Feel free to listen to today's favorite Christmas song arrangement as you read:
This weekend was our big choir/orchestra Christmas concert. It was incredible to be a part of such a huge team, and the Christmas spirit was strong at every performance. Sister Applonie, the director of our choir, is one of the most inspiring people I've ever met, and she said something before each concert which I've thought about all weekend:
"God's gift to us is His Son. His Son's gift to us is the Atonement. We must remember these most important gifts."
What a powerfully simple way to state the meaning of Christmas and the symbolism behind the gift-giving. I love that.
Then, last night I attended the First Presidency Christmas Devotional up at Temple Square. President Uchtdorf spoke about the meaning of Christmas as well, and this quote stood out to me:
"This may be the most one-sided gift exchange in the history of the universe. The Savior's gifts to us [immortality and forgiveness] are breathtaking...Because of the Atonement of Jesus Christ, not only are we guaranteed an infinite quantity of life, but he offers the possibility of an unimaginable quality of life as well."
What incredible gifts we receive if we but follow Him! We cannot repay the debts of these gifts, but that should never stop us from trying. He will accept our every effort, and then bless us with even more gifts in return. This is the never-ending cycle of His love, which is incomprehensibly perfect in every way.
It is true that the spirit of Christmas is not found in presents, but it is also important to remember these first and most important gifts, given by a loving Father and Son to each of us. Let us never forget the original example for our gift-giving, for God really does bless us, every one! And those are tidings of the greatest joy imaginable.
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