Christmas, the TRUE GIFT

Sometimes we can get lost in a world full of presents wrapped in colorful attire, sparkling lights and long lines at toy stores. Christmas spirit is indeed felt as we express our love for others by giving. But what does giving entail? Is it merely going to the crowded shopping malls and spending money that we sometimes don't have? I don't mean to preach to the choir because we all know this concept of how we really need to give.  This quote given by James E. Faust is one of my favorites:

"We all enjoy giving and receiving presents. But there is a difference between presents and gifts. The true gifts may be part of ourselves--giving of the riches of the heart and mind--and therefore more enduring and of far greater worth than presents bought at the store."

My note is that we focus this Christmas season not primarily searching for that "perfect" present, but to diligently search in our hearts "gifts" we can share with our family.  Open the door for an opportunity to serve your family, friends, and neighbors. This will be my second Christmas away from home. I can tell you family and friends are the Christmas Spirit. Merely being in their presence is the best gift one can give or receive.  Spread your arms and keep them tight within your love.
"As we seek Christ, as we find Him, as we follow Him, we shall have the Christmas spirit, not for one fleeting day each year, but as a companion always. We shall learn to forget ourselves. We shall turn our thoughts to the greater benefit of others" --Thomas S. Monson --
Presents come and go, but family gifts are eternal. Show your love by giving service, make breakfast, doing the dishes for your mother, cleaning your dad's car, give your mother a break and clean the house for the holidays. Simple acts are great acts of love, gifts deep within our heart are PRICELESS.  They will not and cannot be bought!  I love my family with all my heart, and I know the greatest gifts we can give are those simple acts and cherished moments with our family.Watch this video, it's one of my favorites.

"I, like you, need to remember the very plain scene, even the poverty, of a night devoid of tinsel or wrapping or goods of this world. Only when we see that sacred, unadorned child of our devotion—the Babe of Bethlehem—will we know why... the giving of gifts is so appropriate"
---Jeffrey R. Holland--

I know as we spend our time and give our special "gifts" with those who we love, you will feel the spirit of Christmas.  You will have the light of Christ present in your life.   Have a merry Christmas.

Picture from: timespaceorg.blogspot.com