The Best Christmas Gift

As Christmas approaches, I find myself thinking about last year. I was still recovering from a minor heart procedure, too weak to attempt many of the traditional items that I normally tackle each December. That may be why my children and grandchildren decided to set up the Christmas tree for me. I sat comfortably on the couch and watched as our artificial tree was pieced together, the ornaments were located, and the boxes opened for my grandchildren to explore. At the tender ages of four and one and a half, these precious children smiled with joy at the discovery of each ornament. Carefully they placed them on the tree in a random manner that to them seemed appropriate. My granddaughter sorted colors and shapes, while her younger brother made a nest on one side of the tree and lovingly set the ornaments he treasured in that safe place. Touched by their eagerness to help, the tree was left as they had decorated it, a reminder of that magical night.

I wrote the following poem this morning as I reflected on last year's experience. May I always remember the importance of reaching out to others in love. Gifts don't need to be large or expensive, but if they come from the heart, they are truly the best gifts we can give.

The Best Christmas Gift

Christmas

Can sometimes

Make us feel blue--

It’s sad to say but often true

This time of year we tend to miss

The items that bring true inner bliss

As we try to look impressive with lights and décor

Sending better Christmas cards than the year before

Tackling tasks we always think we must do this season

While we ignore the all-important behind-the-scenes reason

We celebrate this time of year—a time of hope, and love and cheer—

If we’ll reflect on what the best gift might be, an item not for sale, but given for free:

The love of our Savior—we can extend to others--the people around us, our sisters and brothers

He taught through love and the example He set, showing us it is much better to give than to get

Atoning for a world that doesn’t understand, the importance of being there for our fellow man

To emulate His life is the best gift to give, walking in His footsteps each day that we live

Reach out to those in need—lift the troubled soul

Make kindness, patience, and tolerance a goal

And in time we may begin to finally see

The path He walked in Galilee.

By: Cheri J. Crane