Almost all Americans, regardless of their religious beliefs, are impacted by the Christmas holiday. But until last week, I had not really thought about the impact the Christian Advent season should have on us, probably because most people don’t really think about it. And we should (more about that later).
The Christmas Retail Industry. This year it is expected the Christmas retail industry will surpass $620 billion, which is about 20 percent of retail sales for the whole year. Retailers during this period hire about 770,000 supplemental workers, most of whom will lose their job by New Year’s Day. And, if you sell Christmas trees this time of year as I do with my Rotary Club, you might be interested to know that the Christmas tree segment itself is a $1 billion industry.
Christmas has become a frenzy of activity – shopping, traveling, and going to parties. And then there are the movies – It’s a Wonderful Life, A Christmas Carol, Charlie Brown Christmas, How the Grinch Stole Christmas, Elf, Christmas Vacation, Home Alone, and so on. I’m sure you have a favorite. Jim Carrey’s How the Grinch Stole Christmas is #1 all-time Christmas movie at the box office.
Advent and Christmas. Last Sunday at my Church our pastor, Emily Heath, taught us an important lesson that has leadership implications. Emily said that although these movies are “Christmas-themed” they are really Advent movies – they are about someone who comes to understand Christmas by making a change.
Emily said, “Even when everything is coming down around George Bailey, he learns to see the world through grateful eyes. Ebenezer Scrooge sees the truth about himself, becomes a compassionate and kind soul, and changes his miserly ways. Charlie Brown hears Linus recite the Christmas story, and he learns what Christmas is all about. And even the Grinch hears the Whos down in Whoville singing despite the fact he stole Christmas, and his heart grows three sizes that day.
“Those are their Advent stories. Each has an Advent that prepares them for Christmas. And each arrives at Christmas day different than they were when the season of Advent started. They are, in some way, transformed. And transformation is what Advent is all about.”
Transformation. Emily’s message resonated with me. I think it is a good time of year for each of us to look at ourselves and think how we can become a better person. Here are five questions I am asking myself based on lessons from the movie characters and the Advent season:
- How can I show others I am grateful for our relationship and their effort?
- Can I show more compassion and kindness toward others?
- If I sometimes lose my temper or use sarcasm, how can I be more peaceful and respectful?
- How can I put others first and be less selfish?
- In what ways can I be more joyful, hopeful, and optimistic?
My hope for leaders everywhere is that they ask themselves these types of questions and strive to become better people. I know I will try.
