Good Morning or Good Afternoon or Good Evening,
this post should take approximately five minutes to read from start to finish.
This post focuses on BYU Devotional in December 1972, and it is called "The Real Christmas" by Elder Howard W. Hunter. I would like to share with you some highlights while I was reading the Devotional.
Elder Hunter mentioned the following: "... Christmas is a busy season. Streets and stores are filled with people making last-minute preparations. Travelers on the highways increase, airports are crowded all Christianity seems to come to life with music, lights, and festive decorations. ...
The Meaning of Christmas Today
How is Christmas regarded today?
The legend of Santa Claus, the Christmas tree, the decorations of tinsel and mistletoe, and the giving of gifts all express to us the spirit of the day we celebrate; but the true spirit of Christmas lies much deeper than these. It is found in the life of the Savior, in the principles he taught, in his atoning sacrifice which becomes our great heritage.
Many years ago the First Presidency of the Church made this significant statement: Christmas, to the Latter-day Saint, is both reminiscent and prophetic - a reminder of two great and solemn events, which will yet be regarded universally as the mightiest and most wonderful happenings in the history of the human race.
These events were predestined to take place upon this planet before it was created. One of these was the coming of the Savior in the meridian of time, to die for the sins of the world; and the other is the prospective event of the risen and glorified Redeemer, to reign upon the earth as King of kings. [Millennial Star, 70:1 (January 2, 1908)]
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| "Christmas means giving. The Father gave his Son, and the Son gave His life. Without giving there is no true Christmas, and without sacrifice there is no true worship." - Gordon B. Hinckley. |
... It is possible for Christ to be born in men’s lives, and when such an experience actually happens, a man is “in Christ” - Christ is “formed” in him. This presupposes that we take Christ into our hearts and make him the living contemporary of our lives.
He is not just a general truth or a fact in history, but the Savior of men everywhere and at all times. When we strive to be Christlike, he is “formed” in us; if we open the door, he will enter; if we seek his counsel, he will counsel us. For Christ to be “formed” in us, we must have a belief in him and in his atonement.
Such a belief in Christ, and the keeping of his commandments, are not restraints upon us. By these, men are set free. This Prince of Peace waits to give peace of mind which may make each of us a channel of that peace. The real Christmas comes to him who has taken Christ into his life as a moving, dynamic, vitalizing force.
The real spirit of Christmas lies in the life and mission of the Master. I continue with what the writer defines as the real spirit of Christmas: It is a desire to sacrifice for others, to render service and to possess a feeling of universal brotherhood.
It consists of a willingness to forget what you have done for others, and to remember what others have done for you; to ignore what the world owes you, and think only of your duties in the middle distance, and your chance to do good and aid your fellow-men in the foreground to see that your fellow-men are just as good as you are, and try to look behind their faces to their hearts to close your book of grievances against the universe, and look about you for a place to sow a few seeds of happiness, and go your way unobserved. [Baird, p. 154]
... John Wallingford penned these lines: Christmas is not a day or a season, but a condition of heart and mind. If we love our neighbors as ourselves; ... if our charity vaunteth not itself, but suffereth long and is kind; ... if each day dawns in opportunity and sets in achievement, however small; then every day is Christ’s day and Christmas is always near.
A wise man has said: The most amazing thing about the Christmas story is its relevance. It is at home in every age and fits into every mood of life. It is not simply a lovely tale once told, but eternally contemporary. ... It is as meaningful in our time as in that long-ago night when shepherds followed the light of the star to the manger of Bethlehem. [Joseph R. Sizoo, Words of Life, p. 33] ...
Find the True Spirit of Christmas
If you desire to find the true spirit of Christmas and partake of the sweetness of it, let me make this suggestion to you. During the hurry of the festive occasion of this Christmas season, find time to turn your heart to God. Perhaps in the quiet hours, and in a quiet place, and on your knees alone or with loved ones give thanks for the good things that have come to you, and ask that his spirit might dwell in you as you earnestly strive to serve him and keep his commandments. He will take you by the hand and his promises will be kept. ..."
If you would like to read the whole Devotional either now or in your own time, here's the link below.
Stay Tuned until next time.
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