He Is The Gift

It is 12:03 - technically Christmas morning.  All the gifts are wrapped, stockings are filled, everyone else is asleep and the house is still and quiet.  I have been reflecting all day on the gifts of Christmas.

At the beginning of the month, my church posted a video about Christmas http://www.mormon.org/christmas.  It was a tender reminder of how easy it is to get lost in the commercialism that pervades this time of year.  I had a quiet prompting to write something each day about gifts - simple ways to share the true gifts of Christmas that had nothing to do with money.

My experiment started slowly by taking quick, random snapshots of things that caught my eye and my heart.  Most days it would only take a minute or two to post a thought, and let it simmer on Facebook.  But soon I started to see the beauty resonate in these small, simple sharings.  People from broad walks of my life started coming together to comment, like or share these posts.  I was amazed at the universal resonance these simple gifts had with many different people.  Some days friends told me that was just what they needed to hear that day.  Other times friends shared thoughts or experiences with me that touched my heart deeply and were exactly what I needed to hear.

And I found myself focusing on the true gifts of Christmas.  I did very little shopping, spent minimal time in stores and instead found myself looking at life to teach me the lessons I needed each day this month.  Seeking to find gifts of the heart and share them.  My heart softened, my mind cleared and peace began to pervade my heart.

And tonight I am drawn once again to the true gift of Christmas - the birth and life of our Savior Jesus Christ.  Many of my friends have wide and varying beliefs which I respect and honor deeply.  But on this day of gift giving, I hope to honor my Lord by sharing the gift of my humble witness.  I know that He lives.  Although I was born and raised in my faith as a Christian, a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, I have gained my own witness for myself.  I have studied scripture, prayed and sought guidance, and lived the principles of this gospel for almost forty years.  My faith has carried me through the valley of the shadow of death and to the heights of my greatest joy.  All that I am and all that I have to give is because of Him.  He is not only the gift, He is my gift.

His life that began so humbly has reached out to touch all of mankind through His infinite atonement and sacrifice.  No matter where your life has taken you, you are not beyond His reach.  No matter what sorrow burdens you, you are not beyond His touch.  No matter what you hope to become, He can help you if you invite Him into your life.

Millions before me have testified and many will follow with deeper eloquence, but I add my small voice to the chorus of angels who cried, "Glory to God in the Highest, peace on earth and goodwill to men." One small voice can reach one heart at a time, and this month His voice has reached mine.

Merry Christmas.  Thank you for sharing the gift with me.

#ShareThe Gift