I woke up earlier than I expected to this morning- 7:30 AM. This isn't early on Christmas morning for most people, but it is in my family. I laid in bed thinking about how it was Christmas day and I thought about how there were lots of people I know who were already done opening presents. Some people just wake up early and quickly open up their presents before anyone else wakes up and gets there to join them. Why do they do that? My family doesn't and why is that? There may be many reasons, but there is one reason I thought about the most.
Today is the day we celebrate Christ's birth. We make ourselves busy buying gifts and spreading holiday cheer, but what is it really about? When Christmas day finally arrives, what do we do? We give and receive presents, but I think there is something more we should do. It can be the day where everyone can appreciate the gifts
Christ has given us. It's simple, but how often, even on Christmas, do we actually take time to really think about and appreciate the gifts of Christ? How do I show my appreciation for the gifts Christ has given me? I shouldn't show my appreciation for Christ's gifts only one day a year; In fact, I think it is impossible to do so with a sincere heart. To show true appreciation, I have to show it everyday. I think that is a part of being a true disciple of Christ.
In heaven, time doesn't matter as much as relationships do. I like that my family doesn't care about time on Christmas day. We take our time getting up, eating breakfast, acting out the Nativity, and opening presents. We know that what matters most is that we are together. Whatever way it's done, I think the gift-giving tradition at Christmastime is a symbol of how I can show appreciation for Christ's gifts to me all year round.
It's often said that it's more important to give than to receive. In giving gifts, we are like the Savior, although He gave the greatest of all gifts. However, I believe that receiving is a symbol of something equally as important. Symbolically, the act of receiving is the challenge and joy of discipleship. Receiving things with gratitude, humility, and faith (because we sometimes don't get what we want, when we want it) can be hard, but it can also be a great testimony and character builder. The scriptures talk a lot about receiving things, such as the gift of the Holy Ghost, the commandments, blessings, gifts of the Spirit, light, and knowledge. What I do with my gift also matters. If I set it aside, throw it away, reject (or return) it, I am not really appreciating the gift. Using the gift, especially sharing it with others, is how I show appreciation. That's why we are taught we should share the gospel with everyone. That is a big way to show God that we appreciate the gifts He has given us. Sharing my testimony is another way to show appreciation. There are many ways to share the gifts Christ has given me.
Here are some ways I thought Christmas giving/receiving can be a symbol for how we should give/receive throughout the year:
- Take time for Christ everyday through prayer, scripture study, and temple service.
- Expressing/showing gratitude for all things-being grateful for what given. Receive and not be bitter about what don't receive right now because we don't always get what we want, when or how we want it.
- Making sacrifices to give gifts that show love (just like Christ did).
- Give meaningful gifts to others-Service, time, etc. without thought of price or self (only the heart)
- Use gifts/talents we have to build up Kingdom of God, uplift others, give small acts of service and love
Last Sunday one of the speakers at church talked about how we spend so much time and energy buying gifts to give others on Christmas when it is really Christ we should be giving gifts to because it is
His birthday. I believe we give gifts to Him when we appreciate and receive what He has given us. It's like what my mom always says when we kids want to give her something for her birthday or Christmas--just me doing right and being good (and now me coming home to visit and make cinnamon rolls) is a gift to her and she is happy. I think it is safe to say that Christ is just as satisfied, if not more satisfied, as my mom is when He sees that I am trying my best to be His disciple, share my gifts, and do all that He needs me to do.
I am grateful for my family traditions that help me to see and feel the true meaning of Christmas. I hope that by sharing these thoughts here that someone will get something from it and be made better by it.
Merry Christmas!
