Ungil Kurismas

Everyone I love with all my heart!
My heart is full this wonderful Christmas season and through being a missionary during this wonderful time of year I have truly come to learn what Christmas really is all about.

Growing up Christmas has always been my favorite holiday. I love the lights, the decorations, the music, the movies, and of course THE PRESENTS!

But something I always seemed to overlook each Christmas was, unfortunately, Our Savior. Our glorious Lord and Savior, to me, was somehow always overshadowed by the twinkling lights and the anticipation for Santa’s midnight arrival on Christmas Eve.

As I have been serving the Lord with all my heart, might, mind, and strength this Christmas; I have finally come to learn that the person at the center of this holiday does not wear a flush red coat, but rather, beautiful white robes. As I have learned more about our Savior’s humble birth I have grown to love him so much more.

Our Heavenly Father could have sent his only begotten son to any kind of parents: kings, rulers, or any of the world’s elite. But no he sent his beloved son to humble parents, Mary and Joseph, knowing that the literal son of God would be born in a tiny manger.

Our Savior has given us everything from the beginning. He deserved to be born into royalty. Still he was born in a tiny manger and wrapped in old clothes and laid to sleep on a pile of hay.

As I have pondered this topic, I have come to realize one of many things our loving Heavenly Father might have been teaching us on that humble night.
Our Father in Heaven might have been trying to show us, that true love and happiness does not come from material things.

Our Saviors entire mission was to show us how to be happy. He never once taught that we need material things to be happy, in fact he taught the opposite. Our Savior did not need to be royalty, and have wealth to accomplish his mission. All he needed were humble parents who would love him. That is exactly what he received that night in a manger.

So to sum up this jumble of Ideas… This Christmas season I would encourage you to look past all the glitter and lights and look for the true meaning of Christmas. Find ways to serve others, enjoy spending time with your friends and family. I promise that as you do this you will feel more joy this Christmas season than any present could ever bring. There were no decorations or “Santa” that first Christmas night. Just a baby surrounded by those who loved him.

I wish you all a merry Christmas!

Love, Elder Rupp