Each year, as the Christmas season approaches, I hear talk of finding "the true Christmas spirit", or "the true meaning of Christmas". This usually references setting aside the trappings of the season and focusing more on Jesus Christ.I used to feel terribly guilty, wondering if I was one of those people who was misdirected. Was I really making the season about the Christ child? What more could I do to share his love, to be an example of all his life embodied?
I gave some serious thought to this a couple of years ago and (surprise, surprise) looked introspectively at my own heart. I made an interesting discovery that I hope will give relief to many of my Christian-hearted friends:
Because my life, and the lives of my family members, are focused on the Savior on a daily basis, Christmas isn't a cause to act any differently.
Does that make sense?
Let me explain. John has valiantly led our family to become everyday Christians. There are many moments in a day where we consciously think of our Savior--we read about him in the scriptures at night as a family and on our own throughout the day; we try and treat others as He would want us to treat them (the girls are faced with situations constantly where their kindness is challenged); we pray for ways to serve others.
When I look at those moments, they certainly encapsulate the Christmas spirit, don't they? And believe me, I'm not bragging. I could fill pages with names of friends whom I know do the exact same thing everyday. In fact, when I look at my closest friends, they are perfect examples of Christ to me. (As I consider if I should write about any of them, I am overwhelmed with the acts of service that have touched my heart, and on this day after Christmas, I feel even more blessed.)
Too, I think that much of what we do at Christmastime--those "trappings"--are actually "the true Christmas spirit" in disguise. Yes, we do a lot of shopping, but why? Because we want our friends and loved ones to feel special with that perfect gift. If we find it cheaper at Target, good for us! The plates of cookies that are lovingly delivered to a front door? A relief to mothers like me who have a hoard of people to feed over the holidays. The Christmas concerts and performances? Nothing makes me feel closer to my Savior than music that is written about his life and teachings.
So while others may feel great stress during this joyous season, I am thankful to be a part of a large group of friends who make the Savior a part of their lives on a daily basis, because that is, indeed, the true meaning of Christmas.
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