As the Christmas season comes to a close, I often feel a little down when all the planning, decorating, and celebrating have ended. Afterward, we must prepare for the new year and consider the changes we want to make or how we can enhance our lives.
All those resolutions we make tend to be forgotten by the second month of the new year. The lettuce we bought to begin our diet has turned brown, and honestly, it’s really too cold to start that 5-mile-a-day walk.
Perhaps this is the year we should resolve to carry the true meaning of Christmas into 2026, inspiring us to make a lasting impact on the world.
During his 33 years on earth, Christ was many things—the great healer and teacher who connected us to God, His Father. Through His eyes and words, we learned the meaning of life and what is expected of us.
When He died, He did not leave us. His Holy Spirit remains with us, still teaching and guiding us with every step we take.
I am uncertain about what 2026 will bring, but things will not improve unless we heed Christ’s teachings. One thing we can all agree on is that Jesus was the least selfish person we will ever know. He cared nothing for gifts but gifted everyone with his presence.
He cared little for his own comfort but instead suffered enormously so that we could find comfort. He poured love upon us so that we could share it with others; yet, in the end, it was hatred and envy that crucified him.
Loathing truly kills, and jealousy destroys. There is only goodness to be gained from living selflessly, loving abundantly, and giving compassionately.
It was December 1964, a time when we, as teenagers, rarely thought of anyone other than ourselves. We were typical seventeen-year-olds in our senior year of high school. Our concern during Christmas focused on what we wanted from Santa and what we should buy our close friends. The idea of helping others who might be in need or less fortunate didn’t cross my immature mind. And if it did, I turned it off and tuned it out.
I have no idea whose idea it was to hand us a key to turn selfishness off, but whoever they were, may God keep blessing you forever.
Many of us belonged to youth groups in our respective churches. So, we did have some knowledge of the life of Christ and his teachings. Most of the time, however, only Sunday was reserved for paying attention to the Word.
Then an angel appeared to someone and said, “Instead of exchanging gifts this year, let’s do something different – let’s give to those in need.”
“Why? What?” I questioned, since I already had a few trinkets in mind as gifts for my closest buds.
“Well,” the angel said, “if we pooled the money we would usually spend and perhaps asked our parents for a bit more, we could buy toys for children whose parents can’t afford to provide them with gifts from Santa.”
It took us a moment to understand that the angel wasn’t from Mars, but once we started discussing the idea, excitement began to build.
When we let go of our selfishness, we not only open our hearts but also those of others.
On a sunny December day in the Fellowship Hall of our First United Methodist Church, a large group of teens surprised a gathering of children. One of our male friends, dressed as Santa, sat by the Christmas tree, surrounded by piles of toys wrapped in ribbons and bows.
“No one is ever going to believe you are Santa!” We all laughed when we saw our thin friend dressed in an oversized Santa costume, with a beard that kept falling off his chin.
A festive table was adorned with cookies, candy, and punch, while the sounds of squeals mingled with the cheerful tune of “Jingle Bells” in the hall.
Our teenage selfishness faded away as we all witnessed the joy on the children’s faces.
I don’t remember all the friends who participated, but I will never forget the child’s face when she cried as she opened her first baby doll. And our underage slim Santa truly became the real deal as he “ho, ho, hoed” his way into everyone’s hearts.
None of us has any idea what we received from Santa that year, but we were gifted so much more.
When we let go of our selfishness, we not only open our hearts but also those of others. This transforms lives and creates lasting memories that help heal broken spirits.
Most importantly, we honor the Christ Child and the true meaning of Christmas: His life, His death, and His love for us.
As we step into 2026, let’s not only improve our own lives but also make a positive impact on the world. Christ must be reflected through us.
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Lynn Walker Gendusa began her writing career as a columnist for the LaGrange News. Today, her essays are featured regularly throughout Georgia and Tennessee. Her work also appears in Guidepost, USA Today, The Atlanta Journal, MSN.com, among others. Lynn has authored two books; the latest, “Southern Comfort,” was published in 2022. She can be reached at www.lynngendusa.com. For more of her inspirational stories, click here.
