On the 1st Day of Christmas Past:
Question: How would YOU answer the question that Elder Asay was asked in today’s story?
To be entered into today’s drawing giveaway – Read the story below; “Comment” & “Share” your answer on Facebook or our blog.
Giving, Sharing, & Remembering
By Elder Carlos E Asay
Each yuletide season brings to my mind a flood of memorable experiences.
Emily, a fifteen-year-old daughter of a stake president, sat across the breakfast table from me. It was a few weeks before Christmas and the home was adorned with a Christmas tree and other traditional decorations. Some of the lively mealtime conversation with family members was about school, the stake conference, the delicious food being served, Santa Claus, and anticipated gifts. As the meal ended, Emily asked, “Elder Asay, if Christ were here with us today, what would you give him?”
I was caught off guard, surprised by the thought-provoking nature of the question. One does not often receive from a teenager an inquiry so timely and of such significance. When I had collected my senses, I responded with these lines from the poet Christina Rosetti:
What can I give him, poor as I am?
If I were a shepherd, I would bring him a lamb.
If I were a Wise Man, I would do my part.
Yet, what can I give Him? Give my heart.
I shall never approach another Christmas season without thinking of Emily and her question. Christmas is about Christ and giving. He gave us the precious gifts of immortality and the prospects of eternal life. Surely we owe our hearts and more to Him in return for His infinite goodness.
We have been reminded that by small things great things come to pass. So there are many seemingly “small” things I can give Him: Kindness to others, being non-judgemental and forgiving, giving time to help some one who is weary, being a considerate driver, smiling and speaking to the homeless person on the street, letting someone go ahead of you in line. Everyday we can give gifts to Christ as we give from the heart.
I think a Big Hug is in order. Just for a start.
My willingness to be obedient.
I would give him my love by serving others.
I would want to be loving to all around me, as an example of my Savior.
I would give Him my gratitude for His many tender mercies to me.
My whole self with service to others and always remembering Him.
I would give Christ my thankfulness for the many miracles he has provided in mine and my families lives.
Seeing others as He sees them.
I think that as we give of our time, talents, and energy, we are serving our Savior. We have been taught that when we are in the service of our fellowman, we are also in the service of the Savior.
I would give him a hug and thank him for all he has given to me.
The intent to be a more patient and attentive parent. To make my house a house of order and a house of learning.
I would say that the only gift I have to give is my sincerity in doing the right thing today. And that is why it doesn’t matter if Christ is here in person. We are unprofitable servants because we cannot give anything more than we have been given. Which means we must be grateful and sincere in loving those around us.
I would give him my willingness to love and serve others
The short answer for me is that I would give Him my love and my obedience. I can’t think of anything else that I possess that would be of much interest to Him.
Love of my Brothers and Sisters here on the Earth and being an angel here to those who need our help and Love doing that work which they can accept as they can not do now for themselves — Angel for those I come in contact with daily Have already a commitment to give all I have and will to the building up of the Kingdom of God — My heart , and hands for his goodness–
I would give Him my TIME, my undivided attention, and a broken heart that is ready to learn.
I try to give Him my will, my heart, and my love. He is everything.
I would give Him my heart, and strive to be His hands on earth.
I would give him a huge hug and strive to be more like him
I, too, would give him my heart, which would include everything He would want from me. Why should it be so hard for me to do that even if He’s not standing right here with me?
I would follow the example of the woman in the scriptures and wash his feet with my tears and kiss them.