The Wondrous Gift

Christmastime is a glorious time of happy friendliness and unselfish sacrifice; a time of increased hospitality, devotion and love; a time of the subduing of selfish impulses; a time of renewing friendships, cementing loosening ties and the swelling of the heart. It transcends the individual, the family, the community, the nation; it approaches the universal, crosses borders, and touches many nations of the earth. Our caroling voices sing the sweet songs of Christmas reminiscent somewhat of the host of heavenly angelic voices in the long ago, praising God and saying: "Glory to god in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men."

We set up the evergreen tree with its gleaming, brightly colored lights; we hang the wreaths and bells; and we light candles- all to remind us of that wondrous gift, the coming of our Lord into the world of mortality.

We send Christmas cards to numerous friends and relatives, pulling back into happy memories the loved ones who have moved out of our immediate association. Like the wise men who opened their treasury and presented to Jesus gifts of gold and frankincense and myrrh, we present to our loved ones things to eat and wear and enjoy.

Though we make an effort to follow the pattern of gift giving, sometimes our program becomes an exchange-gift given for gift expected. Never did the Saviour give in expectation. I know of no case in his life in which there was an exchange. He was always the giver, seldom the recipient. Never did he give shoes, hose or a vehicle; never did he give perfume, a shirt, or a fur wrap. His gifts were of such a nature that the recipient could hardly exchange or return the value. His gifts were rare ones: eyes to the blind, ears to the deaf, and legs to the lame; cleanliness to the unclean, wholeness to the infirm, and breath to the lifeless. His gifts were opportunity to the down-trodden, freedom to the oppressed, light in the darkness, forgiveness to the repentant, hope to the despairing. His friends gave him shelter, food and love. He gave them of himself, his love, his service, his life. The wise men brought him gold and frankincense. He gave them all their fellow mortals resurrection, salvation, and eternal life.

We should strive to give as he gave. To give of oneself is a holy gift.

~~Spencer W. Kimball