“We’ve A
Direction Given”
cji
12/01/14
To each
a mission to fulfill
setting
forth an example
being in
the service to God
showing
forth to all his love;
Many
think this a bitter pill
distaining
to be an example
serving
some worldly god
their
will on others to shove;
We’ve a
direction given today
choosing
to follow Father’s way
thus the
Spirit we’re to obey
an
eternal course we’ll stay!
Copyright © 2014 – cji
Fill the World with Christ’s
Love
When we think of Christmas, we often think of giving and of
receiving gifts. Gifts can be part of a cherished tradition, but they can also
detract from the simple dignity of the season and distract us from celebrating
the birth of our Savior in a meaningful way.
I know from personal experience that the most memorable
Christmases can be those that are the most humble. The presents of my childhood
were certainly modest by today’s standards. Sometimes I received a mended shirt
or a pair of gloves or socks. I remember one special Christmas when my brother
gave me a wooden knife he had carved.
It doesn’t take expensive gifts to make Christmas meaningful. I
am reminded of a story told by Elder Glen L. Rudd, who served as a member
of the Seventy from 1987 to 1992. One day before Christmas a number of years
ago, while he was managing a bishops’ storehouse, he learned from an
ecclesiastical leader about a needy family that had recently moved
to the city. When he went to visit their small apartment, he discovered a young
single mother with four children under age 10.
The family’s needs were so great that the mother could not buy
treats or presents for her children that Christmas—she couldn’t even afford a
tree. Brother Rudd talked with the family and learned that the three little
girls would love a doll or a stuffed animal. When he asked the six-year-old son
what he wanted, the hungry little boy replied, “I would like a bowl of
oatmeal.”
Brother Rudd promised the little boy oatmeal and maybe something
else. Then he went to the bishops’ storehouse and gathered food and other
supplies to meet the immediate needs of the family.
That very morning a generous Latter-day Saint had given him 50
dollars “for someone in need.” Using that donation, Brother Rudd bundled up
three of his own children and went Christmas shopping—his children selecting
toys for the needy children.
After loading up the car with food, clothing, gifts, a Christmas
tree, and some ornaments, the Rudds drove to the family’s apartment. There they
helped the mother and her children set up the tree. Then they placed presents
under it and presented the little boy with a large package of oatmeal.
The mother wept, the children rejoiced, and they all sang a
Christmas song. That night as the Rudd family gathered for dinner, they gave
thanks that they could bring some Christmas cheer to another family and help a
little boy receive a bowl of oatmeal.1
Christ
and the Spirit of Giving
Think of the simple yet dignified way our Heavenly Father chose
to honor the birth of His Son. On that holy night, angels appeared not to the
rich but to shepherds. The Christ child was born not in a mansion but in a
manger. He was wrapped not in silk but in swaddling clothes.
The simplicity of that first Christmas foreshadowed the life of
the Savior. Though He had created the earth, walked in realms of majesty and
glory, and stood at the right hand of the Father, He came to earth as a
helpless child. His life was a model of modest nobility, and He walked among
the poor, the sick, the downcast, and the heavy laden.
Though He was a king, He cared neither for the honors nor the
riches of men. His life, His words, and His daily activities were monuments of
simple yet profound dignity.
Jesus the Christ, who knew perfectly how to give, set for us the
pattern for giving. To those whose hearts are heavy with loneliness and sorrow,
He brings compassion and comfort. To those whose bodies and minds are afflicted
with illness and suffering, He brings love and healing. To those whose souls
are burdened with sin, He offers hope, forgiveness, and
redemption.
If the Savior were among us today, we would find Him where He
always was—ministering to the meek, the downcast, the humble, the distressed,
and the poor in spirit. During this Christmas season and always, may we give to
Him by loving as He loves. May we remember the humble dignity of His birth,
gifts, and life. And may we, through simple acts of kindness, charity, and
compassion, fill the world with the light of His love and healing power.
Teaching from This Message
President
Uchtdorf teaches that we should follow the Savior’s pattern of giving. Consider
asking the people you visit to take turns naming a gift the Savior has given to
them, and discuss how they can use that gift to serve others. For example, if a
member was blessed with musical training, he or she could go caroling to some
of the neighbors. You could offer to kneel in prayer with those you visit,
asking for inspiration about which gifts to share, how to share them, and with
whom. Follow up on any inspiration you receive.
For ideas on
teaching this message to youth and children, see below.
Youth
Learn
from Others’ Experience
10992_000_004
President Uchtdorf speaks from personal experience when he
teaches that “the most memorable Christmases can be those that are the most
humble.” We can learn so much from the older generation; many adults have lived
through times of war, unemployment, sickness, or other trials. Ask the older
members of your ward or branch to tell you about their most meaningful
Christmas. You could write down their stories. Try to learn from their example
by focusing this Christmas more on giving sincere service and remembering the
Savior.
Children
Some people use a Christmas tree to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ. Sometimes
people place gifts for others under the tree. What gifts has the Savior given
to you? Read each scripture below and color in the gift. You can give gifts
back to Jesus by finding ways to help others.
