Santa vs. Christ

I watched the movie "The Santa Clause" the other day. Incidentally, the day before, my mom and I had a discussion about Santa and how we felt about him in our culture. We came up with the conclusion that Santa is a distraction and a dangerous being to believe in, only because it takes us away from our Savior. The next day my mom saw a post from LDS Living about General Authorities' views on Santa and how blessed we are to be able to have this symbol in our lives. As for me, I would rather worship the actual being who has His name in this holiday. But you choose for yourself:

2 Nephi 9:37- Yea, wo unto those that worship idols, for the devil of all devils delighteth in them.

Having established that, I watched this movie, and could not believe the parallels that were held within. I almost laughed out loud to some of the things that were portrayed because they were so obvious. Thank God for my new eyes to see these things. I recommend watching that movie with new eyes and a new mind. There's a lot of things to be learned here.

I was reading the account of Christ's birth and becoming a couple of days ago. First I read in the book of Luke, following that, I read in 1 Nephi chapter 11. Here's something to consider. An angel comes to Mary to tell her of her mission. She is taken by the Spirit, and comes back from this experience pregnant. Throughout the pregnancy she has some significant experiences. Then when it is time to conceive, she is taken again by the Spirit, and comes back with a baby. She was still a virgin when this takes place. No parts of her body are ripped, or torn. There must be something significant in that event.

I would invite all readers to make this Christmas a little bit more simple. More plain. For this is how Christ works in us anyway! He is so plain and simple that some don't even recognize Him when He walks among them. Consider what you're willing to give to HIM. Ask Him for the gifts that you need.

I was asked by a friend the other day for the first time this holiday season, "What do you want for Christmas?" I hesitated to respond. In my head I was thinking "to see Christ Himself". She would have keeled over in laughter at that response. So I told her, "I don't want anything." Just as God's ways are not our ways, so are His gifts compared to our gifts that we give to each other. I don't have  the power to give anyone the gift of charity, or the gift of tongues, or the gift of prophecy. Christ is the giver of those gifts. And if there's anything I actually want for Christmas, it would be to obtain anything He wants me to have; anything He sees fit to "inflict upon me" (Mosiah 3:19). I would propose a new outlook on Christmas. Surely the season of giving is good. But compare this season to the birth and becoming of Christ. It was a spiritual time, a time of sacrifice, and manifestations of God's love. Angels were involved, and the humble, meek followers of God came to worship and behold Him. Christ wants so deeply to bless us with these gifts. This is a time of receiving as well. and so I say unto you, Receive Him.

Merry Christmas everyone!