The Greatest Gift

I wasn't sure what I wanted to write today, but I want to express some of the feelings I've had this season.

I've been watching some TV since I got home thanks to the lack of homework (yay!) and the commercials sicken me. All these things to buy and deals to not miss out on! Most take away from the real meaning of Christmas, they use the parts of Christmas carols that don't matter and so on.

But Christmas, as the Grinch says, doesn't come from a store.

This last week I've had the opportunity to do a lot of baking and decorating. And I've done my share of shopping, but I learned to have a different perspective than usual. This year I have reveled more in the memories of years past and have focused on the real reason for the season: the birth of the Savior.

There is an ornament on the Christmas tree that I love dearly. It is a wooden star with the nativity scene carved into it. When I first looked into it, I couldn't figure out what it was supposed to be, but then my eyes focused and I saw it. Every time I look at it I see what is carved there and it refocuses my mind to Christ.

He is the greatest gift we have ever been given. Without Him, we there would be no reason to celebrate. What greater gift could the Father have given us then His son who would perform His ministry and then experience the atonement. Through His sacrifice He reaches out to us with His redemptive power and His enabling power. He redeems us from sin and enables us to obtain eternal life! There is no greater gift.

Sure, it's nice to receive new gadgets and toys, clothes and shoes, but these things are not as important as the gift of Jesus. I have felt this season a sense of gratitude for His sacrifice and a desire to yield my heart to Him. The number of gifts or the type of gifts I receive have taken second place. I am so grateful for this perspective, for I feel more charity in my heart and this season has been much more meaningful than in the past.

You hear many stories of people's most meaningful Christmases. They are the ones when there are few presents but great happiness. I suppose I've never really experienced one of these but I'm glad to have found the right perspective in spite of it. I just wish I'd done more to be giving to others. . .

But there's still time. And there are still cookies to hand out and encouragement to give and service to my family and friends. This time is a time for giving and reflection and hope. It is my hope that you all will have a very merry Christmas and that the spirit will last beyond the single day.

Thanks for all you do.
Merry Christmas