For many years our church has had a Christmas initiative called Light the World. Several years ago the theme for Light the World was “He Is The Gift.” Every year the invitation to Light the World with service and love has been wonderful. The church has produced some amazing Christmas videos focused on the Savior and the messages are always heartwarming and inspirational. “He Is The Gift” really stuck with me though. This time of year can be so hard, and stressful, and the pressure to give the perfect gifts and make everything magical can be overwhelming. It is easy to get caught up in the glimmer and lights of the season…
IRONY:
As I was sitting to write this and trying to collect my thoughts, I took a break to run to the store with my husband, for “one last thing”. It was the last full day of shopping before Christmas Eve. The stores were packed at nearly midnight and people were scrambling to get their final gifts purchased. As we stood in line I saw exhaustion on the faces around me and am sure that mine looked the same. We did find the last few things we “needed” and I vowed to be more prepared and on top of it next year. ha!
GIFTS:
I really enjoy giving gifts. Thinking of something meaningful to give to those I love is fun and rewarding. I love to find a need and fulfill it. I have found that my gifts of time, talents, and memories have been the best and most meaningful. Gifts that truly last. One of my favorite gifts for my parents has been a book of pictures and memories from the past year. They love looking at the pictures and it is fun to have them printed and in one place. All the cousins love to look through the books as well. However, most of the gifts we end up giving are things the kids don’t need and are more just aimed at checking a box.
PERSPECTIVE:
This morning, Christmas Eve and also the Sabbath, we had a small gift for each of our boys to open before church. The gifts were new ties to wear to church. One of my little guys was mad that we only got to open one gift and that it was “a small one”. He wanted to open the gifts under the tree. We talked about why we were opening a special gift this morning and how lucky we were to have gifts at all. He calmed down but is pretty persistent in his grumpiness.
They looked handsome in their new ties and we enjoyed beautiful music and messages at church. (They did have their shirts tucked in for church)
OVERCOMING THE PRESSURE:
For many around us, Christmas is not a time of peace and joy, but rather a time of grief, loneliness, and overwhelming pressure. Are the gifts I have to give enough? Will I have anyone to share my holiday with? Am I loved? How can I possibly find joy when I am missing a loved one so much? How will I provide for my family? Will there be presents under the tree this year? Will anyone remember me?
It can be a lot. Our family has lost many loved ones close to Christmas and it has been so difficult to find joy at times. But, as time has passed and my focus on the Savior has improved, I have felt that peace that only He can bring. I hope that as a Mom I am doing enough to ensure my kids also know their Savior and realize what an amazing gift we have been given.
THE PERFECT GIFT:
Our Savior, Jesus Christ, is the perfect gift given to all mankind from a loving Heavenly Father. That sweet babe, born in Bethlehem, came to earth to give a gift only He could give. He teaches us through his life and ministry how to love unconditionally. He teaches us how to serve. He teaches us that miracles are real and still happen. He makes it possible for us to overcome the world and to live with our families forever. He brings hope and peace to our troubled hearts. HE IS THE GIFT.
I hope and pray that if you are reading this, you know that you are loved. Even if you don’t know Jesus Christ, I assure you that He knows you and He loves you.
HE IS THE GIFT NATIVITY:
A few years ago we came up with the idea to put a nativity inside a clear box with a bow to look like a gift. A reminder for our family that HE IS THE GIFT. We did lots of thinking about how we could create this and decided on using a clear display box meant for a basketball. You can find these at most craft stores in the frame department.
We looked at lots of different nativities and finally picked this one which is simply Mary and Joseph and Baby Jesus. The lantern in Joseph’s hand lights up and I think it is so beautiful. I placed the nativity in the box and surrounded it with some raffia that I cut up to look like straw then on the outside of the box, we used vinyl that says, “He Is The Gift”.
I used some faux pine and ribbon to create a bow for the top. We remove the nativity from the box and put it back in the box that it came in to store it each year to keep it safe.
GIFT FOR FRIENDS:
We decided that this would be a fun gift to give in a smaller version. You can find mini nativities at many stores, we found these adorable ones at Deseret Book. We did the vinyl on the outside of the box and a bow around it just like the big version.
For the box, we used a display box meant for a baseball! It was the perfect size and turned out so cute. We used E600 to permanently glue the nativity in the box for these gifts.
We hope you have a very Merry Christmas, that you find peace and hope, and know that He Is The Gift.
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