Advent Day twelve: Charity is the Pure Love of Christ

Moroni 7:47–48

47 But charity is the pure love of Christ, and it endureth forever; and whoso is found possessed of it at the last day, it shall be well with him.

48 Wherefore, my beloved brethren, pray unto the Father with all the energy of heart, that ye may be filled with this love, which he hath bestowed upon all who are true followers of his Son, Jesus Christ; that ye may become the sons of God; that when he shall appear we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is; that we may have this hope; that we may be purified even as he is pure. Amen.

One of the most magical parts of the Christmas season is the added focus on the Savior we can feel in our everyday life.  There are so many reminders to be a better person and help those in need, from bell ringers to charity Christmas trees. There are so many opportunities to give it can feel overwhelming – are we doing enough?

In Moroni, we are taught that charity is an inner and outer demonstration of our love for the Savior. Charity is not limited an amount you donate or even traditional acts of service.  Elder Jeffery R. Holland counsels, “pure Christlike love flowing from true righteousness can change the world.”

I think that is part of the magic of Christmas. It’s easy to feel like there are so many things that need our love and attention. At Christmas we can refocus on Christ and find comfort in the knowledge that even if all we have to give is time spent praying and thanking Heavenly Father for our blessings and asking him to magnify our callings as sisters, mothers, daughters and wives, we can change the world.

Today, I invite you to find small ways to practice charity in your life.  Maybe heeding the counsel of our beloved Prophet, President Thomas S. Monson, and deciding that “rather than being judgemental and critical of each other, may we have the pure love of christ for our fellow travelers in this journey through life.”

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