I had an experience this week that kinda shocked me. We have a traditionto do “12 Days of Christmas” for a few people each year, and I really wanted asmall nativity to use as one of the gifts. So I went shopping in my little townto find a small, inexpensive nativity set. To my surprise, I could not find a nativityanywhere! Not even an ornament depicting the nativity scene! I ended up goingto 5 different stores (that I am sure have had them in the past!), but therewere no nativities to be found. I was a little bit in a hurry to get home, sowhen I entered the last store, I asked the clerk if they had any nativities,and he looked at me with a blank stare and sheepishly asked, “What is that?” Myjaw dropped and I was speechless (for one of the first times ever in my life!),and my 16-year-old son who was with me started explaining to him what anativity was. I went home empty handed that night and felt such sadness in myheart that people are forgetting that Christmas is about Christ!
This experience has made me even more determined to make sure we havethe true meaning of Christmas in our home and in our hearts this Christmasseason. I’m going to focus more on serving others than buying presents. I’mgoing to play beautiful Christmas music in my home, and try to have more fun andmake special memories with my family, instead of getting stressed with all thatI think I have to do. I’m going to contemplate more about the Savior, and talkmore about his perfect life and his ultimate gift to us, and try to live more likehe has taught us and shown us. And I am going to prominently display everynativity that I have!
I wanted to share my favorite Christmas quote. President HowardW. Hunter said this in his last public address to the Church. Hesuggests 22 things we should do this Christmas.
“This Christmas,mend a quarrel. Seek out a forgotten friend. Dismiss suspicion and replace itwith trust. Write a letter. Give a soft answer. Encourage youth. Manifest yourloyalty in word and deed. Keep a promise. Forgo a grudge. Forgive an enemy.Apologize. Try to understand. Examine your demands on others. Think first ofsomeone else. Be kind. Be gentle. Laugh a little more. Express your gratitude.Welcome a stranger. Gladden the heart of a child. Take pleasure in the beautyand wonder of the earth. Speak your love and then speak it again.”
What beautiful counsel. May we all remember that Christmas is aboutcelebrating the birth and life of our Savior Jesus Christ, and may we all tryto live more like him.
Hugs to all and Merry Christmas! Melissa
(Quote from: Howard W. Hunter, “The Gifts ofChristmas”, First Presidency Christmas Devotional, December 1994)
(Painting by Simon Dewey, "And His Name Shall Be Called Wonderful")Website with Simon Dewey's Paintings
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