Idaho faith: Light the World this Christmas by giving, loving the way that Christ did
It was five years ago that I wrote a column about the “Light the World” initiative of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. As in that first year, Light the World calendars encourage daily acts of love in keeping with Jesus’ declaration in the Sermon on the Mount:
“Ye are the light of the world,” he said. Then, “Let your light so shine before men that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.” (Matthew 5:4,6)
The calendar suggestions encourage us to emulate the savior. For example, on Dec. 8, we read, “Jesus loved people enough to give them His complete attention. Today, commit to putting your phone down whenever someone’s talking to you.” Simple.
Today’s suggestion is to remind yourself of the true reason for the season by reading a few passages of the Christmas story from Luke 2 in the Holy Bible.
Whether large or small, the simple acts of remembering blessings, expressing gratitude to friends or just saying hi to someone new are all ways to bring light to the world.
Another part of the Light the World initiative is also celebrating its five-year anniversary. In conjunction with its launch, the LDS Church unveiled a row of large red vending machines near Lincoln Center in New York. Unlike traditional vending machines, the Giving Machines don’t drop out bottles or snacks.
Swipe your card at a Giving Machine, and instead of buying a candy bar for yourself, you’re buying a sheep for a family in a developing country, or a polio vaccine, or a pair of shoes. Or you’re buying 100 meals for your local food bank.
The items are helping people in need around the world through UNICEF, CARE, Church World Service and WaterAid, while also benefiting local charities.
Over the past four years, the Giving Machines have multiplied, appearing this December in 10 cities where they provide a way for people to follow the example of Jesus Christ, helping those in need and making the season a little more meaningful for themselves and countless others.
There is no Giving Machine in the Boise Towne Square mall or on The Grove. But there are many ways to give to our neighbors in the Treasure Valley who could use a little help and some Christmas cheer.
Drop some money in a red Salvation Army kettle and wish the bell ringer a Merry Christmas. Donate to a food bank or participate in service projects. Go to Justserve.org for myriad opportunities to help on either a one-time basis or more frequently.
If we would have the spirit of Christmas, we must follow the example of Jesus Christ, and try to love as he loved. Serving others is following in his footsteps.
If you look, you will find opportunities to serve all around. And perhaps you will discover the joy of lighting the world through service, and make it a New Year’s resolution to Light the World year-round.