Human. Kind. Be both.

These words caught my eye earlier this week as I was checking out my FaceBook page. "Human. Kind. Be both." "Humankind - be both!" It's a call really - to all of us who share this planet to be the best that we can be. To celebrate the best about being human, and to be kind to one another. Each act of kindness goes a long way. One act of kindness can turn my whole day around. How about you?

This first week of December holds several poignant moments and anniversaries. It is a big week that makes me stop in my tracks. Even as I am getting ready for Christmas I stop to remember these important moments in history.
December 1 is World Aids Day (since 1988),
December 6 is Canada's National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women (White Ribbon Day). On December 6 1989 fourteen young women were murdered and ten more injured by a single gunman at École Polytechnique in Montreal. 
December 7 marks the anniversary of the bombing of Pearl Harbour in 1941.
December 8 marks the anniversary of the assassination of John Lennon in 1980.

As we move through Advent the Bible readings are all about waking up and noticing what is going on around us - the good and the bad. The great prophets Isaiah and John the Baptist are striking figures who do not mince their words. "God is here" they tell us. "Wake up and notice!" They are calling us to get on board, God needs you, they are saying. God needs us - all of us - to live God's peace, and hope, and love, and joy. To live these Advent gifts. To embody them. To offer them to the world for healing.. 
Perhaps the best way we can do this is to simply be human. And together to be humankind. Be human. Be humankind. Be both.