As November 2017 neared, we edged closer to our special Christmas Relief Society meeting night. This was a special activity for the women of our Church. They look forward to gathering for a lovely meal, enjoying a short Christmas program, and making a seasonal craft. This year I was so excited because we would be making cute wooden boxes. I had seen boxes like these on Pinterest. They were versatile: they could be table centers, boxes to hold cutlery, or for any kind of storage.
We were super-blessed that our Relief Society president’s husband, Brother Graham, had donated old fence boards that he, his wife, and the sister missionaries had sanded down. Brother Graham had put much time and effort into cutting the wood so we could assemble these boxes that night.
As we prepared for the evening, I listened as Sister Pierson, our meeting coordinator, described the craft we were doing. I overheard a couple of sisters ask questions that I’m sure many may have wondered: “What’s the box for? What do I put in the box?”
Their questions stuck with me as I also thought, “Well, what are these boxes for?” We have all sorts of boxes. Some are pretty boxes that hold presents. Others are old cardboard boxes that may hold paint supplies, papers, etc. Whatever it is, the general purpose of a box is to hold something.
As I pondered on the meanings of this box that our Relief Society sisters were making at Christmas time, I was reminded of another box made long ago. It was a crude wooden manger that held a King (Luke 2:16). As I thought about all the things we put into boxes and pondered on this—the best thing ever placed in a box was a small baby sent from Heavenly Father for you and me.
So what was in that special box long ago?
Peace…
Repentance…
A promise to live again…
Love…
Acceptance…
Comfort…
A Friend…
A Brother…
A Saviour….
It wasn’t just a baby in a box. It was Jesus, the Son of God, who brought the gift of everlasting life.
So when the night arrived for the Relief Society sisters to build our own little boxes, some may have thought that these boxes were just for putting pretty things in them. Others might think they have a functional task. On that meeting night, I told the sisters that perhaps they will remember that old box of long ago. Perhaps they would remember to look for the good things that they would like to keep in their boxes, such as:
More peace…
Sincere repentance…
A reminder to seek after eternal blessings…
Love…
Acceptance…
Comfort…
Friendship and Sisterhood…
Service to others…
Rescuing souls….
As I celebrate Christmas in the coming years, I will continue to reflect on my little wooden box. I hope it will always be a gentle reminder of all those blessings that came with the first Christmas from our Saviour Jesus Christ. I hope we can see the good it held and see the good that our own box can hold. My hope is that we may live as He lived. May we love as He loved. May we reach out as He still reaches out to us. (Revelation 3:20)
Week 3: Light your family
Jesus Christ, the Light of the World, spent much of His ministry caring for individuals, one by one. Join us this Christmas as we follow His example and find ways to share our time, love, and resources with those in need.
At the busiest time of the year, fill your home with light by serving those closest to you.
Serving with your family can bring you closer together, but serving your family members can bring the light of Christ into your own home. This week, focus on ways you can serve the people you love most.
Learn more about how you can light the world in your family: