Christmas and Food

"I am the bread of life. He who comes to me will never go hungry, and he who believes in me will never be thirsty." Jesus in John 6:35

Food is a common topic at Christmas. How many turkey dinners have you had? Family gatherings aren't complete without a vast array of food items. The calendar is full with work dinners, church banquets, and more. Long lines in the grocery store to stock up on supplies (and in Starbucks to grab a coffee) try our patience. And, at the end of the season, perhaps a few of us have eaten too much, only to discover that the next day brings more hunger.

This has got me thinking. What about those who don't have enough food? What about the empty shelves in the Food Bank? We have a box in our church foyer where we regularly collect food for the Abbotsford Food Bank. What would it take for our congregation to fill that box to overflowing this Christmas? Or, better yet, fill it completely every month? This is one small way of helping meet a very real need in our community. But, once again, even after eating generously donated food, all those who partake will again be hungry the next day.

Jesus' words remind us of where the focus should be this Christmas. Not only on food, but on God's Son, the Bread of Life! We need to work hard at meeting practical needs, but we also need to address the spiritual needs so rampant all around us. What spiritual food can we offer this Christmas? What are we doing to offer people Jesus?

Offer a suggestion in the comment section to start a conversation around how food and Christmas connect. Make a donation to the Food Bank. Invite someone for lunch. Make dinner for your neighbour. Buy a stranger a sandwich.

Oh, by the way, you're all invited for lunch this Sunday (December 20th) at King Road. See you there.

Leonard