Christmas Stories

I have saved many Christmas stories that I've received via email or seen online. Today I decided to go through them and clean them up. Although it took much longer than I anticipated I came to realize the stories that touched my heart were the ones of service, charity and general kindness. People who did things not for personal gain, but just because. It occured to me that the season that focused our attention towards Christ also had a way of helping us be more like Him.

I've decided to post a story each day in hopes of reminding us - mainly me, of the purpose of this season and of the good I can personally do.

Although this isn't a story at all, the message is powerful.


THE GIFTS OF CHRISTMAS
Howard W. Hunter
This Christmas, mend a quarrel. Seek out a forgotten friend. Dismiss suspicion and replace it with trust. Write a letter. Give a soft answer. Encourage youth. Manifest your loyalty in word and deed. Keep a promise. Forgo a grudge. Forgive an enemy. Apologize. Try to understand. Examine your demands on others. Think first of someone else. Be kind. Be gentle. Laugh a little more. Express your gratitude. Welcome a stranger. Gladden the heart of a child. Take pleasure in the beauty and wonder of the earth. Speak your love and then speak it again.

What an amazing challenge. Let's do it!