At this time of year we come together with our family and loved ones, we feel a sense of love, comfort, and remembrance. Why does it seem to be every year from Thanksgiving onto Christmas we give more to others or seek the well-being of those less fortunate? Does the timing of the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ 2,000 years ago set a mood or a feeling that we should honor Him by serving others? We know of the many signs that the world was to receive when Christ the child was born such as a new star would present in the night sky. It's interesting to think of the knowledge the world had of Christs' birth by looking to the north and seeing a new star to guide the souls and lives of men. Guiding mens souls and lives...those words just in themselves can change the whole scope of the purpose of this earth life.
In our world of noise that every day seems to create so many negative things, we need to find some balance and create a world where can inspire change for the better. We try to do our best to help others at this time of year and bring joy into not only our hearts but those close to us. We make lists of what was good this year, while we also make lists of what we are going to change next year. It seems our intentions to make changes are very fresh and can motivate us to start off the year on a good foot. Yet a few weeks into the new year or sometimes even a few days in, we let the stresses of the world get to us and we're back to where we began. Everyday should bring us a new set of goals to achieve, a new sense of direction, or even an attitude that will not only keep us positive but those that we come into contact with.
I recently read a great book by the name of "The Message", which the author has an experience of going into a coma for a number of weeks and while he is in a coma he visits the Spirit World. He shares many inspiring messages which he is to share with the world about his experience, but his greatest message of all is service. His guardian angel, which is his nephew who passed away as a teenager, shares that service is the action of love. Christ went about his ministry and served the people through so many ways. We can pray for opportunities to serve those around us whether they be family, friends, or strangers. There are thousands and thousands of stories of service which rendered by one person brought an action of love as well as a change to many people.
May we learn from the perfect man, the perfect example, and our perfect Brother, the Lord, Jesus Christ. As we start to think that this world has so much negativity and that this life is so difficult, pray for opportunities to help those that need you. Christ came to save us through his perfect nature. Christ came so that we may have an example to live by everyday. Christ came to atone for our sins, infirmities, weaknesses, tears, and faults so that we may come unto Him and be more like our Father in Heaven. We never know the result of our service until sometimes years later, but in your heart and in your daily life you will see a change for the better as life gets a little easier.
Merry Christmas and may we serve each other everyday pure in heart. And bring about a change for the better through our talents, our words, our actions, and so many other ways which we have been taught.
Clayton Ashcraft
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