First Presidency Christmas Devotional recap

Courtesy of MormonNewsroom.org » A near capacity crowd attended the First Presidency Christmas Devotional in the Conference Center on Temple Square 

The Holiday season never feels like it has fully arrived until the First Presidency Christmas Devotional, a tradition for members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
We can all celebrate now, though.
President Thomas S. Monson and his counselors opened the Christmas season on Dec. 2 with three inspiring talks for the Mormon faithful — and the world — at the Conference Center on Temple Square.
Monson spoke of the true meaning of Christmas, inviting all of us to reflect on the birth and life of the Savior and his atoning sacrifice — the greatest of all gifts.

“The real joy of Christmas comes not in the hurrying and the scurrying to get more done, nor is it found in the purchasing of gifts,” explained President Monson. “We find real joy when we make the Savior the focus of the season.”

President Dieter F. Uchtdorf poignantly admonished all to become better gift receivers, as well as gift givers. Learning how to receiving a gift appropriately provides life lessons for the entire year, he said.

“Every gift that is offered to us—especially a gift that comes from the heart—is an opportunity to build or strengthen our bonds of love," Pres. Uchtdorf said. "When we are good and grateful receivers, we open a door to deepen our relationship with the giver of the gift.”

You can view the entire devotional here.