Christmas is just a few days away, and I hope you have all your cards sent, presents bought and wrapped, and are finishing the last minute arrangements for Christmas celebrations. I would like to visit the topic of gifts one last time, but from a different perspective. A gift is not simply something that makes someone else happy. A gift implies a sacrifice, and the greater the sacrifice the greater the perceived value. As you think about past gifts you have given or received think about the sacrifice that went into the gift and how sacrifice affected the value.

During times of war, families have sent the sons to fight knowing they may not return home. To send a child to battle is a tremendous sacrifice and gift to the cause of the war that should never be overlooked. We should not only pay tribute to that family after a child dies in battle, but also when that child first leaves on his mission. Our Heavenly Father sent his Only Son to fight in a special battle knowing he would die to save each and every one of us. That is an incredible sacrifice and one that deserves remembering, especially from those he came to save. 

As Christmas approaches and each of you note the sacrifice that went into your gifts, please remember the sacrifice that went into the gift of the Christmas Christ Child. The gift of Jesus is of great value. Remember and use that gift every day. Merry Christmas! (12/19/1999)