Every year we shop and consume to find the best gifts that will bring smiles to the faces of those that we love. We do all this in the spirit of giving and love. Amidst this season of spending and giving do we remember the real celebration and the why?

I remember the youthful excitement that was felt as I awoke in the wee hours of the morning to behold what Santa had generously left beneath the Christmas Tree. It was always a delight to find some long desired treasure. To this day I am unable to recall any of those gifts, but the youthful excitement remains with me. Now that I am a father I care much less about what I receive, but that youthful excitement lives on as I wait in anticipation for the thrill that my children will express as they tear through their wrapping to behold their treasures.

I picture our Father in Heaven feeling much of the same. As we partake of the great gift of His Son’s atoning sacrifice, joy and glory fill His soul. Are we brimming with anticipation each day to unwrap the great treasure of grace and show forth faith in Jesus Christ? Do we glow with the light of excitement to feel and then share His love? Do we understand His loving condescension for each of us and the role that it plays in our eternal journey? Do we act in faith to show forth appreciation for this abundant gift?

?Yea, it is the love of God, which sheddeth itself abroad in the hearts of the children of men; wherefore, it is the most desirable above all things.? ?1 Nephi 11:22

As Nephi saw, we are blessed by the great gift of Christ if we are willing to press forward to partake of the fruit that is the most desirous. This is the love of Christ. He came into the world to save us. The purpose of His birth was culminated through His life, atonement, death, and resurrection.

?And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up: That whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life. For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.? ?John 3:14-17

Let us enjoy our gifts this Christmas season, but let us embrace the greatest gift that was given to all of us. This gift is available to all those who believe on His name. Let’s keep the Christ in Christmas by remembering that His gift is to be opened every day of our lives as we grow grace to grace. It is by using His gift that we show our appreciation for how glorious it is.