NEW VIDEO NEWSLETTER

I’m trying something new! A video version of the newsletter. The written version is below, but click on the video so I can talk to you directly about this week’s topic! And please share with your friends and colleagues on social media. Enjoy!

We’ve got just one week until Christmas. I was adult before it occurred to me, but wouldn’t it be odd if on your birthday, everyone you knew bought gifts for themselves and other people, but nothing for you? It’s just a little irony about Christmas. It’s Jesus’ birthday, but we get the presents!  That is, unless we choose to do something intentional.

This week, ask yourself this one question that empowers you to be an ambassador for Christ’s love during the season that is supposed to be about celebrating His birth:

Who in your life isn’t looking forward to Christmas because it only reminds them of who or what they no longer have?

Whether they’ve lost a loved one, an important relationship, a job, or financial security, these are the friends and family members who just want the holidays to be over. It isn’t a Merry Christmas.  The holidays can feel hard, even lonely.

So here’s my invitation to you – be a gift to that person in your life – be love. Be light. Who can you bless this week? How? Here are a few ideas:

  • Invite them to do something with you – whether shopping for last-minute gifts, grabbing a cup of coffee or an invitation to Christmas dinner.
  • If they’re struggling financially, bless them with something they or their children need or want.
  • Stop by for a visit.
  • Pick up the phone and give them a call.

Just having someone acknowledge the pain to say, “I hear you. I’m thinking of you. You’re not alone,” can be a powerful, uplifting gesture.

So in the midst of thinking about what you can get for Christmas – whether for yourself or your loved ones – stop and do something for the person in your life who might be dreading this season.

You know, one of the best things we can do to boost our happiness is to look for ways to make others happy.  Change the question from, “What can I get?” to “What can I give?”