Something we’ve wrestled with in this season is the words Jesus spoke in Matthew 11:28-30, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you… for my yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light.” In the face of difficulty, hardship, the unknown, and the unexpected – how do we trade in our burdens and find rest? How do we carry on WELL both as people and as leaders?

With Christmas just a few days away, the holidays' chaos, busyness, and stress are at peak intensity. Between finishing up work, decorating, cooking, cleaning, traveling, shopping, and family… most people feel burnt out and exhausted before they even reach December 25th! But isn't it interesting that when the heavenly hosts announced Jesus' birth to the shepherds, they said, "Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests"?

Matthew 1:23 says, “…they shall call his name Immanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us.” I love this name for Jesus because it encapsulates the idea that God (GOD!) came down and became one of us. He chose to partner with humanity, to become a part of it, in order to bring about the salvation of the world. Similarly, throughout Jesus’ life, we see examples of him serving others and inviting others to serve with him. His life was characterized by relationship and care, and ours should be too!

The gift we are focusing on today is one that I have been giving away for about 15 years. That’s right. We’re talking about the gift of PRAYER. So why is prayer a gift, and why is it so special to give? One of the main reasons is because prayer gives to God, others, AND ourselves. Three birds, one stone - talk about a gift that keeps giving!

So, if you’ve ever struggled to find the perfect present for someone, this series is for you! And in the first week of Advent, I’m sharing the secret gift that can be given to every single person in your life, including your spouse, parents, children, grandchildren, neighbors, and coworkers… any guesses?

Christmas morning when I was 7 years old, I had all the biggest packages under the tree. That year I remember getting a football uniform and the popular vibrating football game and many other things. Those gifts were significant, and I remember them well, but they weren’t my favorite Christmas gift I ever got…that was a few years earlier when I got my big wheel. Man, I tore the wheels off that thing. I would pedal up to the top of the driveway, go down fast, hit the brakes, and spin around. I loved my big wheel. I wish they had one for adults.

But truly, the greatest gift I ever got for Christmas was the truth about Jesus.

It’s the week before Christmas, and all through the house (aka workplace, school zone, and living space), everyone is going stir crazy because they are stuck in that HOUSE together. Yep, I’m sure we can all relate to the shared space dilemma.

Have you been planning for gift giving this year, or has it snuck up on you? Do you prepare gifts for the people who help make you successful? Allow me to make 3 last-minute suggestions to give your employees this Christmas. Everyone loves to get personalized gifts, but the gifts I suggest will last all year long.

Are you counting the days until Christmas, just to have a break from work? What if the answer came from something that didn’t cost you anything? I believe you can turn it around and make these days before Christmas more impactful.

If you have an upcoming party or gathering, remember to pray for opportunities to intentionally turn the topic to Christ.

Every year I intend to focus more and more on the Coming of Christ and be intentional with my activities, but it’s so easy to let my priorities slip. Be genuine every day of the year, showing Christ’s love even in the hardest situation.