Christmas’s Greatest Gift

“And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us.

“And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger.”¹

These simple verses of scripture in the New Testament written by Luke produce in our minds the imagery of the divine event of the birth of Jesus Christ that today is celebrated throughout the world.

In our home country of Portugal, the tradition of re-creating this scriptural event by setting up the Nativity scene is a beloved tradition. You will find nativities all over the country in various places during the Christmas season—a tradition that is also featured in many homes. Setting up a Nativity scene often involves the effort of collecting fresh moss, hay, stones, and other natural materials to create an authentic backdrop for the Nativity.

This Christmas tradition of setting up the Nativity scene was a cherished activity during our childhood and youth and then with our parents and later with our children. Setting the Nativity scene was one of my favorite activities during this time of the year.

We kept in a wooden box all the tiny figurines we used to build the Nativity scene and its surroundings. Often, a little miniature of our own village was also portrayed. Every year, every Christmas, a couple of new figurines or elements were added to the collection. There were figurines of villagers, houses, farmers and animals, wind and water mills, and other natural elements to imitate hills and valleys, trees, and fields. Pieces of reflecting mirrors were used to mimic rivers and streams. At times, even bridges were featured. And, of course, at the center of it all were the most important figurines, the ones described in the holy scriptures: a flock of sheep and “shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock”;² the angel that said to the shepherds not to be afraid and who announced the birth of the Savior, bringing “good tidings of great joy … to all people”;³ the figures of Mary and Joseph placed prominently around the manger.⁴ Then there was the star, which the scriptures say gave great joy to the wise men and guided them in their journey to come to Jesus.⁵

It was up to all family members to mount the Nativity scene. Over the course of several days or even weeks, bit by bit, the set was created and assembled with all the pieces in their proper place.

Throughout the season, we admired the Nativity scene and remembered the events described in Matthew’s and Luke’s accounts that make this celebration so meaningful. Stories were told about Mary’s and Joseph’s faith; about their journey that went “up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judea, unto the city of David, which [was] called Bethlehem”⁶; and about their struggle to find a place to stay there.

But finally, Christmas day arrived, and the baby Jesus figurine was placed in the manger, and the conversation then turned to the significance of Jesus Christ in our lives and what He did for us⁷ and of Him being the greatest gift of all gifts.

This carol sums up the feeling of the spirit of the celebration:

“O Child of Mary’s tender care!

O little Child so pure and fair!

Cradled within the manger hay

On that divine first Christmas day!

The hopes of every age and race

Are centered in Thy radiant face!

O Child whose glory fills the earth!

O little Child of lowly birth!

The shepherds, guided from afar,

Stood worshiping beneath the star,

And wise-men fell on bended knee

And homage offered unto Thee!

O Child of whom the angels sing!

O little Child, our Infant King!

What balm for every sorrow lies

Within those clear, illumined eyes!

O precious gift to mortals given

To win us heritage in Heaven!”⁸

The Savior Himself testified of His gift to us: “These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.”⁹

“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.”¹⁰

What an extraordinary gift; what a sublime gift!

“The Christmas season is a time to reflect and act upon the blessings and opportunities we have because of the birth, life, Atonement, and Resurrection of our Savior, Jesus Christ.”¹¹

I think of the blessing of finding peace and hope even amid challenges and trials;¹² the blessing of divine guidance in times of both triumph and despair;¹³ the blessing of a greater perspective and purpose, knowing and believing that there is more after this mortal experience;¹⁴ the blessing of gratitude even when we have less to sustain our own needs; the blessing of being comforted when we feel alone;¹⁵ and the blessing to be able to give even when we don’t possess much.

These and many other blessings we have because of Jesus Christ! Yes, because of the baby Jesus I so eagerly waited for to be placed in the manger on Christmas day in our Nativity scene! He, who is our greatest gift, gave us such precious blessings because of His life, example, teachings, and sacrifice.

Then I ask: Shouldn’t we, in turn, use these blessings to lift the burdens of others, help and encourage them to connect with the spirit of this holy season and to celebrate the good news announced to the shepherds during the first Christmas?

Christ can transform our Christmas beyond the ribbons of kindness and affection and wrap our celebrations with charity, which is “the pure love of Christ [that] endureth forever.”¹⁶ “Though our feelings come and go, His love for us does not.”¹⁷ His love continues throughout the year and throughout our lives.

Re-centering our focus on Christ during Christmas will provide us a more significant measure of His love in our lives and a greater capacity to love and serve others around us.

When we keep the spirit of Christmas, we keep the Spirit of Christ. May we this season focus on Jesus Christ, the Light of the World, and may we let our own light shine this season by sharing with others our love, our compassion, and our service.

Because He came, there is meaning to our existence. Because He came, there is hope. He is the Savior of the world, and He is our greatest gift; of that, I offer my testimony. In the name of Jesus Christ, amen.