The Christmas Gift

As we head into the Christmas weekend, we want to share a story from Dr. Norman Vincent Peale, highlighting the true meaning behind this very special holiday.

Dr. Norman Vincent Peale, a noted minister andauthor, tells the story of a young girl, an exchange student from Sweden, who was spending the holiday season in New York City while living with an American family.  Her chores were helping around the house so she didn’t have much money.  She knew she couldn’t buy nice Christmas presents for her host family; besides, they already had so much with new gifts arriving daily from family and friends.

With the little money she had, she bought an outfit for a small baby, and then set out into the poorest part of New York looking for the poorest baby she could find. At first, she received strange looks from people when she asked for help, but then a kind stranger, a Salvation Army bell-ringer, guided her to a poor part of town and helped her deliver her gift.

On Christmas morning, instead of giving her host family gifts, she shared her act of kindness done in their name. Everyone was speechless, and everyone was blessed — the girl for giving, the wealthy family for seeing others with new eyes, and the poor family for receiving an unexpected gift.

We believe unexpected gifts are some of the most special.  During this season there are many opportunities to give to those who have great needs.  Sure, money is always good, but your giving could be a simple thing like a smile, a listening ear or a word of encouragement.  We encourage you to adopt this spirit of giving – of your time, talent and resources to help others.

Christmas began with the giving of ONE gift.  Over 2,000 years ago, God gave His son, Jesus Christ to the earth as His special gift.  And to many, it was unexpected.  Christmas began with Christ and if you are not familiar with this story, we encourage you to learn more this holiday season.

To our clients, family and friends, we appreciate the special gift you are to us and we thank you for allowing us to help you, your team and your business over this past year.  We look forward to working with you again in 2017!

Merry Christmas to you and your family!

David & Lonna Drewelow
Owners, ActionCOACH Heartland