A Season Of Serving: Living Out The True Meaning Of Christmas

By Dr. Jeff Padgett
Chief Communications Officer, Paul Anderson Youth Home

As the Christmas season draws near, our hearts naturally turn toward giving. It’s a time when we celebrate the greatest gift ever given—the gift of Jesus Christ, God’s Son, who came to bring light, hope, and redemption to a broken world. In that spirit, December at the Paul Anderson Youth Home is not just a time of reflection, but a time of action—a time to serve others as an expression of God’s love.

This year, our young men are embracing what we’ve called our “Season of Serving.” Throughout the month of December, they will participate in a variety of projects designed to give back to the community that so faithfully supports them. From helping local families in need, assisting with community events, and serving in outreach efforts, the boys are learning firsthand what it means to be the hands and feet of Jesus.

At the heart of this initiative is a simple but powerful truth: serving others transforms the servant just as much as those being served. As the boys work side by side to bless others, they are discovering joy, humility, and gratitude—qualities that grow when we look beyond ourselves. Every act of service, big or small, becomes a reflection of God’s grace at work in their lives.

The story of Christmas reminds us that God’s love was never meant to be kept—it was meant to be shared. When our boys take time to serve, they’re learning to live out that love in tangible ways. Whether it’s offering a warm meal, lending a helping hand, or sharing a word of encouragement, they’re experiencing the truth found in Acts 20:35, “It is more blessed to give than to receive.”

As we celebrate this holy season, we are grateful for the opportunity to witness transformation—both in the lives of those we serve and in the hearts of the young men learning to serve. Our prayer is that this Season of Serving will inspire not only our boys, but all of us, to carry the spirit of giving far beyond December.

May we all remember that when we serve others, we honor the One who first served us by coming into the world as a humble child—our Savior, Jesus Christ.

Strength For The Day

Each week, PAYH shares a devotional; “Strength For The Day,” by Chaplain (Col) Stephen W. Leonard, USA, Ret. In addition to being a retired US Army Chaplain, he is also the husband of our Co-Founder, Glenda Anderson Leonard. His writing is both moving and inspiring and will most certainly lift your spirit and encourage you in your walk with Jesus. To receive his weekly writing, you can subscribe online at payh.org. You can also read past writings by clicking here.

Rockin’ For A Cause!

We’re excited to share a video recap of our Paul Anderson Youth Home Rock-A-Thon fundraiser in support of the United Way! Our young men rocked their hearts out—literally—and together we raised over $500 for this incredible organization.

At the Paul Anderson Youth Home, we believe it’s important to teach our boys the value of giving back—to serve others and make a positive impact in their communities. This event was a fun and meaningful way to put that lesson into action.

🎥 Watch the full recap by clicking on the above graphic, and join us in celebrating their hard work, dedication, and generous spirit!

Thank You, Lowe’s Home Improvement!

As we approach the colder season, we want to extend our heartfelt gratitude to Lowe’s Home Improvement for blessing the Paul Anderson Youth Home with a beautiful new firepit area.

Your generosity and hard work have created a warm, inviting space where our young men can gather, reflect, and build meaningful fellowship. This new addition will be a place of connection and encouragement for years to come.

Thank you, Lowe’s, for investing in our boys and helping make this season a little brighter—and a whole lot warmer!

🌟 Giving Tuesday 2025 🌟

This Giving Tuesday, join us in changing lives at the Paul Anderson Youth Home. Your generosity helps us continue providing hope, healing, and direction to young men who are building a better future through faith, discipline, and hard work.

Today is your chance to make a life-changing impact. Every dollar you give will go TWICE as far thanks to our $100,000 Matching Grant Challenge!

Every gift—big or small—makes an impact. Together, we can continue Paul Anderson’s legacy of transforming lives and strengthening families.

Be a part of something life-changing.

📅 Giving Tuesday – December 2, 2025
🔗 Contribute online by clicking here, or text GIVING2PAYH to 41444

Merry CHRISTmas From PAYH

Merry Christmas from the Paul Anderson Youth Home!

As we gather to celebrate this joyful season, we’re reminded that Christis the true reason for Christmas — the ultimate gift of love, hope, and redemption.

From all of us at PAYH, we wish you and your family a blessed and Merry Christmas filled with peace, joy, and the light of His presence.