"...Always Remember Him..." D&C 20:77,79

I think the month of December should be called the month of Remember. Why? Because it is so filled with good memories. It is filled with good smells, good songs, gift giving and receiving which all bring different types of remembering. But most importantly, it is the month in which we celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ, which brings about a whole set a remembering in and of itself. "The celebration of Christmas helps us keep our promise to always remember Him and His gifts to us. And that remembrance creates a desire in us to give gifts to Him" (Elder Henry B. Eyring).

My husband will say, "Don't forget" and I always say back, "Remember" because we must "Remember, remember that it is not the work of God that is frustrated, but the work of men" (D&C 3:3). Christ said to His disciples at the last supper, "This do in remembrance of me" (Luke 22:19). What are we to remember? "Always remember Him", Jesus Christ (D&C 20:77,79).

If Christmas could only last all year long perhaps we would remember Christ a little more easily all the time. The other day one of my sons said, "I wish it was Christmas all year long". I said that we could make it Christmas all year long by giving everyday. Later on I realized that this is exactly what Christ is wanting us to remember. "[He] gave himself for us, that He might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto Himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works" (Titus 2:14).  He is "the perfect example" (Bible Dictionary) of what we are to remember in everything: behavior, worship, praying, humility, love, meekness, giving, everything.

Heavenly Father also expresses His love for us by having given us His "Beloved Son, in whom [He] is well pleased" (3 Nephi 11:7). There is a children's Primary song that says it perfectly about Heavenly Father giving the perfect Gift to us, and how we can give back to Him and also remember Him:

"How could the Father tell the world of love and tenderness?

He sent His Son, a new born babe, with peace and holiness.

How could the Father show the world the pathway we should go?

He sent His Son on earth to walk with men on earth, that we may know.

How could the Father tell the world of sacrifice, of death?

He sent His Son to die for us and rise with living breath.

What does the Father ask of us? What do the scriptures say?

Have faith, have hope, live like His Son, help others on their way.

What does He ask? Live like His Son."

(He Sent His Son; view Mormon Tabernacle Choir Performance here)

As we celebrate this month of "Remember" we can give the gift of ourselves to Christ by living as He did. We don't have to buy expensive gifts or focus on parties or fancy clothes. We can focus on the greatest gift ever given, even Jesus Christ, and in so doing we can have a year of "remembering" and a whole year of Christmas. We can give of ourselves and we not only have Christmas all year long, but we will "always remember [Christ]" (D&C 20:77,79). This I testify.