Week 3, Day 6: Reason for the Season

Do you ever feel kind of selfish? Maybe it's just me. Almost daily, I go through bouts of selfishness. Sadly enough, as I spent time today thinking about this, I realize that many of the times of greatest selfishness come around this time of year. "What do I want?" "Why did she get that when I only got this?", and even (this one is horrible, but I am going to be honest) "I bet they'll think I am the best if I get them this." Oh, selfish Kate.

So what is the solution?

Tonight, the First Presidency gave a Christmas devotional. I love this devotional for a number of reasons, but I think my favorite thing is that it falls right at the beginning of the Christmas season, and it does such a wonderful job in turning my heart to Christ and serving as a reminder for why we do all that we do.

Tonight, President Monson's talk particularly struck me. He told of a US military man living in war-torn Germany. He had a German housekeeper who did a wonderful job, so for Christmas he wanted to give her a present. Everything in Germany was rationed, but he had saved his excess items, so he put together a package of items for her. He spent the whole day thinking of what a great present that he had given, patting himself on the back because he had been so generous, especially to someone who had so very little.

When he arrived home, he was surprised to see that she too had left a gift. She gave him 10 postcards of her beloved city shaped into the star of Bethlehem. He was so touched by her surely giving from her very heart what very little she had to her name. That year, he learned the true spirit of selfless giving. That year, he felt joy.

As I prepare for this season and seek to rid myself of this selfishness, I am so grateful for such a story. The thing about selfishness is that with it comes depression and sadness. I loved the part of President Monson's talk where he said:

"...this joyful season brings to all of us a measure of happiness that corresponds to the degree to which we have turned our minds, feelings and actions to the Savior, whose birth we celebrate."

Believe it or not, there is meaning to this season. The world would have us believe that it's about gifts and trees and goodies and lights, but it's not. It's about the celebration of a glorious babe born humbly upon this earth over 2000 years ago. He was born to this world to show us an example and prepare the way for us to return to our Father. How grateful I am for the sweet little babe who grew up to be my Savior. I love, praise and honor Him.