Do you know what time it is? Light the World! I’ve been participating for the last two years, and it’s always such a light to my own personal world, lighting up my heart and soul and chasing the shadows away.

We should be giving all year round, but for whatever reason, Christmas is the season when we focus on it (as if people are only in need one month a year). I’m guilty of this as well. It’s so easy to lose sight of giving during the busyness of life. There’s really no excuse; it should always be a major component of our lives.

Anyway, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saint’s Light the World campaign is a little different this year. Instead of a different theme everyday, there’s a new theme each week. It starts with Light the World for week 1, then continues on with Light Your Community, Light Your Family, and Light Your Faith. 

Light the World

“Jesus Christ taught, ‘Ye are the light of the world.’ We can share that light to all of God’s children when we give as He gave to people near and far.”

Some of this week’s ideas for Lighting the World from the Church’s website:

• Share about someone who’s been an example to you of Christlike service. Post to social media using #LightTheWorld.
• Visit a Giving Machine or make a donation to help a global cause.
• Collect supplies to help refugees from war-torn regions.
• Seek out a person from another culture and learn his or her story.

On a personal note, those giving vending machines are pretty much the coolest things ever. I have an inexplicable desire to buy a goat for someone. Why a goat? Who knows. But vending a goat just tickles me. Plus, people need those goats. And shoes. And clothes. And food.

Download a Light the World calendar, discover the joy of serving and loving others, and bring happiness to your life.

Choose Joy.

—A