Justice is a daily thing

It is nice to see social issues displayed in your magazine, as happened in the February 2008 edition. However, I think there is a problem with your analysis. You ask your readers to support charity but you do not mention justice.
Charity, as you know, is the giving from one person to another. The giver is superior to the recipient. Justice, on the other hand, treats both people as equals and practices that all people are entitled by law to an agreed quality of life, not subject to the whims of the giver.
While charity may be necessary in the short-term, a true Christian must take the long-term outlook and seek justice for those currently in need. Kairos, of which the Presbyterian Church is a member states: “And what does the Lord require of you? But to do justice, love kindness and walk humbly with our God.” Micah 6:8
“Informed by biblical teaching, KAIROS deliberates on issues of common concern, striving to be a prophetic voice in the public sphere. Inspired by a vision of God's compassionate justice, Kairos advocates for social change, amplifying and strengthening the public witness of its members.”
“Responding to Christ by engaging in social transformation, KAIROS empowers the people of God and is empowered by them to live out their faith in action for justice and peace, joining with those of goodwill in Canada and around the world.”
You recommend that :We hold these people in our prayers…We need to support the ministries…We need to remember our prayers when we are voting
Voting once every four years is not enough for Christian Justice. Your magazine should have mentioned a number of ways that readers can help justice in Canada today. KAIROS is one example as is Campaign 2000, Inter-Faith Social Assistance Reform Coalition (in Ontario only, pity) and Make Poverty History.
In 1980 the first food bank was opened (in a church) as a temporary measure to help the poor. There are now over 600 of them in Canada and no sign that they are going away. Christmas gift and food drives make the giver feel good for 1-2 months of the year but in our society the poor are still poor and in need in January, February, March, etc.
If Christians are really serious and want to help the poor then they need to give to their favourite Christmas campaign(s) as their effort for one month:
In January they should phone their MP and ask them what they are doing.
In February they should phone their MPP and ask them what they are doing.
In March they should phone or write their municipal councilor and ask them what they are doing.
In April they should phone their MP and ask what they have done.
In May they should phone their MPP and ask what they have done.
In June they should phone their municipal councilor and ask what they have done.
Repeat these steps in September, October and November. At that point next year's Christmas campaign(s) will be running and you can contribute again.
In other words, what we need is a national and provincial Poverty Reduction Strategies. Christians can help make that happen by being politically active and not just praying for a miracle for the poor.
Thank you for the opportunity to comment.