Christmas has come – the snow has fallen, gifts are piling up, the decorations are (finally) hung, and the kids have had their annual trip to see Santa. We even managed to get the Christmas cards out and most of the gifts wrapped. No doubt about it – the holidays are upon us.
Last week, I made a quick trip to the grocery store, coupons in tow, hoping to get a great deal on some cereal. I clip coupons and occasionally find some amazing savings, and this week was no exception. I was intending to buy 4 boxes of General Mills cereal for 25 cents each. I grabbed the cereal and a few cans of soup and boxes of muffin mix (also on a great sale) and went to the checkout line. As I waited in line, the lady behind me commented on my coat, so we chatted for a bit. She seemed like quite a nice lady, and reminded me a lot of my grandmother. Well, it came time for me to check out and as I handed the checker my coupons, she informed me that they would not accept one of the coupons (a coupon from one of their competitors that normally they honor). A little disappointed (but not surprised as it was just an AWESOME deal), I told the checker I’d skip buying the cereal. She put it off to the side and returned my coupons. The lady behind me in line leaned over and said "Did you just put that cereal back?" I told her I had. She turned to the checker and said, "I’ll pay for it." Though she offered several times, I didn’t let her pay for the cereal. (Turns out I’m just a cheapskate and don’t like to buy stuff unless it’s a really great deal.) But this experience left me with such a wonderful feeling of the spirit of giving and caring. It is amazing to me that in this world where so many people are only interested in themselves, this one sweet lady cared enough about me – someone she didn’t know and would probably never see again – to offer to buy the cereal she thought I couldn’t afford. I left the store that night with a lightened heart and a feeling of appreciation for the kindness of this stranger.
A few days ago, our home teachers made their monthly visit. They talked with us for a while, asking about work, family, the holidays, and those sorts of things. Then they shared a message with us of the meaning of Christmas, and the power of service. And as they were leaving, one brother grabbed the shovel he had brought over and began shoveling our walks and driveway. It had snowed that morning, and as we’d been at church, in meetings, and caring for a nephew who was staying with us for the weekend, we hadn’t yet found time to get out and shovel. It was a small act of service, but struck me with great force that these men would take the time to come visit with my family and then take the time to go out in the cold and dark to shovel our walk.
There truly are wonderful people in this world. Sometimes it’s easy to forget that, especially if you pay attention to the media, which seems intent on telling only the bad things that happen. But the good people are out there, and I think there are more good people with kind hearts than it seems at first glance. I like to believe that, given the chance, most of us would lend a helping hand if we saw a need we could meet. And isn’t that the true spirit of Christmas?
There is no greater gift than the Atonement of Jesus Christ. There is no greater love than our Heavenly Father offering us a way back to His presence. And there is no better way to show our appreciation for these Heavenly gifts than to share that love with those around us.
I hope this holiday season serves as a reminder of the wonderful gift we have all been given. Christmas is a wonderful time of year, but the best thing about it isn’t the presents or the snow. It is the love of the Savior that spreads across the globe, in these small and simple acts of service.
Merry Christmas.
