Scepters and Staffs

Crowns and scepters, thrones and palaces, ruler ship and riches—these are the words we associate with medieval royalty.

Celebrity and ceremony, elegance and style, popularity and paparazzi—these are the words we associate with modern royalty.

Tattered cloth and shepherd's staffs, a stable and manger, humility and servanthood—these are words we associate with the newborn king celebrated at Christmastime.

Jesus of Nazareth did not live to be served, but to serve. He gave himself away on behalf of others. His example communicated a simple but profound truth: leadership isn't about how far we advance ourselves but how far we advance others.

 Merry Christmas.