A stone rolled down from a mountain in Bethelehem. It paused mid way, and then gathered speed again, bringing with it smaller stones and gravel. A farmer working in his field nearby heard the commotion and looked up. By this time it has now become a mini landslide. Not taking anything for granted, the farmer took cover under a fig tree over on the other side.

The land slide settled at the bottom of the mountain. It brought rich soil that was composed of rotted leaves and decomposed wood particles. A few days later, a mouse made a home into the soft mound of earth created by the land slide.  In digging its burrow, the mouse uncovered a small stone, kicked it free, and in the process relieved a mahogony seedling from its burden. The rain came and the mahogony seedling was happy.

Many years later, the mahogany seedling grew into a huge, sturdy tree. The years passed and the farmer died and his great grandson took over the farm. The farm was a little over crowded, and a barn was added. The mahogony tree was cut down and its trunk made into lumber. The lumber was then used to make the manger that Jesus Christ was born in.  

Long before that, it was foretold that a virgin would conceive and bear a son  and shall call his name Immanuel-God with us, in the form of His son Jesus Christ, Who would be a light unto the world. The Christ was the greatest teacher and the greatest leader ever to have walked this earth. His system of judgement was unbiased and flawless, and we should endeavor to be like Him.

His integrity was without blemish. His wisdom had no bonds.

His leadership principles, when used, can make us into the most effective leaders we could ever imagine. 

 Some of his values are, love, justice, persevereance, self-control, faith, tolerance, gentleness, meekness, and forgiveness.

I am Gary Gordon, author of The Values Pursued Life on www.thevaluespursuedlife.com