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Complete conference october2012 the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
Rediscovering the Christmas Spirit
by President Thomas S. Monson
Years ago as a young elder, I was called with others to a hospital in Salt Lake City to provide blessings for sick children. Upon entering, we noted a Christmas tree with its bright and friendly lights and saw carefully wrapped packages beneath its outstretched limbs. We then went through corridors where small boys and girls—some with plaster casts upon an arm or leg, others with ailments that perhaps could not be cured so readily—greeted us with smiling faces.
A young, desperately ill small boy called out to me, “What is your name?”
I told him my name, and he inquired, “Will you give me a blessing?”
The blessing was provided, and as we turned to leave his bedside, he said, “Thank you very much.”
We walked a few steps, and then I heard him call, “Oh, Brother Monson, merry Christmas to you.” Then a great smile flashed across his countenance.
That boy had the spirit of Christmas. The spirit of Christmas is something I hope all of us would have in our hearts and lives—not only at this particular season but also throughout the year.
When we have the spirit of Christmas, we remember Him whose birth we commemorate at this season of the year: “For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord” (Luke 2:11).
In our day the spirit of giving gifts plays a large role in commemorating the Christmas season. I wonder if we might profit by asking ourselves, What gifts would the Lord have me give to Him or to others at this precious season of the year?
May I suggest that our Heavenly Father would want each of us to render to Him and to His Son the gift of obedience. I also feel that He would ask us to give of ourselves and not be selfish or greedy or quarrelsome, as His precious Son suggests in the Book of Mormon:
“Verily, verily I say unto you, he that hath the spirit of contention is not of me, but is of the devil, who … stirreth up the hearts of men to contend with anger, one with another.
“Behold, this is not my doctrine, to stir up the hearts of men with anger, one against another; but this is my doctrine, that such things should be done away” (3 Nephi 11:29–30).
In this marvelous dispensation of the fulness of times, our opportunities to love and give of ourselves are indeed limitless, but they are also perishable. Today there are hearts to gladden, kind words to say, deeds to be done, and souls to be saved.
One who had keen insight into the Christmas spirit wrote:
I am the Christmas Spirit--
I enter the home of poverty, causing palefaced children to open their eyes wide, in pleased wonder.
I cause the miser’s clutched hand to relax and thus paint a bright spot on his soul.
I cause the aged to renew their youth and to laugh in the old glad way.
I keep romance alive in the heart of childhood, and brighten sleep with dreams woven of magic.
I cause eager feet to climb dark stairways with filled baskets, leaving behind hearts amazed at the goodness of the world.
I cause the prodigal to pause a moment on his wild, wasteful way and send to anxious love some little token that releases glad tears—tears which wash away the hard lines of sorrow.
I enter dark prison cells, reminding scarred manhood of what might have been and pointing forward to good days yet to be.
I come softly into the still, white home of pain, and lips that are too weak to speak just tremble in silent, eloquent gratitude.
In a thousand ways, I cause the weary world to look up into the face of God, and for a little moment forget the things that are small and wretched.
I am the Christmas Spirit.1
May we each discover anew the Christmas spirit—even the Spirit of Christ.
Teaching from This MessageAs you share President Monson’s message with the family, consider emphasizing the question he posed about what gifts the Lord would have us give to Him or to others this season. Encourage family members to record their thoughts and ideas (or, for young children, to draw a picture) about how to “discover anew the Christmas spirit—even the Spirit ofChrist.”
Youth
The Perfect Christmas Eve By Jerie S. Jacobs
When I was growing up, one of the highlights of every year was Christmas Eve. My family and I made pizza, went caroling, and then gathered for a Christmas devotional. We sang hymns in shaky four-part harmony and blasted out carols on our odd assortment of musical instruments. Dad always ended the evening with a Christmas thought that left us in happy tears. Life didn’t get any better than Christmas Eve.
When I was a little older, my mom began taking care of a young neighbor, Kelly. Kelly came over to our house every day after school while her mom, Patty, worked. Kelly followed me around like a puppy—loud and needy. It was always a relief when Patty collected her daughter and left my home and family in peace.
One December, I was horrified when mom invited Patty and Kelly to join us for Christmas Eve. My Christmas Eve. Mom smiled and assured me, “It won’t change a thing.” But I knew better. They would eat all our pizza. Kelly would make fun of our singing. I resigned myself to the worst Christmas Eve ever.
When the evening came, Patty and Kelly joined us, and we talked and laughed and sang. My mother was right. It was perfect. At midnight they thanked us and reluctantly parted. I went to bed with a full heart. I discovered that the truly precious gifts of Christmas are not diminished when shared. Instead they sweeten and multiply when we give them away.
Children
Five Christmas Gifts
President Monson said that we might want to think about which gifts the Lord would want us to give to Him or to others.
Circle the five children in the picture who are serving others. How are their actions gifts to Jesus?
Years ago as a young elder, I was called with others to a hospital in Salt Lake City to provide blessings for sick children. Upon entering, we noted a Christmas tree with its bright and friendly lights and saw carefully wrapped packages beneath its outstretched limbs. We then went through corridors where small boys and girls—some with plaster casts upon an arm or leg, others with ailments that perhaps could not be cured so readily—greeted us with smiling faces.
A young, desperately ill small boy called out to me, “What is your name?”
I told him my name, and he inquired, “Will you give me a blessing?”
The blessing was provided, and as we turned to leave his bedside, he said, “Thank you very much.”
We walked a few steps, and then I heard him call, “Oh, Brother Monson, merry Christmas to you.” Then a great smile flashed across his countenance.
That boy had the spirit of Christmas. The spirit of Christmas is something I hope all of us would have in our hearts and lives—not only at this particular season but also throughout the year.
When we have the spirit of Christmas, we remember Him whose birth we commemorate at this season of the year: “For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord” (Luke 2:11).
In our day the spirit of giving gifts plays a large role in commemorating the Christmas season. I wonder if we might profit by asking ourselves, What gifts would the Lord have me give to Him or to others at this precious season of the year?
May I suggest that our Heavenly Father would want each of us to render to Him and to His Son the gift of obedience. I also feel that He would ask us to give of ourselves and not be selfish or greedy or quarrelsome, as His precious Son suggests in the Book of Mormon:
“Verily, verily I say unto you, he that hath the spirit of contention is not of me, but is of the devil, who … stirreth up the hearts of men to contend with anger, one with another.
“Behold, this is not my doctrine, to stir up the hearts of men with anger, one against another; but this is my doctrine, that such things should be done away” (3 Nephi 11:29–30).
In this marvelous dispensation of the fulness of times, our opportunities to love and give of ourselves are indeed limitless, but they are also perishable. Today there are hearts to gladden, kind words to say, deeds to be done, and souls to be saved.
One who had keen insight into the Christmas spirit wrote:
I am the Christmas Spirit--
I enter the home of poverty, causing palefaced children to open their eyes wide, in pleased wonder.
I cause the miser’s clutched hand to relax and thus paint a bright spot on his soul.
I cause the aged to renew their youth and to laugh in the old glad way.
I keep romance alive in the heart of childhood, and brighten sleep with dreams woven of magic.
I cause eager feet to climb dark stairways with filled baskets, leaving behind hearts amazed at the goodness of the world.
I cause the prodigal to pause a moment on his wild, wasteful way and send to anxious love some little token that releases glad tears—tears which wash away the hard lines of sorrow.
I enter dark prison cells, reminding scarred manhood of what might have been and pointing forward to good days yet to be.
I come softly into the still, white home of pain, and lips that are too weak to speak just tremble in silent, eloquent gratitude.
In a thousand ways, I cause the weary world to look up into the face of God, and for a little moment forget the things that are small and wretched.
I am the Christmas Spirit.1
May we each discover anew the Christmas spirit—even the Spirit of Christ.
Teaching from This MessageAs you share President Monson’s message with the family, consider emphasizing the question he posed about what gifts the Lord would have us give to Him or to others this season. Encourage family members to record their thoughts and ideas (or, for young children, to draw a picture) about how to “discover anew the Christmas spirit—even the Spirit ofChrist.”
Youth
The Perfect Christmas Eve By Jerie S. Jacobs
When I was growing up, one of the highlights of every year was Christmas Eve. My family and I made pizza, went caroling, and then gathered for a Christmas devotional. We sang hymns in shaky four-part harmony and blasted out carols on our odd assortment of musical instruments. Dad always ended the evening with a Christmas thought that left us in happy tears. Life didn’t get any better than Christmas Eve.
When I was a little older, my mom began taking care of a young neighbor, Kelly. Kelly came over to our house every day after school while her mom, Patty, worked. Kelly followed me around like a puppy—loud and needy. It was always a relief when Patty collected her daughter and left my home and family in peace.
One December, I was horrified when mom invited Patty and Kelly to join us for Christmas Eve. My Christmas Eve. Mom smiled and assured me, “It won’t change a thing.” But I knew better. They would eat all our pizza. Kelly would make fun of our singing. I resigned myself to the worst Christmas Eve ever.
When the evening came, Patty and Kelly joined us, and we talked and laughed and sang. My mother was right. It was perfect. At midnight they thanked us and reluctantly parted. I went to bed with a full heart. I discovered that the truly precious gifts of Christmas are not diminished when shared. Instead they sweeten and multiply when we give them away.
Children
Five Christmas Gifts
President Monson said that we might want to think about which gifts the Lord would want us to give to Him or to others.
Circle the five children in the picture who are serving others. How are their actions gifts to Jesus?
Saturday Morning Session
Watch the complete Saturday Morning Session -->
Glory to God on High Mormon Tabernacle Choir
How Firm a Foundation Mormon Tabernacle Choir
Welcome to Conference By President Thomas S. Monson
Lord, I Would Follow Thee Mormon Tabernacle Choir
Can Ye Feel So Now? By Elder Quentin L. Cook
I Know It. I Live It. I Love It. By Ann M. Dibb
An Unspeakable Gift from God By Elder Craig C. Christensen
We Thank Thee, O God, for a Prophet Congregation
“Because I Live, Ye Shall Live Also” By Elder Shayne M. Bowen
Ask the Missionaries! They Can Help You! By Elder Russell M. Nelson
I Will Follow God's Plan Mormon Tabernacle Choir
Of Regrets and Resolutions By President Dieter F. Uchtdorf
Now Let Us Rejoice Mormon Tabernacle Choir
How Firm a Foundation Mormon Tabernacle Choir
Welcome to Conference By President Thomas S. Monson
Lord, I Would Follow Thee Mormon Tabernacle Choir
Can Ye Feel So Now? By Elder Quentin L. Cook
I Know It. I Live It. I Love It. By Ann M. Dibb
An Unspeakable Gift from God By Elder Craig C. Christensen
We Thank Thee, O God, for a Prophet Congregation
“Because I Live, Ye Shall Live Also” By Elder Shayne M. Bowen
Ask the Missionaries! They Can Help You! By Elder Russell M. Nelson
I Will Follow God's Plan Mormon Tabernacle Choir
Of Regrets and Resolutions By President Dieter F. Uchtdorf
Now Let Us Rejoice Mormon Tabernacle Choir
Saturday Afternoon Session
Watch The Complete Saturday Afternoon Session --->
Arise, O Glorious Zion A Young Men and Young Women Choir from Stakes in Bennion and Taylorsville
I Am a Child of God A Young Men and Young Women Choir from Stakes in Bennion and Taylorsville
The Sustaining of Church Officers Presented by President Henry B. Eyring
Becoming Goodly Parents By Elder L. Tom Perry
Be Anxiously Engaged By Elder M. Russell Ballard
“Come unto Me, O Ye House of Israel” By Elder Larry Echo Hawk
Let Us All Press On Congregation
What Shall a Man Give in Exchange for His Soul? By Elder Robert C. Gay
Temple Standard By Elder Scott D. Whiting
Trial of Your Faith By Elder Neil L. Andersen
Protect the Children By Elder Dallin H. Oaks
On This Day of Joy and Gladness A Young Men and Young Women Choir from Stakes in Bennion and Taylorsville
Preisthood Session
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Praise to the Lord, the Almighty Melchizedek Priesthood Choir From Stakes in Ogden
Love One Another Melchizedek Priesthood Choir From Stakes in Ogden
Brethren, We Have Work to Do By Elder D. Todd Christofferson
Be Valiant in Courage, Strength, and Activity By Bishop Gary E. Stevenson
Beware Concerning Yourselves By Elder Anthony D. Perkins
Guide Us, O Thou Great Jehovah Congregation
The Joy of the Priesthood By President Dieter F. Uchtdorf
Help Them Aim High By President Henry B. Eyring
See Others as They May Become By President Thomas S. Monson
Hope of Israel Melchizedek Priesthood Choir From Stakes in Ogden
Love One Another Melchizedek Priesthood Choir From Stakes in Ogden
Brethren, We Have Work to Do By Elder D. Todd Christofferson
Be Valiant in Courage, Strength, and Activity By Bishop Gary E. Stevenson
Beware Concerning Yourselves By Elder Anthony D. Perkins
Guide Us, O Thou Great Jehovah Congregation
The Joy of the Priesthood By President Dieter F. Uchtdorf
Help Them Aim High By President Henry B. Eyring
See Others as They May Become By President Thomas S. Monson
Hope of Israel Melchizedek Priesthood Choir From Stakes in Ogden