Earlier this week, our president and CEO, Rob Kretzinger, sent the greeting below to WesleyLife's 2,000 team members. We thought our readers might appreciate it as well. Merry Christmas!
As the holiday approaches, many of us focus our Scripture time on the story of Jesus’s birth. Indeed, stars and wise men and a manger are part of a precious story that is a joyous component of our Christian heritage — but as I reflect on the reason we celebrate, my mind returns to lessons are taught year after year by the story of an infant born in a stable. For me, they are condensed to this:
“Serve the Lord with all your heart and with all your soul.” – Deuteronomy 10:12
Years ago, the team at our organizational headquarters — now the Network Support Center — was housed at Wesley on Grand, then Wesley Acres. Our offices were in the Chamberlain Mansion, in the area that is now the bed-and-breakfast, and the solid wood floors made it impossible for people to surprise one another with their presence.
So it wasn’t ever a shock to feel a particular resident standing behind us, as we had heard her coming long before she appeared. She popped in from time to time to quiz us about our finances and make sure we were being the best possible stewards of her and others’ resources. She was a great accountability partner, and we as leaders appreciated her checks-and-balance talks.
But there was more. Sometimes at the beginning of these talks and sometimes at the end, she’d ask me to walk with her down to a side door that led — and still leads — into the mansion. We would stand in front of it, and she would say, “Look at this door. Remember; in the old days, this was the servants’ entrance.”
“The servants’ entrance,” she would say once more for emphasis, looking me in the eye. Now, I may not be a particularly quick study, but I heard her message, loudly and clearly.
I still hear it today. She was reminding me that although I led the organization, I was there to serve. And as we prepare to celebrate Christmas, I’m reminded that the birth of Jesus drives home the importance of service by demonstrating God's love through humility. Jesus, His son, was born in an outdoor shelter meant for animals, illustrating that serving others is not about status, but about putting others first and being willing to demonstrate vulnerability and act with compassion.
As we prepare for the holiday, I want to thank you today for your servant’s heart — for your ministry to those who place their trust in WesleyLife. Equally importantly, please know that WesleyLife’s leaders, myself included, are here to serve you — to honor you, appreciate you, and create opportunities for you to pursue your joy, during the holidays and always.
Please know your work and your spirit are valued. And for those who celebrate Hanukkah or Kwanzaa or do not celebrate during this time, please have no doubt that you are respected, appreciated, and welcomed here. We hope for you a time of rest and renewal.
This Christmas and always, I wish you and those you love the very best.