Thanksgiving, the beginning of the holiday season has now past. I am so excited for this holiday season. I am excited to share fun traditions with family and friends and to remember Christ, the whole reason to celebrate this season.

With the start of December I like to start thinking about how I can share my knowledge of Jesus Christ with others in the form of light, hope, and happiness. Every year I talk about this, but every year it brings me joy, and I hope, if you share light, hope, and happiness, that you can feel it reflected back into your life as well.

Light the World

I love the Light the World initiative from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. It’s a fun way to think about sharing with others all through the holiday season. This year they have a fun website that has an idea generator for fun ways to help and share with the communities we live in.

Check out the website: lighttheworld.org to find the idea generator, along with some beautifully done Christmas videos, and short clips from people around the world getting into the Christmas spirit to light the world. There’s also a downloadable list of ways to bring light into your life and the lives of others. It’s a great place to start sharing as well as feeling the true spirit of Christmas, which is Christ.

Giving Machines

I am so excited that Anchorage will have a giving machine again the year! It will be in the midtown mall, and there will be free, live performances every single day (Closed on Christmas Day). Some of the performances include bands, orchestras, dance groups, singers, Mrs. Claus, sing along times, and so much more! You can find the full list on the website here.

The nice thing about the giving machines is they are manned by volunteers. Every aspect of getting them set up is paid for by the Church, so all the funds collected, 100%, goes to the charity or the items that are purchased.

There are so many options. 5 of the options at the Anchorage Giving Machine are local Alaska charities. No matter where you go to give in the world, there will be local charities as well. There are also many other options to help people all over the world. Seeds, elderly support, art therapy, parenting classes, bus passes… You can even buy someone a goat!

Some of the local charities include: Kid Kupboard, Neighbor Works Alaska, Downtown Hope Center, Catholic Social Services, and Community Pregnancy Center.

This Christmas season can be one of the best as you share a little bit of light, or, if need be, receive a little bit of light in your life. Jesus Christ is the light of the world, and He brings hope, happiness, healing, comfort, and He heals the broken hearted. This Christmas, look for Christ in all you do and it will be a joyous season.