Light Bulb Christmas

This Christmas Season I have felt so beyond grateful for my Savior and all that he's done for me. I truly don't know what I would do without the love, guidance and hope that he brings.
As I've grown up, Christmas has always been such an exciting time. Full of fun Christmas treats, music and decorations. I love seeing all the lights on peoples houses and feeling so much happiness in the air. But I couldn't help but find myself a little disappointed after each Christmas. I found it really easy to compare my gifts to those around me. I would forget what Christmas was really about. Yet, I was very blessed. I was provided for and I always had pretty good Christmas' but I still couldn't help comparing.
I remember one Christmas in particular... I was ready for new things and I couldn't wait to see what my parents had decided on that year. We opened a couple presents, I was pretty happy about the usual clothes and much needed socks. But there were still more presents, and I was really hoping for something big. I remember the feeling of pure confusion and disappointment when I found light bulbs in my last present.
 (I had this old lamp in my room that needed new light bulbs so my parents were really just trying to be thoughtful, but I was still pretty confused.)
 As I've reflected back, I realized that my childhood Christmas' and especially the light bulb Christmas have been such humbling experiences for me. I learned from a very young age that I didn't need absolutely everything I ever wanted and that gifts really aren't what Christmas is about. As I reflect on my light bulb Christmas I realize the literal meaning of having the light of Christ in our lives.

"Jesus is the Light of our Christmas, the Joy of our Hearts, and the Hope of our World."


 Christ really is the center of everything and as we draw closer to him, we will find happiness. He will bring us Light, Joy and Happiness if we just trust in him. I literally received light that Christmas. We might not be able to literally receive light each Christmas but we can definitely receive  light from our Savior. Light that can constantly flow into our lives on a daily basis.
I know that our Savior is always there. He wants to bring light into our lives, we just need to remember to let him. Trust in him and his plan. Do the things he asks. Seek his guidance and peace. I know as I've done these things I have been able to constantly feel his light in my life.

One more thought!:
 This past week my family and I decided to focus a lot on what we can do for others. We picked a family that we felt needed some extra help this Christmas and did Secret Santa. While we were driving there, I felt this overwhelming feeling of love. I was able to feel his light. I knew my Heavenly Father and Savior were proud of us at that moment. I haven't been able to shake that feeling since. He is real. He loves us. He wants us to do things that draw us closer to him.
 I hope we can all remember our Savior in our daily lives and all throughout the year not just this Christmas season and that we can work to receive the Saviors light. :)