Real Meaning of Christmas

                Families, communities, and nations are strengthened when we teach the real meaning of Christmas to all people but especially to the rising generation.  We must teach our children and youth the Christmas is more than getting stuff.  If the rising generation knows that Jesus is the “reason for the season,” they will be more likely to be satisfied with whatever they receive.  We must teach that we have Christmas because of Easter.  If Jesus Christ had not risen from the dead, there would be no reason to celebrate His life.

                The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has provided several helps to teach the real meaning of Christmas.  You could watch the First Presidency’s Christmas devotional broadcast on Sunday, December 6, 2015, at 6:00 p.m. mountain standard time.  You could watch and share this Christmas video titled “A Savior Is Born.”  You could do as this family did and ask “What do you want to give for Christmas this year?”  

                 You could share the following Christmas message published by the First Presidency:   “We find the real joy of Christmas when we make the Savior the focus of the season.  We can keep Him in our thoughts and in our lives as we go about the work He would have us perform here on earth.  At this time, particularly, let us follow His example as we love and serve our fellowmen.

                “Christmas is the spirit of giving without a thought of getting.  It is happiness because we see joy in people.  It is forgetting self and finding time for others.  It is peace because we have found peace in the Savior’s teachings.  It is the time we realize most deeply that the more love is expended, the more there is of it for others.

                “As the Christmas season envelops us with all its glory, may we, as did the Wise Men, seek a bright, particular star to guide us to our Christmas opportunity in service to our fellowman.  May we all make the journey to Bethlehem in spirit, taking with us a tender, caring heart as our gift to the Savior.  And may one and all have a joy-filled Christmas.”

                Please be sure to teaching the rising general the real meaning of Christmas.  We can truly strengthen our families, communities, and nations by knowing that Jesus Christ and His atoning sacrifice for all mankind is the real reason we celebrate Christmas.