Christmas Is Love

The other day somebody pointed out that the happy, joyful spirit we feel at Christmastime does not come from trees and tinsel. It is not produced by flashing lights or fancy gifts. The spirit of Christmas is the Spirit of Christ. Feelings of love toward our fellowmen are created within us by the Love of God, even the Savior Jesus Christ.

President Thomas S. Monson noted—

True love is a reflection of the Savior’s love. In December of each year we call it the Christmas spirit. You can hear it. You can see it. You can feel it.

An especially poignant manifestation of this spirit is the too-often-unexpressed virtue of gratitude. Recently I asked my friends what Christmas means to them. Their responses reveal faith in Jesus Christ and gratitude for family relationships—

•  Debbie: When I was a teenager I had lots of nieces and nephews who were little and we always had a birthday cake for Jesus on Christmas Eve and the little kids sang Happy Birthday to Jesus. Good memories
• Carrie Lynn: Giving a helping hand to those in need brings me the greatest joy. What a blessing it is to share of one's meager abundance to help those in need and actually appreciate it, even the simplest gifts. And all are blessed
• Nathan: Presents!
• Wiley: The Spirit of Christ—giving, love, joy, peace, forgiveness!
• Debra: It is a time of God showing His great love for us. It can be a time of healing and renewed strength. You see, Christmas is when we celebrate the birth of the Christ child. God sent His Son, Jesus, into the world to be born. His birth brought great joy to the world. Shepherds, wise men, and angels all shared in the excitement of knowing about this great event. They knew this was no ordinary baby. The prophets had told of His coming hundreds of years before. The star stopped over Bethlehem just to mark the way for those who were looking for this special child
• Salvador: Love and service
• Brent: A reason for the family to get together
• Jordann: Christmas is the small but great miracles of healing the broken-hearted and the effects of sin
• Marissa: Celebrating the birth of Christ and the life He lived by emulating His selfless qualities through giving to others. He has given us everything and we become more like Him as we sacrifice for others
• Jessica: Along with focusing on Christ, my grandpa's birthday is very close to Christmas, so I have always associated the season with visiting my extended family and enjoying the happiness of eternal families

For me, Christmas means spending time with family and celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ. Healthy amounts of wassail and scripture-reading are a must. This year I'll spend Christmas away from my family. But my service as a missionary allows me to teach others how, through God's plan, they can spend eternity with their own families. Nothing could bring me greater joy!

I invite you to join in the Christmas conversation by visiting the website link embedded in the picture above. Learn about the babe born in Bethlehem. Request a free copy of the Holy Bible or a visit from missionaries. Share inspiring Christmas music. Leave a comment or two.

MORE ONLINE
Christmas Is Love, President Thomas S. Monson
The Perfect Gift, President Henry B. Eyring
The Good and Grateful Receiver, President Dieter F. Uchtdorf