The very words, "Merry Christmas" bring pleasant memories.
I remember the music and it speaks
faith to me. I recall the sights and sounds and feel hope. I remember the magic and meaning
for the little ones. I recall the many, many expressions of love. I muse that it comes only
once a year. . . but then my soul cries out:
Christmas is not a moment of eternity but a
measure of forever. Christmas is Christ's message of salvation to mankind. Christmas is a
beautiful reminder of what has been and a solemn rejoicing in what will be. Christmas is the
time to make certain our lives reflect the teachings of our Savior!
Faith and hope and love,
which cannot be bought or sold or bartered, but only given away, are the wellsprings--firm and
deep--of Christmas celebrations. These are the gifts without price, the ornaments incapable of
imitation, discovered only within oneself, and are, therefore, unique. They are not always easy
to come by, but they are in unlimited supply.
This Christmas, mend a quarrel. Seek out
a forgotten friend. Dismiss suspicion, and replace it with trust. Write a love letter.
Share some treasure. Give a soft answer. Encourage youth. Manifest your loyalty in word
and deed. Keep a promise. Listen. Apologize if you are wrong. Try to understand.
Flout envy. Examine your demands on others. Think first of someone else. Appreciate.
Be kind. Be gentle. Laugh a little. Laugh a little more. Deserve confidence. Take
up arms against malice. Express your gratitude. Welcome a stranger. Gladden the heart of
a child. Take pleasure in the beauty and wonder of this earth.
These are inklings of a
vast category. . .a mere scratching of the surface. They are simple things. You have heard
them all before, but their influence has never been measured.
