Christmas Gifts

In the following quote, President Thomas S. Monson reminds us that the greatest gift we can give this Christmas is the gift of ourselves.

"Finding the real joy of the [Christmas] season comes not in the hurrying and the scurrying to get more done or in the purchasing of obligatory gifts. Real joy comes as we show the love and compassion inspired by the Savior of the World, who said, ‘Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these ... ye have done it unto me.’

“At this joyous season, may personal discords be forgotten and animosities healed. May enjoyment of the season include remembrance of the needy and afflicted. May our forgiveness reach out to those who have wronged us, even as we hope to be forgiven. May goodness abound in our hearts and love prevail in our homes.

“As we contemplate how we’re going to spend our money to buy gifts this holiday season, let us plan also for how we will spend our time in order to help bring the true spirit of Christmas into the lives of others.

“The Savior gave freely to all, and His gifts were of value beyond measure. Throughout His ministry, He blessed the sick, restored sight to the blind, made the deaf to hear, and the halt and lame to walk. He gave cleanliness to the unclean. He restored breath to the lifeless. He gave hope to the despairing and bestowed light in the darkness. He gave us His love, His service, and His life.

“...With the pure love of Christ, let us walk in His footsteps as we approach the season celebrating His birth.” (President Thomas S. Monson, “The Spirit of the Season,” December 6, 2009)