The Greatest Gift

I never know quite how to explain my feelings about the Christmas season, because so much of what makes Christmas special is the feelings I get from thinking about Christ's birth and His life here on earth. In an attempt to explain, though, let me paint a picture:

I see the world: the helplessness, the sadness, the despair, the darkness. I see all the things that cause people to give up hope. And then I think about Jesus Christ and His miraculous birth and the fog of doubt dissipates in the light of His perfect love. Where there is darkness, He is the Light. Where there is death, He is the Life.

His birth is the greatest gift we have ever been given. It is the most important, most meaningful, most all encompassing gift. It is a gift that was given willingly and lovingly by a Father in Heaven who loved all of his children so much that He sent His Only Begotten Son into the world, to save all mankind. It is an event that is too great for my simple mind to comprehend, and yet I know it occurred with every fiber of my being. It surpasses belief and faith - it is a knowledge that I feel in my soul must be true. I do not have to see or be given physical proof to feel and know to the core of my being that Jesus Christ is my Savior.

In a season of giving, I marvel at the gift Heavenly Father gave us in sending Jesus Christ, and I marvel again at the gift Jesus Christ gave us in His sacrifice and Atonement. These are perfect gifts. These are gifts given with perfect love, regardless of our asking for them or even accepting them. These gifts are perfect examples of how to give.

We are not perfect. I certainly never claim to be! But despite our personal imperfections, I know we can follow the example that has been laid before us, as we give gifts to loved ones. In the midst of holiday shopping (and I love shopping at any time of the year!), I hope we can all find time to give gifts of love, not only to those we love, but to those both known and unknown, whatever the gift may be. It may involve shopping. It may come in the form of acts of service. I myself have made a few gifts, in an effort to save on cost but to still give a thoughtful present. The moment we forget about ourselves and our wish lists, is the moment we are able to see the needs of others and find sincere ways to fulfill those needs and give good gifts.

The Apostle Paul has said, "Let us not be weary in well-doing . . . As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men." - Galatians, Chapter 6, Verses 9-10

The Spirit of Christmas is the Spirit of Christ. And the Spirit of Christ is GIVING, especially giving JOY!