The Gift of Christmas

Today I am asking for a bit of indulgence because this little repeat from another blog I posted, placed here, is befitting the holiday...

Dear Loved One,
You recently asked for thoughts and advice.
I think one of the greatest dis-services we unknowingly hand to our children may be the notion that "happily ever after" just falls into our lap, like in the movies. But happily ever after is not automatic and in this world, it, like freedom, isn't free.
The natural man, or worldly man, being an enemy to God is prone to wickedness, which never was happiness. Our goal, while we live in mortality, is to learn to live happily, or, like God.
Upon our departure from our heavenly home to come to Earth, we were given two gifts. The first was our talents, which would bring us joy. The second was our trials, which would bring us much greater joy because they would lead us to God. What greater gift could we receive? There is none because this gift has the ultimate potential - Exaltation.
I have pondered for a long time how a terrible and painful death could be made sweet (to God's faithful), and I have learned this - that we must only endure those things that will exalt us. We must prove to ourselves that we will remain faithful in whatever circumstance God sees fit.
Also - We are never just left on our own to "deal with it" or "get over it". Not only are we given help (scriptures, people, etc.), but the Lord is there with us all the way. His suffering in Gethsemane showed our lives to him, where He became spiritually one with us, knowing not only our name but experiencing our very experiences. He has been where we are.
When Shadrak, Meshak and Abednego were in the fiery furnace where was Jesus? Right there with them. When Abinadi was in the flames where was Jesus? Right there with him.
God is not a respecter of persons when it comes to His love and mercy etc., but the gifts He gave before we came here were very individual. He, knowing everything about us, gave us the perfect gifts; the ones that were just right. Everyone has talents and everyone has trials. These are gifts to be treasured. And learning to live happily is the only true gift we are able to give to Him.
This Christmas, an understanding of these things is the best gift I can offer you, but it is only an offering. Only you are able to receive it for yourself, and in so doing, the heavens will rejoice with you, for this truly is the reason for the season.
Love, Mom