THE TRUE SPIRIT OF CHRISTMAS

I asked my youngest grandchildren what gift they would be giving Jesus for His birthday. I explained that this special gift is not one purchased in a store; rather, it's one given from the heart that would change the world. I was touched in the level of their compassion and by each response. Below, I have compiled their gifts into the poem, "The True Spirit of Christmas" with a special thanks, love and appreciation to Alec, Mya, Karlie, Celine, Travler, Livia, Sariah, Savanna, Trigo and Jabez for their beautiful inspiration.

             The True Spirit of Christmas

As children we believe that the loveliest sight to see

Are presents wrapped and underneath a decorated tree

But the gift that means the most is not tied up in a bow 

It's the time and love that's given to mend a broken soul

When all of God's children stretch forth a loving hand

That is when the lion will lie down - next to the lamb

And we will create the miracles to end all human strife 

With no more wars of hatred to take a precious life

Someday we'll live together in peace and harmony

And every child on earth will have the privilege to be free

Those families torn apart by selfishness and greed

Will have a change of heart in what they feel they need

The true spirit of Christmas is not underneath the tree 

Its in the hearts of the children that belong to you and me

And in the hand of homelessness, regardless of their race

Its in the eyes of the elderly and the newborn baby's face

Its in the sorrow of a mother who can't wipe away her tears

And in the struggle of our youth to overcome their fears

Its in the pain of a father who has nothing left to give

And the soldier on the battlefield who really wants to live

When kindness replaces the idleness we know

Our actions will allow us to reap that which we sow

There will be no darkness, for the light is what we seek

And the earth will be transformed by the very words we speak

No one will have more, and no one will have less

For every knee shall bow and every tongue confess

That He is the Messiah, the strait and narrow way

And the door to our salvation upon the Judgement Day

The true spirit of Christmas isn't wrapped in fancy bows...

It's the time and love that's given to mend the broken souls 

All rights reserved for "The True Spirit of Christmas" and copyright pending by Linda Sumner Urza 

Alec, age 12: "My gift would be to give service. By giving, we receive the best blessings of all and help create a better world.  Service makes everyone feel good."

Mya, age 10: "I would give peace as my gift. I don't want anyone to be afraid. I don't like to be afraid and I believe that no one in the world should ever be scared. I want peace to rule the world. " 

Travler, age 10: "My gift for Jesus is love. Love can change war into peace. Someday, I want to be a soldier to protect our country and people, so no one gets hurt and they're not afraid to live here." 

Celine, age 8: "My gift would be to write a letter to Jesus and tell him how much I love Him. I will give more. There are lots of hungry people who don't have homes and that's not a good thing. Everyone should share, so no one is sad or left out." 

Jabez, age 3: "I would give Him a kiss!"

Karlie, age 10: "My gift will be to donate more. If everyone shares, then the world will be happier, people will be nicer to each other, and no one will be left out. When we all give, we feel good. If people don't want to share, then they should go without for a while and see how it feels not to have anything."

Livia, age 6: "I would give to "everyone" for my gift.  I want everyone to have food, then no one will ever be hungry. I want nice people to live here on earth, but no more mean ones." 

Sariah, age 8: "My gift is hope. Hope for more jobs for people who don't have any. I think hope would be a good gift for everyone. Hope will make a better world and help us take care of the world we have."

Savanna, age 6: "I would give my love for Him." 

Trigo, age 6: "My gift will be to be a good friend. I don't think Jesus will be happy to know that people are not nice or hurt anyone. So, I am going to be a nicer friend and a better friend. When you are nice everyone is happy.


Out of the mouths of babes... we cannot in good conscience allow our children to inherit the world as we know it, not on our watch, for we are greater than this. May we change everything that is humanly possible in this world to create a Heavenly outcome... and let us begin today. All rights by Linda Sumner Urza for One fine day

THE CHRISTMAS PRAYER

A young boy was staring at a beautiful Christmas tree displayed in the department store window. His clothes were tattered and torn, his shoes were too small for his feet, and his ragged tee shirt was hardly enough to keep him warm from the winter's chill. It was shivering cold, yet he seemed transfixed on the twinkling lights in the department store window.  

A businessman who happened to be passing by, noticed the child standing alone and felt compelled to stop. He reached in his pocket to give him his spare change, but in his heart he knew that was not sufficient for the boy's needs. Then he saw his reflection in the window, it was towering over the young lad and he felt inspired to a new depth of compassion.  

“That's a beautiful Christmas tree they have there.  I would be willing to bet there's a gift or two underneath that tree for you!” He said to the young lad.

The boy looked up at the man without saying a word, and then with a somber face, he looked back to the lights flickering on the tree.  The man took the young boy by the hand and together they walked into the department store.  They picked out a warm coat, a package of socks, a pair of shoes and snow boots. The child's eyes sparkled when he tried on his boots for the first time and he beamed with pride as he zipped his new parka up around his neck.

When they walked out of the store together, the boy looked up into the man's face.

"Are you Jesus?"  The young lad said in awe. 

The man's heart sunk deep into his chest when he heard the boy's words.  He knelt down beside him and responded to this unusual question. 

"No, I am not Jesus," he said with a tender reply. 

"Are you sure? Cause I was praying for Jesus to come down and you showed up! It's okay to tell me, I won't tell anyone." 

The man was overcome with humility; he had been mistaken for others over the years, but never for the Son of God.  He could hardly gather the right words to speak.

"I am not Jesus," he went on to say,  "but I follow Him and He sent me to answer your prayers." 

The young boy wrapped his arms around the stranger's neck and gave him a warm hug, "I bet you're his brother," he said with a twinkle in his eye.          

"Yes," the man said, "I am His brother."  

"I knew it," said the lad,  "I could tell that you were somebody really special."

They waved goodbye to each other and parted in opposite directions.  The man thought about this magnificent experience.  He shuttered to think that he would have missed a beautiful opportunity, if he'd only given the boy the small amount of change in the bottom of his pocket. Instead, he reached deep within his heart and remembered the true identity of his divine worth.  All rights reserved, Written by Linda Sumner Urza for One fine day

May we never be over shadowed by the world or forget the true significance of our divine worth.  During this Christmas season, let us all remember to reach beyond the small change, to make an even greater change in the world around us.  Merry Christmas and much love, Linda

SECRET SANTA GIVES AWAY $100 BILLS

I was listening to KLove radio station this afternoon and I heard a wonderful story of charity that touched my heart. In Reading, Pennsylvania last night, a Secret Santa gave away $100 bills to unsuspecting residents of the city. Every now and then there comes along a wonderful story, but this kind of charity is exceptionally rare. It was reported that the Santa handed out $20,000 to residents of the poorest district in this Pennsylvania town. 

The gracious donor had read somewhere that Reading, Pa was designated as America's poorest city with a population of 65,000 plus. Santa wanted to make a difference and he stayed for several hours to bless the lives of those who lived in this community. This Santa, who wishes to remain anonymous, arrived at a bus terminal in Reading and started handing out $100 bills - one right after another!  One resident told the local paper, "I was brought up to believe that you take care of your family... but I can't find a job!" When he was approached by the Secret Santa, he wept as he received the generous offering. Then he said, Santa patted him on the shoulder and told him, "You're a good man!" 

Santa is a wealthy businessman who got this wonderful tradition from a friend who had passed away a few years ago. He will be traveling to other cities in the next few weeks to spread an abundance of faith, hope and charity to those who may be suffering in this fallen economy.  

Through a generous example of charity, one man has certainly lifted the burdens of many.  He is the true meaning of the spirit of Christmas, for in Matthew 25: 37-40 it is written, "In as much as ye have done it unto the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me."Written by Linda Sumner Urza, One fine day.

THE GREAT I AM

We heard the story first before the world was created. Heavenly Father told us of His plan of happiness to all of His beloved children. Out of love, He would let us come down from the royal courts on high, to live in a world where we would be free to choose from good and evil, and of our own desire to live with Him again. Because of temptations, Father knew that it would be difficult for us; we would need power beyond that of our own spiritual strength in order to be rescued from death and sin. Our Father provided a Savior to lead us back into His presence.

Jehovah, out of His great love for Heavenly Father and for us, volunteered to come down from an exalted place to sacrifices His life, for ours. Jesus would face tremendous trials and difficulties while in His mission upon the earth, yet through Him, a way was provided for us to return to our heavenly home. We are able to call upon the powers of heaven through our faith in His example, teachings and the commandments. At the very heart of the commandments is the tremendous love the Father and of His Son.

Upon receiving this information in the pre existence, our hearts were filled with joy at the anticipation of coming to earth. Our Father and His Son had prepared a way for our journey in the everlasting gospel and we rejoiced in this opportunity to prove ourselves worthy.

During the month of December, my blogs will be dedicated to the true meaning of Christmas. Please share these stories with your children, friends and loved ones, that we may all come together as one to spread His light and celebrate His glory.

Many have since told the story of the sacred birth in Bethlehem; a Christ child born in a manger and sent from above to rescue the fall of mankind. Of all the inspired accounts, this ones we treasure the most, for it allows us to feel the tender love and care of the Father and His Beloved Son. In chapter Luke of the bible, there is a beautiful account of the birth of Jesus. Each detail of this story renews our faith that Heavenly Father has prepared the way for all His children to reenter into His presence, for Jesus is the pathway home from a weary journey. Written by Linda Sumner Urza, One fine day

The Bible Christmas Story

Luke Chapter 2, King James Version

Luke 2 in the New Testament is the sacred account of the birth of Jesus Christ. 

And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus, that all the world should be taxed. (And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.) And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city. And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:) To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child.

And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered. And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.

And there were in the same country shepherd abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly hosts praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.

And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us. And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger. And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child.

And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds. But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart. And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them.