Tuesday of this week Elder Walker and I where in our apartment preparing our dinner for the evening when we had an unexpected knock at the door. Elder Walker opened the door to see the smiling face of our next door neighbor holding a small brown box with no label. She asked him if we planned on putting up a Christmas tree, to which he responded that we weren't. She then looked at him and said, " Well then, this is for you two." She handed him the box and inside was a small pre-lit Christmas Tree. We smiled back, thanked her for her hospitality, and wished her a Merry Christmas as she turned towards her door and went into her apartment.
Immediately after we closed the door, Elder Walker grabbed a knife from the kitchen drawer and opened the box. He was overwhelmed with glee as he pulled the small tree from the box, put the batteries in the bottom of the tree for the lights, and turned it on. Not more then 5 min. after putting the small Christmas tree on our couch side table, there was another knock at the door. Our same generous and cheerful neighbor stood at the door with another box in her hands. She said," Now you can both have one, and when you go home and start your own families, these will be your first Christmas trees." We were grateful and speechless. She handed us the other box and went back into her apartment with a smile on her face. We opened the second box, added the batteries and put it up on the dresser in the bedroom.
I tell you this story in hopes that your heart was touched and softened as much as mine was from the generous and selfless gift to two missionaries away from home. I hope that it brings into your mind the true meaning of Christmas. Love is what is really important in the Christmas season. Giving something to another out of charity, or the "Pure LOVE of CHRIST" is what really keeps us the spirit of the season. I want to think back in your mind to the origin of Christmas, the first Christmas. Do you know the story?
"1 And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Cæsar Augustus, that all the world should be taxed...
3 And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city.
4 And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judæa, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem;...
5 To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child.
6 And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered.
7 And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.
8 And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.
9 And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.
10 And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.
12 And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.
13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying,
This is the true Spirit of Christmas. The birth of our Savior is the greatest gift that the world has ever seen. It was the first "Christmas gift" if you will. He came from our Father in Heaven's presence. A gift given as an example of the perfect love of a perfect Father. It is my prayer that we can all remember the true meaning of Christmas. I hope that we can all give gifts in the real Spirit that our Father in Heaven and our Savior intend. I hope that we can remember Charity and Love this Christmas, in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.
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