The Christmas ornament By Phil and Rose Graves

She sat atop a fragrant Christmas tree decorated with lights, bows and ornaments of all kinds, she felt especially special as she crowned the treetop. The star looked around, could she have cried she would have, for joy wrapped itself around her as she admired her surroundings. She could see outside the front window as frozen flakes began to fall. They decorated the landscape covering it with sparkling white. It was Christmas Eve and she had been watching as the house filled with loved ones.
Relatives! Cousins, aunties, uncles, and grandparents too, the house filled quickly and more and more gifts were piled underneath the tree. The star glittered and glowed as she watched the love that filled the house. The family gathered together in front of the tree and sang Christmas carols while sipping hot wassail. The star thought it was the most wonderful thing she had seen, warm and inviting in every way. Soon every one drifted off to find their beds and go to sleep.
The crystal star sat atop her perch and watched the snow outside. One by one the houses of the neighborhood turned down their lights and went to sleep.
Christmas morning arrived, dawn crept outside and brilliant light was cast across the freshly fallen snow. The house began to stir. First the star watched as children began to peek around the corner to see the sight of the presents under the tree. Next were the parents, groggy and still tired, excitement evident on their faces as they watched the children’s faces shine in anticipation. The family gathered and gifts were passed around. The star watched thrills of joy crowning her. The gifts were opened and at first the smiles and joy were palpable, but it wasn’t long before cries of joy were replaced by tears of anger. Yells overtook the joy and the poor star watched in dismay as what had started out to be a joyous occasion became a room full of apology and despair. The children were unhappy with what they had received. The grownups were not thrilled with what they had either. Disappointment at their children’s reactions to the gifts they had lovingly picked out. Smiles were replaced with frowns. The joy that had filled the once bright star’s heart was fast retreating. The star now sat atop the Christmas tree no longer glowing, no longer entranced by what had been beauty all around. At last as the family left the room stomping out and frustrated. The poor stars heart broke; at this she shattered into a million dimly glittering pieces, which fell unnoticed to the floor.
My Dear Friends and loved ones, Too often we get carried away with what it is we want to receive or even what it is we want to give to others and we forget that the true purpose of Christmas isn’t about gifts at all. Christmas is about remembering Christ and the love he has for us. The Savior came to earth selflessly with no thought for himself or his own glory. He tenderly suffered all pain and affliction because of his great love for each and every one of us. Is it really too much to ask to give that love back to him and to all mankind. Maybe it is? Perhaps we could start with our families and neighbors, simply loving each other and expecting nothing in return.
Let us remember the true meaning of Christmas this year: The pure love of Christ for all mankind.