Some of the songs we call Christmas songs would more rightly be called winter songs. Songs like Let It Snow, Jingle Bells, Sleigh Ride, and Walking In A Winter Wonderland are really focused on enjoying the winter weather. Baby, It’s Cold Outside also fits into this category of songs. Rather than celebrating the wintry conditions, however, a concerned boyfriend attempts to dissuade his lady love from braving the elements to make her way home. Granted, his motivations are mixed, as the subtext clearly reveals his desire to spend more time with her.
The concerns listed are valid. He notes that travel conditions are less than ideal and finding safe transportation is unlikely. He draws attention to the blizzard-like conditions, complete with deep snow and a continuing storm. He laments the enduring guilt he would feel should something happen while she’s out in the elements causing her to get sick and possibly die. The overarching concern, though, is an oft-repeated refrain: “BABY, IT’S COLD OUTSIDE!”
concerns about wet, wintry cold, and conditions that are hazardous to human well-being are always warranted and sure to surface during the early months of the year.
In recent years, this has not been our lived reality during the month of December. Our dreams of a white Christmas, or even a white January and February, are often in question. But, concerns about wet, wintry cold, and conditions that are hazardous to human well-being are always warranted and sure to surface during the early months of the year. This has been our lived reality recently. Among other things, it’s been cold outside!
With the extreme cold has come concern for our neighbors in need. And, the concerns are justified. The question that continues to reverberate in my heart and mind, however, is why does it take extreme cold or adverse weather conditions for us to feel concern and extend compassionate care to our neighbors in need? To quote Jesus, “You will always have the poor among you (Matthew 26:11).” The need for shelter, warmth, food, clothing, and a friendly face and loving embrace is continuous. Our efforts to meet those needs, to alleviate human suffering, and to help those around us get back on their feet should likewise be continuous. Again, Jesus noted that what we do for those we see in need, we’ve done for Him. But also, what we did not do for those we see in need, we did not do for Him (Matthew 25:40&45).
There are many who continue to put in the work to offer care to our neighbors in need all year long.
Our recent cold snap has revealed some holes in the services offered to those in need, particularly our homeless community. But, there are many who continue to put in the work to offer care to our neighbors in need all year long. Anchor House offers housing and programs to those who have been stuck in the cycle of poverty and are seeking to take steps to get back on their feet. The Alley at First Baptist Church and the Community Diner at First United Methodist Church, in partner with many other area churches, offer a place to come and get out of the elements and to receive a hot meal five days a week. Sweet Cheeks Diaper Pantry at First Presbyterian Church offers assistance to those with babies. Community Provisions and Anchor House both have pantries that offer groceries to those who could use some assistance, not to mention all of the churches who have limited pantries on site. St Vincent de Paul of St Ambrose Church offers assistance in a variety of ways. These are just a few examples of organizations that are actively making the effort to assist those in need, and we do it all year long.
To be sure, there’s much more to be done. I have been in conversation with area agencies and concerned individuals in our community about how we can do better in the days and weeks ahead. In the meantime, I want to issue an invitation for each of you to join us in our efforts. It’s great that so many want to help when it’s cold outside. But, your help is needed when the weather is wonderful as well. Supplies always need to be purchased, staff and bills always need to be paid, and volunteers are needed to help serve and extend compassionate care to those in need in your community. As I always say, no one can do everything, but everyone can do something, and our somethings can make a difference in the world.
