lately I have found myself talking to a lot people who are at crossroads in their lives. Everyone has told me that they are experiencing something akin to frustration, but that’s not exactly how they feel. They can’t describe it as sadness, either.

When we do approach a crossroad in our lives we generally plan how we are going to proceed. We seldom think about how or what we feel when these times in our lives happen.

Attempting to describe how we feel about something is one of the most difficult things for human beings to do. Often when I ask someone how they feel about something they just read or they just heard, that person will tell me what they saw or understood. 

Seldom will they immediately tell me how they feel. We do not like to talk about our feelings – it makes us vulnerable.

Have you ever been asked to share your feelings with another person? You know, sit together in a room and tell that other person how you feel inside?

It’s really hard to do. You don’t want to say the wrong thing. You don’t want them to take it personally. You don’t want to upset anyone. So instead of honouring our feelings, we do that famous “stiff upper lip” thing. 

I often wonder how Jesus felt when the disciples were sitting and listening to him teach and when all was said and done, they didn’t get it. Did he feel frustrated with them? Was he sad that they couldn’t grasp what he was telling them, no matter how clearly he told the story? How did he feel when they finally got it? Elated? Joyful?

Feelings are a gift from God. Joy, sadness, happiness, anger, frustration – all are feelings that we each experience in our lives, and so many more. 

The next time you read a passage from scripture, ask yourself, “how does this make me feel?” 

Don’t try to ignore them. Don’t try to sidestep around them. Face them squarely and you will find the stories in scripture pull you into them in a whole new way.

Rev. Sue McCullough

Anglican Parish, Morrisburg

Irouqois and Riverside Heights. 

 

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“Elections in Scotland. Deciding who to vote for in the municipal elections. Getting a permit to build a new home. Going back to work after an illness.” There is always so much to think about!

Our lives are filled with concerns, appointments, house cleaning, cooking and driving to and from work. When we are preoccupied with our own busy-ness, we forget to place Christ at the centre of our days. We have little time to engage in prayer, reflections and meditation.

When we put God first, however, the hours of our days will be more meaningful. Our Lord will offer us guidance, inspiration and strength to help build a world where mercy, justice and tolerance reign.

God will love us and never let us fall out of His caring embrace.

In this autumn season, let us take time in a 24 hour period to offer prayers of thanksgiving, intercession and supplication to God.

May we listen for His voice and remember that all things will work together for those who trust in the Lord! Amen.

[…]

 

Where did summer go?

The last time I wrote for this column the kids were just done school, Canada Day celebrations were upon us, the weather was warm, vacation plans were being made, the garden was growing, swimming lessons were at hand. “Summertime and the livin’ is easy…”

And here it is September. 

And part of me is looking forward to a more structured routine. We are creatures of habit and while it is good to get away and take a break we generally like some order and routine to life, crazy as it often is. 

And I am getting back to a more regular routine even though part of me is still up at the lake. It was wonderful to sit out under the stars, hear the haunting call of the loons, the sound of the water and waves sweeping into the shore. 

There in the relaxed, quiet times there is no problem finding God in my life. In nature, in my family, in the wonderful, surprising daily blessings of life God is there.  

Oh that it was as simple to find God in my life when all the craziness of life runs full speed again beginning in September. Definitely something I need to work on. 

Maybe I need to schedule in some more intentional quiet times, leave everything else behind so God has a chance to find me.  And maybe that’s the more important thing here. 

Not so much where is God in my life, but turn it around, where am I in God’s life. Oh I know that’s not good theology. It’s not all about me and should be all about God. But, I wonder…

Where am I in God’s life ? 

It seems to me that the Scriptures plainly show that God has a place for us in His life. Always has. The record of the Bible is virtually a one chorus song with God reaching out, making room, inviting us into His life, His love, His plan and His purpose. Isn’t that what Jesus was all and is all about ? 

God wants to be a part of our lives but more importantly God has a place in His life for us, for you, for me. 

And seeing it from that perspective helps me to find room in my life for God.

Where is God in my life, in your life?  Where am I, where are you in God’s life.

Something to think about.

[…]

Our Government believes one of ways we can grow our economy and create jobs is by expanding our international exports through trade agreements. After many years and a great amount of effort Canada, with the unanimous endorsement of all provinces and territories, reached a historic agreement in principle on a free trade agreement with the European Union last October. Last Tuesday, Canada and the European Union announced that officials have reached a complete text, allowing translation and final legal review to commence. 

 

This lays the groundwork for a September Canada-EU Summit that will be hosted in Canada. Last week it was also announced that Prime Minister Harper and Minister Fast will lead a trade mission to the United Kingdom in early September to secure the jobs and first-mover competitive advantages the historic Canada-EU trade agreement creates.

 

This is another important step toward the implementation of the historic Canada-EU trade agreement, which will create jobs and economic opportunities for hard-working Canadians in every region of the country including right here in Stormont-Dundas-South Glengarry.

 

As per their involvement throughout the process, Canada’s provinces and territories have received the complete text and have been comprehensively briefed on its content as well as on next steps. 

 

The EU is the world’s largest integrated economy, with more than 500 million consumers and a GDP of $17 trillion. Out of more than 9,000 EU tariff lines, approximately 98 per cent will be duty-free for Canadian goods when the Canada-EU trade pact comes into force. A joint study concluded that the trade agreement with the European Union would be of significant benefit to Canada, resulting in a 20 per cent boost in bilateral trade and a $12-billion increase in Canada’s annual income (GDP), the equivalent to creating almost 80,000 new jobs or increasing the average Canadian household’s annual income by $1,000. 

 

Our upcoming UK trade mission will help Canadian businesses secure their first-mover advantages in the largest and most lucrative market in the world, even as translation and final legal review of the text proceeds. 

 

I am very proud of the Prime Minister and Minister of International Trade for their extensive work on this trade deal, which will have a huge impact on Canada's economy for decades to come.

 

Guy Lauzon

Member of Parliament

Stormont-Dundas-South Glengarry

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