Let us remember that our beloved Prophet and Presidency has reminded us that this is the season for giving. There are many ways for us to show our thanks and give service to others this season. We only need to pay attention to others needs and find ways to meet them. May we all reach out and make sure everyone feels the Saviors love for us this Christmas Season.
Ps. 50:14 "Offer unto God thanksgiving; and pay they vows unto the most High." "Let us in our lives give to our Lord and Savior the gift of gratitude by living His teachings and following in His footsteps. It was said of Him that he "went about doing good." As we do likewise, the Christmas spirit will be ours." (Thomas S. Monson "Christmas IS Children, Remembering, Giving," Church news, 14 Dec. 1996)
Pres. Monson stated in a First Presidency Message in the Dec. 1995 Ensign, '"What did you get for Christmas?" This is the universal question among children for days following that most celebrated holiday of the year. ...If we change but one word in our Christmas question, the outcome is vastly differeent. " What did you give for Christmas?" prompts stimulating thought and causes tender feelings to well up and memory's fires to glow ever brighter.
Giving, not getting, brings to full bloom the Christmas spirit. Enemies are forgiven, friends remembered, and God obeyed. The spirit of Christmas illuminates the picture window of the soul, and we look out upon the world's busy life and become more interested in people than things. To catch the real meaning of the spirit of Christmas, we need only drop the last syllable and it becomes the Spirit of Christ.
What can I give Him,
Poor as I am?
If I were a shepherd
I would bring a lamb.
IF I were a Wise Man
I would do my part
Yet what can I give ,Him?
Give my Heart.
(Christina Georgina Rossetti)."'
May we all be blesssed this Christmas season not only by the gifts we are given, but by the gifts of service we give. And may we find joy this new year as we "make a conscious , committed effort to bring Christ into our lives." (Pres. Monson Dec 2008 Christmas Devotional )
We wish you all a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
