We are all familiar with the Wise Men who journeyed from the East to Jerusalem in search of the new born Savior. By memory, most of us can recite the gifts they presented Him (Matt. 2:11). Regarding these gifts, President Monson said; "Since that time, the spirit of giving gifts has been present in the mind of each Christian as he commemorates the Christmas season."
I then started thinking... as the Savior is the perfect example in all things, what is His example to us as we give to others? In his last public address to the Church, President Hunter answered my question:
"Never did the Savior give in expectation of receiving. He gave freely and lovingly, and His gifts were of inestimable value. He gave eyes to the blind, ears to the deaf, and legs to the lame; cleanliness to the unclean, wholeness to the infirm, and breath to the lifeless. His gifts were opportunity to the downtrodden, freedom to the oppressed, forgiveness to the repentant, hope to the despairing, and light in the darkness. He gave us His love, His service, and His life. And most important, He gave us and all mortals resurrection, salvation, and eternal life. We should strive to give as He gave. To give of oneself is a holy gift. We give as a remembrance of all the Savior has given."
Mosiah 2:17 "And behold, I tell you these things that ye may learn wisdom that ye may learn that when ye are in the service of your fellow beings ye are only in the service of your God."
To read these full articles, go to Thomas S. Monson, “The Spirit of Christmas,” First Presidency Christmas Devotional, 6 December 1992 and Howard W. Hunter, “The Gifts of Christmas,” First Presidency Christmas Devotional, 4 December 1994
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