It isn't gift wrapped, but it is a good gift!

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"Christmas is the spirit of giving without a thought of getting. It is happiness because we see joy in people. It is forgetting self and finding time for others. It is discarding the meaningless and stressing the true values." (Thomas S. Monson) What stress are you under right now just because of 'holiday prep'? So many times, we spend far more time 'prepping' for the meals, gift-giving, and decorating that we forget to spend a little more time with each other just enjoying the time. The true value of Christmas is not in the 'prepping', but in the 'spending' - spending time with those we love.

When the people cry to the Lord for help against those who oppress them, he will send them a savior who will rescue them. (Isaiah 19:20)

Some may even feel as though Christmas is not a very big deal. It is a time for good food, some entertainment, and a load of gift-wrapping being undone in an instant. They miss the meaning of the moment. The gift given all those many years ago isn't appreciated as the 'greatest gift' of all. Jesus hasn't even been invited to their table for the holiday feast. Sadly, many will go through the motions of Christmas and not experience the real purpose of Christmas - the gift of a Savior for all mankind.

This kind of 'celebration' is memorable, for sure, but it is just a bit 'emptier' than God desires. All stand in need of a Savior - even those who don't realize their need quite yet. Let this be the season of gift-giving in your homes - share the gift of Jesus with someone who might not even know to 'cry out' for a Savior yet. Share more than the wrapped packages - share yourself. Let them see Jesus in you in acts of service and kindness. Share yourself with others this season and in so doing, you are likely to be sharing just a bit more of Jesus than you realize. Just sayin!

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