Sunday, December 25, 2011
Merry Christmas!
I was asked to speak in church today. Which sounded pretty exciting when I said yes. But a little daunting when I realized that meant I was going to have to speak in church. On Christmas Day. But, I guess it came together. Here is my talk in, pretty much, its entirety:
My thoughts dwelled on a movie that used to come on TV every year on Thanksgiving night. I’d always watch it with my brother and cousins. The movie was called Santa and the Three Bears and told the story of two young bear cubs who learn about Christmas and want desperately to celebrate. Their mother, however, says that Christmas isn’t for them and insists that they all must hibernate instead. The cubs persist and eventually get to celebrate their first Christmas.
Though I always loved the happy ending those two young bear cubs (and their mother) got, I thought about how sad it must be not to experience the joy of the season, whether by not knowing what it’s all about, or because circumstances in life have taken away that joy.
One of my favorite traditions growing up happened every year on Christmas Eve. My mom would gather me and my brother under the tree and she would tell the Nativity Story. I always loved hearing her tell the story, acting out parts of it with pieces from our Nativity set. When she was finished, we would sing Silent Night and then head off to bed, filled with warmth and happiness and the anticipation of the next day. I always looked forward to that time where we took a few minutes to talk about the real reason for Christmas. It was perfect.
As I got older, I found myself wondering what it was like, not just for Mary and Joseph and the shepherds that came from the fields, but for people in other places too Did they have any idea that this miracle had taken place?
It wasn’t until I was in 7th grade and learning about the church and the Book of Mormon that I finally got an answer to that question.
In the book of Helaman, we learn of Samuel the Lamanite, who comes to the Nephites to tell them of the coming of the Savior. He explained the signs that they should watch out for and promised that all of these things would come to pass. Some believed and were converted. Others doubted and become more wicked.
As the years passed, even many who believed started to doubt. Things got so bad that Nephi, the prophet, cried to the Lord. The answer he received is found in 3 Nephi 1:13:
"Lift up your head and be of good cheer; for behold, the time is at hand, and on this night shall the sign be given, and on the morrow come I into the world that I will fulfill all that which I have caused to be spoken by the mouth of my holy prophets."
That very night, when the sun set, darkness didn’t come.
"And it came to pass that the words which came unto Nephi were fulfilled, according as they had been spoken; for behold, at the going down of the sun there was no darkness; and the people began to be astonished because there was no darkness when the night came." (vs15)
A new star appeared in the sky that night and the ‘more part of the people did believe and were converted unto the Lord.” (3 Nephi 1:22)
It’s important that the birth of the Son of God would be proclaimed to all the world, that all may know of this more beautiful and sacred of moments in history. No one was forgotten.
In Luke 2, when the angel appears to the shepherds to proclaim the Holy Birth, he says, “Behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be for all people”
All people.
About a week ago, I found myself in a surprising conversation. Someone asked the question, “Why do non-Christians celebrate Christmas?” I was so stunned, not only by the question, but by the implication of it. That somehow Christmas belongs only to those who fully appreciate and understand it.
What a tragedy it would be to deprive anyone of the opportunity to celebrate this wonderful time of year. This blessing was given to all of us and is ours to celebrate as we will.
Every year, Christmas seems to start earlier. Store displays are now going up in August. And sales are going well into the season. Just this morning I received an email offering last minute gifts online.
It’s easy to get bogged down in the gifts. To feel inadequate when finances don’t cooperate and our generosity must necessarily bee more in spirit than in the tangible. I’m not going to lie. Christmas is FUN when you have the money to spend on your loved ones. But I’ve found that my most memorable and joy-filled times are the years when I can’t afford lavish presents. When I’m not stressing about the perfect gift and am, instead, focusing my attention on the recipient.
President Thomas S. Monson said at this year’s First Presidency Christmas devotional:
“I, with you, have witnessed during the past few days and weeks what has become over the years the annual commercialization of Christmas. I am saddened to see Christmas becoming less and less about Christ and more and more about marketing and sales, parties and presents.
“And yet, Christmas is what we make of it. Despite all the distractions, we can see to it that Christ is at the center of our celebration. If we have not already done so, we can establish Christmas traditions for ourselves and for our families which will help us capture and keep the spirit of Christmas.”
There are many ways to keep Christ at the center of our celebration. By studying his life and following his righteous, perfect example. We can take this time to be kinder to one another. Lending a listening ear to someone who is grieving or otherwise suffering. Simply being kind to a stranger, even if they might have just cut in line at a store.
Christmastime is a gift given to us by our Father in Heaven. It is time to spend with loved ones and perform service and focus on the things that really matter.
A friend of mine recently wrote:
“What is it about this time of year that brings this sudden euphoria and feeling of giving and love? Is it because we hear the radio stations jammed with Christmas songs? Is it from the distinct feel of giving around us as evident in the newly fallen snow? What is it that makes us all a little more forgiving of each others’ mistakes and shortcomings?
“I firmly believe that the sense of joy does not come from presents, it doesn’t come from snow, or even the music. Yes, each of these may attribute to the real reason, but in essence, I believe that Christmas comes from the feeling we feel deep inside our hearts. It is the love of family, the remembrance of those whom have come in—and perhaps out of—our lives but who have made a distinct mark, one that helped to shape us into the individuals which we are- and the type we have yet to become.”
(It’s a good thing Christmas doesn’t depend on snow or we’d be in a lot of trouble here in Southern California.)
Focusing on each other and on our Savior makes the entire season merrier. Makes us happier. Helps to make this a truly wonderful time of year.
As the Grinch discovered after his thwarted attempt to steal Christmas:
“It came without ribbons! It came without tags! It came without packages, boxes or bags!” And he puzzled three hour, ‘til his puzzler was sore. Then the Grinch thought of something he hadn’t before. “Maybe Christmas,” he thought, “doesn’t come from a store. Maybe Christmas, perhaps, means a little bit more.”
Christmas isn’t something that can be bought. It can’t be gift-wrapped or covered in ribbon. And yet, it is a wonderful gift.
It is my hope that we can all enjoy today for what it is. That we can spend it with people we love. That we can feel the deep and abiding love our Savior has for us. This truly is the most wonderful time of year. And remembering what it is truly about can help us carry that wonderful feeling with us all throughout the year.
I wish you all a Merry Christmas.
You are awesome. And if you share this post, you'll be even awesomer!
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Hi Karen. Christmas Day is nearly over here in Australia, and this has probably been the most unusual I have ever experienced. I won't go into detail - let's just say that life has it's challenges and doing the things I took for granted are now not always possible - ie. having family & friends to share this special day with. However, I couldn't help but think how much I would have enjoyed sitting with the people at your church to hear the message of hope and love which you gave. The beautiful thing about our faith is it is not dependent on other things being in place for it to fill our hearts with gratitude and humility. Life is one never ending journey - what a beautiful reminder Christmas Day is of the hope, joy and peace on offer to us - regardless of our material possessions, relationships or other factors which are sold as the answer to our heart's desire. I'm sure your message was a blessing to many this day.
ReplyDeleteBeautifully said Karen. Merry Christmas!
ReplyDeleteI remember watching that movie about the bear cubs when I was a kid but had totally forgotten about it until you wrote about it in your talk!
ReplyDeleteI'm going to have to look it up and watch it again.
Your friend's words were inspiring, and your opening like was great. You (I'm sure) are going to rock this, girl!
Merry Christmas.
well said. Christmas IS something more. Merry Christmas!
ReplyDeleteWhat a great talk, Karen! I love it. Short and sweet and exactly to the point. I'll bet you did a great job!
ReplyDeleteI'm not religious but I don't like that Christmas has turned into a free-for-all. Pepper spraying people on Black Friday? Seriously?
ReplyDeleteI get very little for Christmas and I'm happy with it. This time of year, for me, is all about celebrating my relationships with family and friends.
Did everyone applaud and give a standing ovation? I would have! Very well said!
ReplyDelete