17. HE is the Gift

It's finally the Christmas season! Christmastime is my favorite time of the year. Not because of Santa or presents, but because of the good feeling that is associated with the entire month! People seem happier and kinder as the holiday approaches.

I just watched the new Christmas video on lds.org that is titled He is the Gift. I suggest everyone take just 3 minutes to watch it; it has an amazing and powerful message. The video starts out and shows all the rush, stress, and hype over the holiday season. It shows people standing in line, spending money, and focusing on the materialistic aspect of Christmas. The mood of the video quickly shifts as it shows the simple words, "the first gift". It says how the first gift was not wrapped, tied with a bow, bought online or in a store. It lists many other adjectives to describe what this "first gift" is. As the video goes on, it becomes clear that the gift that is being referred to is the Savior. I thought this was a very moving and important reminder about Christmas, and what we have already been given. God gave us His son. He sent His son to die for us. To atone for us. To teach us. To live among us. To be our example and show us the way. To feel what we felt. To endure what we endure. To show us love. To bring hope to all. To be our light when we are encircled in darkness. To give us second, third, fourth, and fifth chances. To be the Savior of the world.

As we approach the holiday season, we need to remember what the true gift is: it is our Savior. Our focus needs to be on Christ and the indescribable gift that was given to us by Him and our Father. I challenge myself as well as all who read this to not get swept away in the material things of Christmas, but to adjust our focus to what is truly important this season. I know that as we keep the Savior the center of Christmas, we will have the best holiday imaginable.