Food for Thought — A Christmas Message:

Expensive gifts often have the shortest shelf life when it comes to lasting impact.

This season naturally invites reflection on the things that have shaped our lives, the moments that mattered most, and the true reason we celebrate: the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ, and the gifts He gave us, gifts that never lose their value over time.

So what kinds of gifts have the longest-lasting impact?

Let’s take Thanksgiving as an example. It commemorates the Pilgrims’ first successful harvest in the New World. But before that celebration, half of the Mayflower’s original passengers and crew had died.

Half.

These early settlers risked everything to gain the gift of religious freedom and the hope of a better future, for themselves and their posterity. And that gift, paid for through tremendous sacrifice, planted the seeds of liberty that would grow to impact more than a billion lives over the next 400 years.

That’s what you call a gift with Impact Longevity.

Thanksgiving is a season to remind us to turn our hearts to God with gratitude, even in hard times. I reflect on those early refugees with reverence, grateful for how their courage laid the groundwork for the freedoms we still enjoy today. Despite its imperfections, the American experiment remains one of the greatest catalysts of freedom the world has ever seen. And despite its controversies and offenses, America remains, in many ways, the envy of the world, because of the freedoms it aspires to protect.

Christmas, too, is a celebration of freedom.

At this time of year, we celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ, who made it possible for every person to be set free from sin, despair, and eternal separation from God. He satisfied the demands of justice so we could be filled with peace, hope, and the assurance of eternal life.

No gift could be more impactful, because its effect is eternal. And a gift just can’t get any longer-lasting than that.

So as you think about what to give your loved ones this season, consider:

What could bring them greater peace of mind, freedom, or lasting joy?

Because remember: the longer the impact, the better the gift.

Long-Lasting Gifts Don’t Have to Cost a Thing

The best presents aren’t found at the store. Some of the most meaningful gifts come from the heart:

• A long-overdue, healing conversation

• Seeking help to overcome a personal challenge that’s been affecting the people you love

• Genuine encouragement for someone else’s dream

• Offering your full presence when it matters most

And if you’ve been learning about the Rare Faith principles, one of the most powerful, long-lasting gifts you can give is the gift of hope.

Show someone how to experience real, lasting joy and peace, no matter their circumstances, by helping them discover how God’s universe is wired. Introduce them to your favorite podcast episode, or show them where to get a free ebook.

Because the right idea at the right time can truly:

• Save a marriage

• Strengthen a family

• Restore faith in God

• Spark a new beginning

THAT'S Impact Longevity.

And the joy you’ll feel for helping someone change their life? That’s the kind of reward that money can never buy.

I'm grateful for the long-term impact I've enjoyed from the kind friends, family members, and mentors over the years. I'm grateful for you, too. Because thinking about you inspires me, each time I sit down to write.

Thank you for reading.

Wishing you a warm and meaningful season, and a Happy New Year.

Merry Christmas, from my family to yours. ❤️ Leslie