Reindeer, closely related to caribou, were once wild animals in the northern parts of Scandinavia, Siberia, Greenland, Europe and Alaska, but over the years many have been tamed by Eskimos and others who raise them in great herds.
Fully grown they are about six feet long and about four feet high at the shoulders. Both males and females develop huge sharp-pointed antlers that are seldom used except when males are fighting each other.
Large numbers are still in the northern areas of Canada, Alaska, Greenland and other northern lands of the world. Many are tamed by people who lead them in big herds from one area to another as seasons change. The herdsmen lead great herds to the seacoast areas in spring where they feed on lichen (called reindeer moss) through the summer, putting on weight for cold winter months when they are returned inland.
An impressive sight on these treks is watching a herd swim across a wide river or lake. All that shows above the water are their necks, heads and antlers. An onlooker might wonder how they get across without tangling antlers with each other. But the Creator has His eyes on them and guides them safely across.
What do the herdsmen do with the reindeer? They milk them daily, enjoy meals of reindeer meat, and use them to pull sledges. Their furs are also used to make parkas - warm coats with attached hoods. The people in those lands would hardly dare to venture outdoors in severe weather without parkas. Mattresses are also made of their skins stuffed with their thick warm hairs. Also, their skins are made into warm, comfortable mukluks (boots) for the tender feet of babies and young children, as well as adults.
The antlers of reindeer are made into handy tools. Parts of them are also carved into decorative items, as well as dolls and other toys for children.
It is such a task for the people of those countries to supervise these huge herds, and with access now to more modern ways of living, many wonder how long the present practices will continue. Quite likely, before long, much of it will be discontinued and the reindeer will just be left to care for themselves in the wild. But we can be sure of the Creator’s kind and watchful eyes on them, whether cared for by people or allowed to return to the wild “on their own.”
If the tender thoughts of a kind Creator can be directed to the wild and tamed beasts, how much more is His love directed to us? He tells us in the Bible: “I have loved thee with an everlasting love: therefore with loving-kindness have I drawn thee.” Jeremiah 31:33The Lord hath appeared of old unto me, saying, Yea, I have loved thee with an everlasting love: therefore with lovingkindness have I drawn thee. (Jeremiah 31:3). Have you ever thanked Him for His great love?
JULY 31, 1994
ML-07/31/1994