Monday, December 24, 2012

Christmas Is Love

nativity

President Thomas S. Monson:

It is easy to get caught up in the pressure of the season and perhaps lose the very spirit in our lives that we’re trying to gain. Overdoing it is especially common this time of the year for many of us. The causes for this might include too many Christmas activities to attend, too much to eat, too much money spent, too many expectations, and too much tension. Often our efforts at Christmastime result in our feeling stressed out, wrung out, and worn out during a time we should feel the simple joys of commemorating the birth of our Savior.

Finding the real joy of Christmas comes not in the hurrying and the scurrying to get more done, nor is it found in the purchasing of gifts. We find real joy when we make the Savior the focus of the season. We can keep Him in our thoughts and in our lives as we go about the work He would have us perform here on earth. At this time, particularly, let us follow His example as we love and serve our fellowman.

Let us make Christmas real. It isn’t just tinsel and ribbon, unless we have made it so in our lives. Christmas is the spirit of giving without a thought of getting. It is happiness because we see joy in people. It is forgetting self and finding time for others. It is discarding the meaningless and stressing the true values. It is peace because we have found peace in the Savior’s teachings. It is the time we realize most deeply that the more love is expended, the more there is of it for others.

Christmas is love.

22 comments:

  1. Amen and we wish you and Jim a very joyous Christmas!

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  2. Agree 100%, but who is Thomas S. Monson and what is he president of? Thanks for sharing this essay. A very happy and holy Christmas to you guys.

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    1. Jerry he is President of the LDS Church..... Usually for the rest of his life..... Rod

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  3. I agree, hope that you have a wonderful Christmas.

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  4. God = loves. Such a simple message.

    Wishing you two a very merry and blessed Christmas.

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  5. I had a hard time trying to add a comment. It's two months ago this morning that Bill left. Really going to be a hard day!!!!
    I know it shouldn't be but I'm asking "Why?" It just is NOT fair!!
    Wishing you a Merry Chritmas and a Happy New Year.
    Was very happy to hear from you on here. Love Carol

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  6. Remembering the reason for the season .... Merry Christmas to both you and your little four-footed kids!!

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  7. How often do we remember that the original reason behind the gifts was love? Thank you for reminding us.

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  8. Very well said!! Merry Christmas to you...

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  9. Jesus is the reason for the season. Merry Christmas, from our house to yours, Be safe out there. Sam & Donna...

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  10. Thank you for the Christmas Card!!! And all the kind words that came with it!! We love you guys too and Sunshine does too , she in turn sends back the sloppy kisses to Skittles and Scooter. And I LOVED the (Peticoat Junction) in your return address.....that really would have tickled Bill...I try to call you guys because I know Bill liked to keep in touch with you that way. All of us are going to the 4:00 Church Service this evening.....Len and Family were going to go to the 6:00 one but changed their minds (I'm glad)!! Love you!!!Carol and Sunshine.

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  11. Merry Christmas Sandie. All the best to your and your family.
    Rick

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  12. Merry Christmas and thank you for a thoughtful post. I hope we all take time to remember the reason for the season.

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  13. Christmas is indeed for love ... and acceptance ...

    Merry Christmas, Sandie ;) and well, Jim too!

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  14. Beautifully said, and may you both have a very Merry Christmas. And may 2013 bring you much joy and happiness!

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  15. And a blessed Merry Christmas to you folks and your family as well...!

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  16. Merry Christmas, Jim and Sandie! Enjoy the holiday season!!

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  17. Our best Christmas wishes to you and Jim.

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  18. Thank you for your Christmas post! I agree that the true meaning of Christmas is love. Wishing you and yours a very Merry Christmas and A Happy Holiday Season!

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  19. Your message is right on! Thank you so much!

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Thanks for visiting today. I look forward to reading your comments. Have a beautiful day.