Christmas Greetings!

Christmastime is a glorious season of love. Caroling voices sing sweet songs of that first Christmas long ago when heavenly voices were heard praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men” (Luke 2:14).

In many homes evergreen trees glow with lights and ornaments. Wreaths and bells are hung and fragrant candles are lighted. These and other traditions help to remind us of the birth of Jesus on that holy night so many years ago.

Some of us also send Christmas cards to friends and relatives, remembering happy thoughts of times past. As the wise men opened their treasures and presented to the baby Jesus gifts of gold and frankincense and myrrh, we also present gifts to our loved ones and friends.

This Christmas let us try to follow the example of the Savior who gave us His gift of life. He was always giving gifts and seldom receiving them. He did not give shoes or stockings or toys. He did not give perfume or shirts or ties. Instead, His gifts were truly rare. He gave sight to the blind, hearing to the deaf, and health to the sick. When His friends gave Him shelter and food and love, He in return gave Himself—His love, His service, and His life! And Jesus gave to everyone the gift of the resurrection and eternal life. Let us follow His example by giving love unselfishly to others.

Christmas can be a glorious time, especially if we remember throughout the year to be friends to others and if we are anxious to bring joy and happiness to everyone we know. Each one of us can help make the Christmas season a joyous one by visiting the sick, sharing with the poor, cheering the lonely, and, like our Master, giving more of ourselves as well as our possessions.

The greatest Christmas gift of all time was the gift our Heavenly Father gave to us on the very first Christmas—the gift of the birth of His Son. The apostle John has written:

“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” (John 3:16).

At this wondrous Christmastime may we express to children throughout the world our best wishes for a happy Christmas and a blessed new year, remembering that He whose birthday we celebrate was the Son of God and the Redeemer of the world.