Why I'm Choosing to Regift This Year

This year, I have decided to regift.

Don't worry family and friends, you'll still get new gifts because I'm not regifting what you think I am.

I'm regifting kindness.

I'm regifting forgiveness.

I'm regifting love and charity.

I'm regifting smiles.

I'm regifting patience.

I'm regifting joy.

I'm regifting time.



Over two millenia ago, our Father in Heaven gave us the greatest gift there was to give: our Savior Jesus Christ. Born in the most humble of places, Jesus was born to a humble carpenter and his wife. On that night, shepherds came to rejoice in this little baby who would someday grow to Atone for their sins and sorrows. Not able to contain their joy, these shepherds went about sharing the message that the Messiah had been born. They regifted the gift they had been given.


When Jesus began His ministry, He "went about doing good". He healed the sick and raised the dead. He comforted the downtrodden and glorified the meek. He fed the hungry and clothed the naked. He truly was God made into flesh.

"He was the Great Jehovah of the Old Testament, the Messiah of the New. Under the direction of His Father, He was the creator of the earth. “All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made” (John 1:3). Though sinless, He was baptized to fulfill all righteousness. He “went about doing good” (Acts 10:38), yet was despised for it. His gospel was a message of peace and goodwill. He entreated all to follow His example. He walked the roads of Palestine, healing the sick, causing the blind to see, and raising the dead. He taught the truths of eternity, the reality of our premortal existence, the purpose of our life on earth, and the potential for the sons and daughters of God in the life to come."  

-The Living Christ

Ever humble, ever loving, Jesus did not seek to lift Himself into positions of power and might. Rather, He sought continually to do the Father's will, and in so doing he became the gift that the world so needed, though perhaps they didn't realize it. In a world of Pharisees and Sadducees, the world needed someone to love without judgement. In a world of strict laws and rules, the world needed someone with patience and forgiveness. In a world of greedy kings and rulers, the world needed someone for the lowest of low.

And most of all, in a world of sinners, in a world of pain and sorrow, in a world of broken hearts, all of humanity needed a Savior. Someone to rescue them from "the midst of darkness". At the culmination of His life, Jesus Christ atoned for each one of us so that we could be saved and return to our Heavenly Father. He gifted us the reality of life after death; of exaltation and never-ending joy and rest.

I've always loved the special feeling that Christmas brings. People seem kinder and more helpful. Just the other day I was stopped at a red light when a man pushing his dead car came into my view. Seconds later another man came running full speed and helped push the car to safety. It was a small act of kindness, but it made me want to be kinder. It's like those "Pass it on" messages that we see on the freeway.

The beauty of having Jesus as the original Christmas gift, so to speak, is that he showed us how to do it all. We don't have to travel to distant lands to regift kindness. Yes, Christ gifted those around Him with miracles, but I also imagine that He gifted people with smiles, with kind words, with a helping hand. It's our job now to regift what He gave and continues to give to us. Sometimes what seems small to you is the miracle the other person needed that day. A few weeks ago, someone put a note on my door expressing words of kindness and love, after what had been a particularly difficult weekend for me. I know that it probably only took them a few short moments, but for me it meant the world. At a time when things weren't as bright as I wanted, someone regifted love to me and it was the shining ray of light that I needed to feel. Sometimes the physical sun isn't enough to warm us. Sometimes we need to be reminded that someone cares about us. Be the miracle, however small or big, that someone else is praying for.

I often hear people ask, "how can I keep this feeling (referring to Christmas) with me all year?" I suggest that this new year, instead of just focusing on your own goals, focus on what you can regift. Maybe it's visiting loved ones more often. Maybe it's getting to know your ministering brothers or sisters better. Maybe it's going to the temple more often. It's clear, now more than ever, that the Lord is hastening His work. He is asking us to accept a higher and holier path-one in which the members of His church are continually spreading joy, love, forgiveness, and all other Christlike attributes.

"We solemnly testify that His life, which is central to all human history, neither began in Bethlehem nor concluded on Calvary. He was the Firstborn of the Father, the Only Begotten Son in the flesh, the Redeemer of the world."

-The Living Christ

The work of our Savior continues to go forth. We have been asked to be the hands and feet of Jesus Christ while we are here on this earth. So this Christmas, as you wrap and give gifts, as you open gifts from others, think about how you can regift the greatest gift ever given to mankind.

How will you regift the Savior this year? 

 

Merry Christmas!
Simply,
Kenzie M