During the advent season, we hear this common refrain at church: O come, O come, Emmanuel. It is a hymn of hope through despair, a hymn that speaks to our plight as humans who live in this broken world awaiting the return of our Savior.
How shall we live in the meantime?
With the name Emmanuel: God with us as our anchor this Advent season, let’s go beyond welcoming Christ into our homes and welcome him into our workplaces as well. As leaders, we have the opportunity to embody Christ in our work and reflect his love in the seemingly everyday moments we share with our coworkers and customers. We have the opportunity to reclaim the workspace by living to his example of grace, truth, and integrity.
What a needed time to be a source of hope and joy to your employees! Not only have the last two years been a considerable source of stress and anxiety for the broader population, but the holiday season is one that brings added levels of stress. In fact, one survey “showed 45% of Americans would prefer to skip Christmas because it causes so much financial pressure and anxiety.” Source
Every soul in this world longs for Emmanuel, whether they know it or not. Consider this: You are present with and leading people during their week far more than their pastor (if they even attend church themselves!). As Jerry Kinard says, “The message of the gospel speaks loudest when people can see Christ in us.”
This Christmas season, may you fully enjoy all the evening and weekend activities and traditions – the holiday parties, Nutcracker ballets, Advent services, and hanging Christmas lights. But don’t forget to reframe your mindset during the work week to focus on Emmanuel: God with us. Your business is your ministry. Let’s lead well together.
Merry Christmas!
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