Editorial – Winter 2024 FOCUS
Stéphanie Potter
Read the entire magazine at https://cmdacanada.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/2024-December-44.3-web-updated.pdf
As we take the long steps towards Christmas, the dark of the season is infused with light. Popping up around the neighborhood there are strings of Christmas lights, decorated trees, inflated characters wearing festive hats, and, in some yards, nativity scenes.
Despite our external displays of light, so emblematic of the season, I wonder how many truly understand why these traditions persist. Is it simply a rejection of the dark itself? Or a light to pierce through the increasing darkness of winter? Or a child-like delight in anything that sparkles? Even as many abandon or never accept faith, they maintain the trappings of religious traditions.
As a person of faith, there’s some small comfort in how we cling to those traditions. There’s some universality in our communal desire for the light. It reminds me that every heart is invited to prepare Him room and that the Holy Spirit never stops working, even in the dead of night. As I add my voice to the endless chorus of joy and anticipation, around me are people whose hearts are aching sing along. All creation groans for the coming of the Son, whether we have the words to acknowledge it or not.
I am reminded again of the Great Commission from Matthew 28:19-20, to “go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you.” I struggle to be docile to this critical commandment. When I see those living in darkness, in great need of the Light, do I put my light under a bushel, either out of fear or selfishness? Or do I see the free gift of my faith as something I have the blessed opportunity to share with others? Because when I share the Light, my light does not grow dimmer – it gets even brighter, even when I share it with my shaking hands.
How can I let the Spirit work in and through me, to bring the true Light of the Son to those walking in darkness? This issue of FOCUS tackles some of the ways we can bring the Light to others by sharing the Gospel. Having returned from a special training event in the US for the Saline Process, Dr. Alvin Loh shares what he learned and how we can share the fragrance and flavour of our Saviour with others. Dr. Melissa McConville offers helpful information on what a spiritual history is and why you should include it as part of your practice. Another way to integrate your faith in your practice is to pray for and with patients. Dr. Jenna Haugen, who has worked in overseas missions, Northern Canada, and both urban and rural settings, shares her insights on the value we bring to patients and ourselves when we pray with and for them. Dr. Donald Theriault, a periodontist from the US, shares about a time when patients prayed for him, demonstrating their faith, but also that they knew he would appreciate it because his own faith so obvious to them. There is an article explaining what faith flags are and some ways we can use them in practice. We also have an article discussing how we can share the Gospel in a way that is “shrewd as serpents and gentle as doves” (Matthew 10:16) by acknowledging these practices as a type of complementary or alternative medicine.
None of this information constitutes legal advice on how to integrate your faith in your practice. Rather, our goal is to offer you tools you may wish to add to your practice along with the invitation to discern how you may prudently include them. We urge you to review your provincial College policies. As in noted in our 2022 run of FOCUS, nothing can keep God and His out of the lives of our patients and out of hospitals and clinics. His Spirit moves with and without us.
Over the last nearly 10 years with CMDA Canada, I have learned so much about the character and integrity of Christian dentists and doctors. The members of CMDA Canada are a community of people who love the Lord so much that His Light shines through them. At every stage of practice, I see you working to soak up more of His wisdom and grace so that you can pour it out on your patients and colleagues.
In this season, I rejoice in the work of the Lord through the testimony and work of the members of CMDA Canada. Those who live and share the Gospel are brighter than any string of Christmas lights. May the Lord continue to inspire us all to live out the calling of the Gospel, so that all those walking in darkness would have their eyes and hearts opened to the great Light.
The people walking in darkness have seen a great light […] For to us a child is born, to us a son is given. (Isaiah 9:2;6)