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 the voice crying out in every wilderness. 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]

Christmas is so often interpreted by children. The other day, I was in my home office when my 3-year-old came to visit me. She had sensed that a part of me was burdened and sad. Her words carried such weight, "Meme', your love goes right into my heart, it's ok." A few minutes later, Meme' your love is the greatest gift I have. I love you." She quietly hung out with me for over two hours and, at times would come to get on my lap to snuggle against my shoulder. The greatest gift appeared in her heartfelt and powerful words.

"Brother John" she said, "the Savior's address is in my heart and it is also in my home." This was the story of the widow's mite all over again. Then she said, "What may I give the community?" I have no money but I have extra clothing, extra bedding, bottles of fruit and canned meat. Please let me help."

One day we will all return home to the arms of the Savior and feel His love. I want you to pause for a moment and think about what it means to be on the earth at this time when the fullness of Christ's gospel established with apostles, during His first time on earth is back. A time when it will appear that the dark clouds of evil are winning the war. At times, when commercialization seems to dominate our Christmas celebration earlier and earlier, each year. I certainly believe we should make time for Christ every day, year-round beginning and ending each day in prayer with our Heavenly parents, and seeking His perfect will for our day. When it feels like the jaws of hell are opened and you are the prey, seek the power of Jesus Christ, which will be more readily available as we make time to really know Him every day, not just in crisis mode.

It was Jesus Christ Himself who taught us to look to children as an example. The New Testament records His answer when His Apostles disputed who should be the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. Jesus answered their question with a small yet powerful object lesson. He called a little child to Him and set him in the midst of them and said:

“Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven.

“Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven” [Matthew 18: 3-4]

When we look at the life of Christ and his apostles, we, like His apostles need to answer, are we meant to be givers or receivers, lifters or leaners? Our hope and the hope of others this Christmas season can be wrapped in being seekers, givers and lifters. The Lord and his disciples were always lifting people up not being leaners on others.

Mary, the mother of Jesus, wraps her firstborn child tenderly and lays Him in a manger. God sends angels in glorious light to announce to humble shepherds that the long-promised Messiah is born. And Luke tells us that choirs of angels were sent to celebrate this greatest of gifts from a loving Heavenly Father to His children.

This Christmas we are blessed to light others lives with the Light of Christ by our acts of kindness. It is our willingness to emulate our Savior whose life and birth we honor this Christmas season followed by every day of the year. Throughout communities are toys for tots, giving trees, efforts by different groups to provide anonymous assistance to others.

Paramahansa has written, "the whole world has forgotten the real meaning of the word love. In the universal sense, love is the divine power of attraction in creation that harmonizes, unites and binds together...Those who live in tune with the attractive force of love achieve harmony with nature, and their fellow beings, and are attached to blissful reunion with God." As you take in this story, may the divine power of love leave warmth in your soul.

Just a week before Christmas, I had a visitor. This is how it happened. I had just finished the household chores for the night and was preparing to go to bed when I heard a noise in front of the house. I opened the door to the front room and to my surprise, Santa Claus himself stepped out behind the Christmas tree. He placed his fingers over his mouth so I would not cry out.

"What are you doing..." I started to ask, but the words choked up in my throat as I saw he had tears in his eyes. His usual jolly manner was gone, gone was the eager, boisterous soul we all knew.

He then answered me with a simple statement, "teach the children."