This year WestJet, a Canadian airline, did something spectacular for Christmas. As passengers checked in for a flight between two cities in Canada, Santa was at check in to ask each person what they wanted for Christmas. Each passenger had something special they wanted. One wanted a camera. A small child wanted a train. Another man wanted socks and underwear. One family wanted a big television set. After giving Santa their Christmas wish, the passengers boarded their flight thinking nothing more about their requests.
However, while the flight was in the air, WestJet staff members sent out teams to buy every item that had been requested when the passengers checked in for the flight. The teams bought all the gifts, wrapped them, and were waiting with the surprises as the flight landed.
Instead of luggage coming from the baggage carousel, the passengers were greeted with wrapped gifts with their names on them. Passengers received just what they had asked for at check in... including the family who wanted the large television set. They received a 50-inch flat screen TV.
Before we know it, Christmas will be over and we'll return to old routines. But the kindness for others, like that shown by WestJet, doesn't need to stop. We may not be able to buy a plane full of gifts for others but we can choose to help people every day. All year long we see children in our community who need food. All year long we encounter parents who don't know how they will pay this month's bills. All year long we meet folks who just need someone to listen to what they are going through and maybe offer a little advice. All year long we run into people who just need a friend. They don't always need your money... they need your love.
This Christmas we celebrate the birth of Christ who was given to us by a God who really loves us. As Christmas comes to a conclusion, will you continue to live this New Year showing others this same love of Christ?
We're reminded of this in I Corinthians which says, Three things will last forever -- faith, hope, and love -- and the greatest of these is love.
Remember, some of the most important gifts you can give to others involve no money. They simply involve you choosing to invest in the lives of others. So, watch for opportunities to love others. When you see an opportunity go ahead and take a risk. Investing and loving others really is a wise investment and will pay far greater dividends than any financial investment you will ever make.
You may read more of Dr. Myers' writing at his blog or view his work on Vimeo.