A week or so ago, Cami (age 5) re-created a Christmas Nativity scene by placing nativity stickers on a doorhanger. The Nativity characters were haphazardly arranged all over the place so Troy asked for an explanation. "This," said Cami, pointing to the star, "Is the star. And this is the donkey, eating the star." "Well," asked Troy, "What are these three guys doing over here?" "Those guys are fixing the barn," replied Cami. "And why is baby Jesus way over here, by Himself?" asked Troy. "He just wanted to crawl around in the hay," Cami answered.
Only a child would understand what baby Jesus was like. Only a child would picture Him wanting to crawl around in the hay. We adults just want to place Him in the manger and have Him stay there, just as we prefer our own children staying in bed. I love viewing the world through the eyes of a five year old.
Interesting to think too, that the wisemen were fixing the barn. Shouldn't we also be looking for the needs of others at Christmas time along with handing out plates of goodies and gifts. Service should be our goal all the time, but especially at Christmas time with so many who are lonely or lost. What will I give?
President Monson once said that we only need to remove the last syllable and the Spirit of Christmas becomes the Spirit of Christ. True joy comes when we serve others and in serving, we emulate the Saviour. The Spirit of Christmas should be found in us all year round.
