Christmas used to be a time when the world paused in its weariness and raised tired eyes symbolically toward heaven. The focus of most of humanity then became on the little Babe sent from heaven, sent to redeem mortality from its fallen ways.
But so much of that is lost now.
What is a family to do to preserve the real reason for the Christmas season? After all, there really was a Christ child who really did grow up to save us all. In quiet moments, when you seek truth and when you study the words of God, a sweet spirit of calm and reassurance will come to your soul. And you will know, like I do, that God is real and that He sent His Son to die for us and to live for us.
A resurrected Christ now lives in the heavens. He is not absent from God’s creations nor God’s children! That is the entire purpose of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (the Mormons) – to declare the good news of the Gospel to weary mankind.
And the good news is so very, very good. Christ has come to save us all! What message could bring more joy than this to a tired soul who is bruised and bleeding from the rigors of life?!
Thus, this Christmas season we really can find the Christ child as those wise ones did eons ago. They found the small Child and paid Him homage with frankincense and other tremendously valuable items.
We don’t ourselves need to give Christ material items of value. We need only give Him an eternal item of value … our hearts. So here are a few suggestions and ideas to bring back the original intent of the Christmas celebrations:
1. Spend time in the scriptures this December month studying Christ’s life. Here are four links to the four gospels. These books of scripture (like all inspired scripture) were written to delineate the events of our Redeemer while He was physically living on this earth.
2. Spend time in prayer this December month. Find a quiet closet or other quiet place where you can kneel and pray verbally. Call upon your Heavenly Father. Thank Him for the blessings you DO have. Express your gratitude for Him and what He has done for you – even if you feel some things are lacking, there are so many blessings which we all do have. And while you are conversing with Him who loves you, make sure to ask for His help. Let Him know you would like to know Him better and that you’ll meet Him daily in your quiet closet (or any private place) for further conversations with Him.
3. Spend time serving. Find someone less fortunate. For example, find a soup kitchen and find the ability to smile at those who have found themselves in difficult situations. Let your heart communicate with theirs, even without saying a word. The Christ child grew up and found those who needed Him. Seek this December month to serve as He did and you may be surprised how much you will find Him in each of those moments.
Yes, let’s serve well this Christmas. Let’s spend more time in prayer this Christmas. And most definitely, let’s spend time in the scriptures learning about the Babe who came to save us all. THIS is the way we can bring the true reason for the season back into our hearts, our homes, and our lives.
Merry Christmas, in deed and indeed!
