For Christmas this year, give your heart

Jesus Christ taught that happiness and joy do not come from the world, but from him. He said, “Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid” John 14:27.

We do not need to look far to see how the world’s attempts at peace and giving can fail us. Black Friday and Cyber Monday have come and gone but the incessant message underlying the Holiday Season is that happiness at Christmas is something you can buy. A constant stream of goods, services and lifestyles crosses my screen. Clever marketing algorithms ensure that it’s stuff I like. And look! Free shipping!

Amid the frenzy of the holidays, how do we turn our focus toward Jesus Christ? The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints began a December campaign last year called Light the World. On mormon.org you may download an advent calendar, “In 25 Ways, Over 25 Days,” which includes daily scriptures to inspire Christ-centered service. The initiative includes short video clips and ideas of service that anyone can perform to emulate Christ’s teachings. Participants are encouraged to share their experiences on social media, #LightTheWorld.

David A. Bednar of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints introduced Light the World last year. He said, “The whole purpose of this initiative is to celebrate and share the light of Christ. What we hope people will do is not simply think about the Savior during this Christmas season, or even just learn more about him. What we hope is that they will come to know him by doing what he did.”

We can serve others both globally and locally, supporting programs to provide food, water and relief to those in need. On mormon.org Day 2 it says: “Jesus taught: ‘I was thirsty and ye gave me drink’ -- Matthew 25:35. People around us are thirsting both physically and spiritually. We can help them receive the life-sustaining water that their bodies need and the living water that their spirits need.”

“WAYS YOU CAN BLESS OTHERS IN NEED: Did you know that access to clean water has the single greatest impact on global poverty? Consider donating to a cause that helps provide safe water to individuals or communities. Want to make a difference on a local level? Donate a case of bottled water to your local shelter. Is there someone you know who is spiritually thirsty? Share your testimony of Jesus Christ, the ‘living water’ who can give everlasting life (see John 4:10-14).”

Every day we can be inspired to let our light shine. After all, Christ is the light that is in us. Whether you use the materials from Light the World, or if you just make time for the people you love, you can enjoy greater peace and joy this Christmas. Service need not cost money and can be given by anyone at any age. Forgive a debt or offense. Pray for your enemies. Visit a friend or someone who is lonely or sick. Be generous with praise and kindness.

I recently visited a friend with teenage daughters. There was a bowl on the entryway table with a sign “You have come to spend time with your friends. Please leave your phone here and enjoy the time you have together.” I appreciated the sentiment and dropped my cell into the bowl. They later explained that it was from a party the night before but I was glad to leave my phone and have some real time with these people I love.

Our loved ones want our love and attention. Our kids want us to spend time with them, to turn off our phones and listen to what they have to say. Okay, our kids probably want a smartphone, a gaming console, toys or clothes. But they are just beginners at this whole worldly experience, and deep down they want our love. They will remember the time you spend with them, the service you provide as a family, and the sacrifices you make to help those other things happen.

Amity Condie enjoys skijoring with her dogs and family and shelving, cataloging and reading books. She has lived in Palmer since 2004 and she volunteers for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.