By Matthew F. Leighty
Executive Director

A close friend once shared a recollection from their early days in church work. Around Christmas, a retired couple in the congregation took them to a nice dinner. Afterward, my friend repeatedly offered to pay for their own portion of the meal, but eventually the couple responded wisely by saying, “Don’t diminish our joy of giving. This is where you just say ‘thank you.’” What an important lesson—how to accept a gift with grace.

I have to admit that I love making a gift wish list. I especially make sure it’s updated around my birthday and Christmas to help people know what might bring me joy. That’s because when someone close to me says, “You don’t need to give me anything,” it can feel challenging. Because the joy of giving often rests as much —if not more—on the heart of the giver than the receiver.

I’m pretty particular so gifts for me that are outside of my wish list can be hit or miss. But my wife has taught me that knowing that someone took joy in giving me that gift should spark joy in my own heart. It’s not about the perfect item; it’s about the love behind it. As is sung in the classic Christmas carol, “Good Christian friends, rejoice with heart and soul and voice!”

At Worship Anew, we experience this truth every day. As we share the Gospel and provide resources for aging adults, the blessings we receive in return are tenfold. Your prayers, your encouragement, and your gifts make this ministry possible. And we know the source of all these blessings. As James reminds us, “Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights” (James 1:17a ESV). Together, we reflect the greatest gift of all—our Savior, Jesus Christ, Emmanuel, God with us.

So, as we enter this season of wonder and generosity, here’s my Worship Anew Christmas Wish List. These are ways we can celebrate Christ’s birth together by blessing those who need His comfort most:

UPHOLD US IN PRAYER
Lift up our ministry team, viewers, and aging adults who need Christ’s comfort. Your prayers sustain this ministry beyond measure.

BE CHRIST’S HANDS & FEET
Make tangible expressions of love possible for those facing isolation or grief through Worship Anew’s Care Ministry.

CONNECT HEARTS THROUGH THE WORD
Keep the Broadcaster magazine in the hands of thousands, maintaining this cherished ministry connection.

DELIVER DAILY GOOD NEWS
Provide Hope-Full Living devotionals that remind older adults of God’s presence and purpose in this precious season of life.

STRENGTHEN THE BODY OF CHRIST
Equip churches to better serve their older members with ministry tools and resources.

TAKE THE GOSPEL TO ALL NATIONS
Expand our reach through streaming worship and online resources, helping aging adults access Christ- centered content anytime, anywhere.

PROCLAIM CHRIST’S CRUCIFIXION
Keep “Worship Anew” on the air every week, ensuring messages of hope reach homebound believers across the nation.

PASS ON THE FAITH
Include Worship Anew in your will or estate plans to ensure the Gospel continues to reach future generations.

We would love to speak with you more about how you can support aging adults through our ministry. Call us at (888) 286-8002 or visit our website at WorshipAnew.org to learn more.

One of my favorite Christmas hymns is “What Child Is This.” In it, we marvel at the mystery of God’s greatest gift—His Son, given for us. The third verse calls us to respond: “So bring Him incense, gold, and myrrh; Come, peasant, king, to own Him. The King of kings salvation brings; let loving hearts enthrone Him.”

Like the wise men who brought their treasures to the Christ child, we too are invited to bring our gifts—not because He needs them, but because giving is the heart’s response to God’s grace. The gift of grace inspires our giving and reminds us that every blessing flows from His hand.

Thank you for being part of this ministry. Your generosity is a gift that keeps on giving—and as the apostle Paul reminds us, “Thanks be to God for his inexpressible gift!” (2 Corinthians 9:15 ESV).

Every good gift truly comes from above.

Merry Christmas and may the peace of Christ be with you!