The Spirit of Christmas

                The Spirit of Christmas is the Spirit of Christ.  When the angel appeared to the shepherds on that holy night in Bethlehem, “the angel said unto them, Fear not:  for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.  For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, which is Christ the Lord” (Luke 2:10-11).

                Christmas is a joyful time because people become more thoughtful and loving of others.  The peace we feel at this time of year comes from the Spirit of Christ.  The wonderful Spirit of Christmas is joy, love, peace and every good attribute all wrapped up in one beautiful gift to all mankind.

                President Thomas S. Monson stated, “Probably no other time of the year yields as many poignant memories as does Christmas.  The Christmases we remember best generally have little to do with worldly goods, but a lot to do with families, with love, and with compassion and caring.  This thought provides hope for those of us who fear that the simple meaning of the holiday is diluted by commercialism, or by opposition from those with differing religious views, or just by getting so caught up in the pressures of the season that we lose that special spirit we could otherwise experience” (A Future As Bright As Your Faith, [2015], 376).