I was reading a talk given by Elder Eyring called "Gifts of Love: A Christmas Message". It's one of those talks that were made into a book/pamphlet thing. But in the middle this passage caught my eye and I thought it gave such a great message."We have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God...For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need. (Hebrews 4:14-16)
I bear you my testimony that Jesus gave that gift freely, willingly, to us all. He said: 'Therefore doth my Father love me, because I lay down my life, that I might take it again. No man taketh it from me, but I lay it down of myself' (John 10:17-18). All men and women come into this life with that gift. They will live again, and if they will, they may live with him.
And I bear you testimony that as you accept that gift, given through infinite sacrifice, it brings joy to the giver. Jesus taught, 'I say unto you, that...joy shall be in heaven over one sinner that repenteth, more than over ninety and nine just persons, which need no repentance' (Luke 15:7).
If that warms you as it does me, you may well want to give a gift to the Savior. Others did at his birth. Knowing what we know, how much more do we want to give him something? But he seems to have everything. Well, not quite. He doesn't have you with him again forever, not yet. I hope you are touched by the feelings of his heart enough to sense how much he wants to know you are coming home to him. You can't give that gift to him in one day, or one Christmas, but you could show him today that you are on the way. You could pray. You could read a page of scripture. you could keep a commandment."
Isn't it great to know that even though we all have big things to work on, each day we can show the Lord we are trying just by doing the simple things. What a great gift to remember today!
