This is one of my most favorite nights of the Christmas season. Every year I pray that I will feel the spirit of Christmas, and every year I struggle to, even though I promise myself that we will take it slower and enjoy this holiday.
Until this night.
This night focuses me on what is truly important. This night reminds me of all the things I already know, but lose in the fog of this busy time of year. I am so very grateful for revelation from God spoken to his children through his servants.
"We like the wise men of old, should seek the Christ and lay before him the most precious of gifts, a broken heart and a contrite spirit. We should offer him our love. We should give him our willingness to take upon ourselves His name and walk in the path of discipleship. We should promise to remember him always, to emulate his example, and to go about doing good. We cannot offer him the gift of perfection in all things, because this is a gift that is beyond our capacity to give, at least for now. The Lord does not expect that we commit to move mountains, but He does require that we bring as gifts our best efforts to move ourselves one foot in front of the other, walking in the ways He has prepared and taught.
And what are the Savior's gifts to those who are willing to bring these gifts to Him? This may be the most one sided gift exchange in the history of the universe. The Savior's gifts to us are breathtaking. Let us begin with immortality. Because the Savior overcame death, all men and women, the just and the unjust, will live forever. Then forgiveness. Even though our sins and imperfections be as scarlet, they can become white as snow because of Him. He is our Savior. And finally eternal life, the greatest gift of all. Because of the atonement of Christ not only are we guaranteed an infinite quantity of life, but He offers the possibility of an unimaginable quality of life as well."
"He promises to be with us, to come to us when we need comfort, to lift us when we stumble, to carry us if needed, mourn and rejoice with us everyday. He offers to take us by the hand and help transform ordinary life into extra-ordinary spiritual experiences. The hallowed Christmas season can and should be one to recommit to keep the fire of the spirit and the glory of the Son of God burning in our hearts everyday throughout the year."
"May we always remember to bring gifts to Him who has given his all for us. May we always remember and be grateful that in the birth of that child the universe rejoiced, and may each Christmas season remind us to lift up our voices and fill up our hearts with joy and gratitude that Christ the king has come."
President Dieter F. Uchtdorf
On a side note - we baked cookies and drank holiday tea as we watched. I found these chocolate chips while grocery shopping. I was informed last night that they are SUPER yummy!
Until this night.
This night focuses me on what is truly important. This night reminds me of all the things I already know, but lose in the fog of this busy time of year. I am so very grateful for revelation from God spoken to his children through his servants.
"We like the wise men of old, should seek the Christ and lay before him the most precious of gifts, a broken heart and a contrite spirit. We should offer him our love. We should give him our willingness to take upon ourselves His name and walk in the path of discipleship. We should promise to remember him always, to emulate his example, and to go about doing good. We cannot offer him the gift of perfection in all things, because this is a gift that is beyond our capacity to give, at least for now. The Lord does not expect that we commit to move mountains, but He does require that we bring as gifts our best efforts to move ourselves one foot in front of the other, walking in the ways He has prepared and taught.
And what are the Savior's gifts to those who are willing to bring these gifts to Him? This may be the most one sided gift exchange in the history of the universe. The Savior's gifts to us are breathtaking. Let us begin with immortality. Because the Savior overcame death, all men and women, the just and the unjust, will live forever. Then forgiveness. Even though our sins and imperfections be as scarlet, they can become white as snow because of Him. He is our Savior. And finally eternal life, the greatest gift of all. Because of the atonement of Christ not only are we guaranteed an infinite quantity of life, but He offers the possibility of an unimaginable quality of life as well."
"He promises to be with us, to come to us when we need comfort, to lift us when we stumble, to carry us if needed, mourn and rejoice with us everyday. He offers to take us by the hand and help transform ordinary life into extra-ordinary spiritual experiences. The hallowed Christmas season can and should be one to recommit to keep the fire of the spirit and the glory of the Son of God burning in our hearts everyday throughout the year."
"May we always remember to bring gifts to Him who has given his all for us. May we always remember and be grateful that in the birth of that child the universe rejoiced, and may each Christmas season remind us to lift up our voices and fill up our hearts with joy and gratitude that Christ the king has come."
President Dieter F. Uchtdorf
On a side note - we baked cookies and drank holiday tea as we watched. I found these chocolate chips while grocery shopping. I was informed last night that they are SUPER yummy!
