Today is the 108th year of Finnish independence. Taking advantage of the chaos caused by the Russian Revolution, the Finnish Parliament, a body existing because Finland was a so-called “autonomous” duchy in the Russian Empire, declared Finland was now independent. The Bolshevik government recognized the declaration. In May 1919 the US recognized Finland’s independence and established diplomatic relations.
At that time, Finland was a poor country, struggling to develop. Now, a leader in new and innovative ways of living, Finland stands as a model of educational leadership. A welcoming nation, Finland has taken in almost 70,000 Ukrainians, refugees from the Russian invasion. Refugees from other wars have also found a home there.
What can we learn from a small country tucked away in the far north? Perhaps that social trust and caring for others is an important quality of any society, not to mention that living the values we claim to hold is critical, and that protecting nature enhances our lives more than money.
Prayer for the Day
In this Advent season as we anticipate God breaking into our world,
We feel that the world is not ready for the Child grown up;
You know, O God, that what we want is a nice sweet baby in a manger,
But the Child will not stay there for long but move into the world.
May we accept the call the Man makes for justice and mercy,
Rather than ignoring what we say Christmas is all about.
In the name of the One who did not remain a baby,
Even Christ Jesus our Lord, Amen.
Thoughts for the Day
Trust is the glue of life. It’s the essential ingredient in effective communication. It’s the foundational principle that holds all relationships.
Stephen Covey, educator (1932-2012)
The true and solid peace of nations consists not in equality of arms but in mutual trust alone.
Pope John XXIII (1881-1963)
Praise the Lord! O give thanks for the goodness of the Lord,
For God’s steadfast love endures forever.
Who can utter the mighty doings of the Lord, or declare God’s praise?
Happy are those who observe justice, who do righteousness at all times.
Psalm 106: 1-3