Thought of the Sunday 35

I have been in a real Christmasy mood lately.  I was asked by someone at church to prepare five minutes about storytelling and Christmas so that is possibly why I am in a Christmasy mood.  There are lots of different themes, moods and feelings for Christmastime.  I'm not sure why (or if) we reserve them for Christmas only.  From the way people talk, it seems like I should only be generous in December or something silly like that.  If people are classified as being more kind, loving, and giving at Christmastime, then what are we doing the rest of the year?

President Hinckley, former President of the Church, said this in 2007:

"It is because of His influence in our lives that stirs within us more kindness, more respect, more love, more concern.  It is because of Him and His teachings that we reach out to those in trouble, distress, and need wherever they may be.

"What a glorious season is this time of Christmas.  Hearts are softened.  Voices are raised in worship.  Kindness and mercy are reenthroned as elements in our lives.  There is an accelerated reaching out to those in distress.  There is an aura of peace that comes into our homes.  There is a measure of love that is not felt to the same extent at any other time of the year.

"Said Jesus, 'Whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them."

What I've learned or thought of this week is that we can always feel the spirit of Christmas as we try to be good disciples of Christ.  I also think that Christmas time (including music, movies, traditions and other reminders) can be a great reenforcer of the truths that we know and should follow throughout the year.  I think it would be a good goal for us all to try to be in the Christmas spirit for the whole year, and thus be better and more obedient servants of the Lord.  Remember that "...when ye are in the service of your fellow beings ye are only in the service of your God" (Mosiah 2:17).  That is true all the time.