Christmas is just a few weeks away and most of us are busy preparing for one of the most-awaited celebration of the year. Some people prepare grandly, some prepare simply. But, however grand or simple the celebration is, it has been very obvious that Christmas has become more about the bonuses, gifts wrapped under the Christmas tree, parties, decorations, Christmas trips, caroling, etc. Jesus Christ has become less and less the center of the season.

Most of us have a smooth plan of how our Christmas celebration should be. Every detail is well thought of and we expect that it will be a perfect Christmas—better than the last one we had. We feel frustrated when we don’t get the bonuses we expected to receive, when our budget is not enough to buy everything on our wish list, when the blueprint of a perfect Christmas seems impossible to materialize. Then that hopeful feeling that supposed to be from the true meaning of the season diminishes.

President Thomas S. Monson said, “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 Christ.”
Christmas is about remembering our Heavenly Father’s love for us when He sent His Son here on earth. It is about remembering all the gifts we have received because of His coming. During the Christmas Devotional on December 4, 2011, President Monson highlighted some of the many gifts that came about because Jesus came.

“Because He came to earth, we have a perfect example to follow. As we strive to become more like Him, we will have joy and happiness in our lives and peace each day of the year. It is His example, which if followed, stirs within us more kindness and love, more respect and concern for others.
Because He came, there is meaning to our mortal existence.
Because He came, we know how to reach out to those in trouble or in distress, wherever they may be.
Because He came, death has lost its sting, the grave its victory. We will live again because He came.
Because He came and paid for our sins, we have the opportunity to gain eternal life.”

These are but some of His many gifts to us. Many people don’t realize these gifts. Therefore, it is our charge to share this knowledge to everyone to align our focus to the real meaning of Christmas. Let us recollect all the gifts we received from Jesus Christ and share these gifts to others. By doing so will be our gift to Him in return. That immense sacrifice and that Savior was given a special day, even a day of remembering Christ in Christmas.

Merry Christmas!