That Time of the Year

For the past month, maybe even two for some, we have been hearing about Christmas. It is an incredibly exciting time of the year, full of increased media attention, sales, releases, and family. I love it! When I think of Christmas, I think of the fun times I've had with my family, the delicious food I've eaten, and the eventful stories I've been a part of (what childhood is complete without a flaming santa hat or Christmas dinner on the floor?). At the same time, I would be remiss if I didn't talk about what the Christmas celebration should be about as well as what it tends to be about.

I have often heard that we need to "remember the reason for the season." I agree, but I also want to emphasize a different angle than the standard birth of Jesus idea. I want to talk, rather, on the life of Jesus instead. Christmas is a wonderful celebration not because it's the celebration of our Saviors birthday but because it's a celebration of our Savior. Christ came to the earth, to "[descend] below all" (Doctrine and Covenants 122:8) so that he could raise us up at the last day. The best gift to all the earth, the Atonement, is the reason for the season!

The best part is that we can definitely keep this reason alive in our hearts throughout the year. Acts of service, following His commandments, and reading the scriptures. These are all ways to "feel the Christmas spirit" of Christ. I love the Christmas season, and more than that I love the Spirit I feel as I follow Christ. If you want to learn more about my beliefs in Christ, check out the Jesus Christ portion of mormon.org.