Merry Christmas

I glory in plainness; I glory in truth; I glory in my Jesus, for he hath redeemed my soul from hell.  (2 Nephi 33:6) 

It is easy to love Christmas.  Beautiful lights are strung on homes, buildings and trees.    Joyful music is heard on the radio, in stores, and even in commercials.  Movies about love, hope and giving are aired constantly.  Shoppers spend more time buying for someone else rather than themselves.   Brightly colored packages are piled under trees adorned with beautiful ornaments.  The Salvation Army reminds us that others are worse off than us and offers a chance to help them.  The Angel Tree and Toys for Tots are opportunities to truly feel the spirit of Christ as we give to a child who otherwise might do without.  Homemade cookies and candy are prepared to share with friends and coworkers.  Strangers smile and say merry Christmas or happy holidays.  Everyone is having a party. 

Some say all these things are reason to dislike the season or to fret over the commercialization of Christmas or the secularization of the celebration of Christ’s birth.  Anyone can take a negative view of anything.  As followers of Christ, let us take a positive view and love the opportunity to share in a celebration of His birth with those who reverence his life and mission as well as those who just use it as an excuse to have another party.  Choose to be happy for this time set aside to remember the Savior’s birth and take the time to enjoy the peace on earth and goodwill to men that we are celebrating. 

The purpose of the season is not to exchange gifts.  It is not to be with family and loved ones.  It is not to show off our homes and how much we can give.  For years now, every December stories start to pop up about a war on Christmas.  Complaints abound about some person or organization trying to take Christ out of Christmas.  Christmas is a season to remember Christ, and that can only be accomplished or disregarded by each of us individually. 

Take control of your emotions and allow the natural joy of the season to lift you.  Focus on the great wonder that God came to earth to receive a body, that He had a miraculous birth.  Remember that His birth was foretold and anticipated for centuries by prophets.  Celebrate along with the hosts of heaven who announced His birth to the shepherds.  Go with the shepherds to the manger and worship the Lord.  Glory in the true meaning of Christmas, the fact that the Savior came to earth so that He could atone for us and lead us home again. 

And don’t forget that message when the season ends.  As I was looking at my Christmas tree this morning and listening to one of my favorite new seasonal songs, I realized that instead of feeling regret at seeing this season draw to an end, I am anxiously looking forward to Easter. 

So Merry Christmas and may you take the joy and peace of this season with you throughout the coming year and the rest of your life.