I have just one friend who continually reminds me, through emails and his living example, about the powerful gift of service and selflessness. Not only is it inspirational, but motivational as I try to do my part on this earth to help those in need.

As I have thought about Christmas this year, I have enjoyed baking in the kitchen and spending time with friends eating roasted chestnuts and singing Christmas carols. All of it is rather nice. I enjoy it. It makes me feel good. Only until it ends. Once the piano stops, or the chocolate hardens, the moment is over. I then seek for a new “thing” to do, to make, to give, to feel good again, for just a moment in time. It’s all rather selfish, as I come to think of it. As I pat myself on the back, I am embarrassed that the motivation for much of it, was all for me.

The only thing that makes me feel truly happy is when I am moved by compassion to help someone, to make a difference in someone’s life. To finally get over my “wants” and focus on those with “needs” is humbling and deeply rewarding. “Have I done any good in the world today?” Christ is why we celebrate Christmas. Without Christ, there would be no Christmas! What are we doing to truly celebrate His birth? What would he have us do? Spend obnoxious amounts of money on gifts that our family and friends will forget about come next Christmas? Probably not. I am guilty already. Again, I am embarrassed. As I hide under my covers and contemplate what I can return before Christmas, I hope I can redeem myself and truly help someone in need. ‘Nuff said.

I share with you the e-mail I received. Sure, it would be nice to take credit for these ideas, but selfish me didn’t think of them all. I credit this to a more thoughtful person and invite you to take part in something that is beyond you and your family and friends. It’s not too late to give a meaningful gift this Christmas, one that will make a difference and be remembered for years to come!

“As Christmas approaches, I invite you to consider alternative gifts for your loved ones that will benefit those in need while allowing you to truly be Christlike. Some examples:

• Make a loan on Kiva on behalf of each person in your family.
• Buy a virtual brick, to build a home in Honduras for a friend.
• Buy a cow on behalf of your family to benefit another.
• Give an honor gift in the name of your spouse or loved one to benefit an African orphan.
• Buy an Invisible Children bracelet for a co-worker to benefit the night commuters in Uganda.

There are needs all around, both internationally and locally. I’m sure many of you have other great ideas of ways to get involved, and I would encourage you to think of ways you can bring the spirit of service into your own Christmas celebration. After all, Christ’s greatest gift was His sacrifice for each of us, so what better way to honor Him during this season than to sacrifice a little to “succor those that stand in need of your succor?”

Merry Christmas!