As Church members give presents this Christmas season, they need to recognize that sharing their time and themselves is such an important part of giving, said President James E. Faust Dec. 1.

President James E. Faust

"We need to take the time not only to do the kind deed but also to look for the right opportunity," said President Faust, second counselor in the First Presidency. "The smallest gesture can mean so much to those who may need a little lift in their lives."

Speaking during the annual First Presidency Christmas Devotional, President Faust asked Church members to make this Christmas a season of "good will toward men."

"Christmas is such a special time of year," he said. "It gives us an opportunity to refocus our lives on the Savior and all that He means to us. Christmas is a time to be with dear family members and beloved friends. That is how I have enjoyed the many Christmas seasons of my life. Looking past the festivities of the Christmas season, there was a reawakening of love and appreciation for the Savior and what He did for us in His teachings, in His life and in his resurrection."

For most, he added, Christmas is a season of joy and happiness.

"It has been for me," he said. "In thinking back over those wonderful, delightful Christmas seasons past I have tried to recall what has made them so meaningful. It is a time when we have a joyful uplift and feeling of good towards everyone. It is a time to be our generous selves. It is a time when we push back for a short time our concerns and challenges and turn off unpleasantness. It is a time when we are able to enjoy the smell of pine and cider; Christmas carols; Christmas lights and decorations; Christmas candles; the story of Jesus being born in a manger, of the wise men, the shepherds, and the angel who proclaimed the greatest announcement ever given, 'for unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, which is Christ the Lord.' " (Luke 2: 11.)

President Faust recalled the Christmas of 1943; in the midst of World War II, he was separated from his new wife and family. "Looking back, however, I benefited from that experience because it increased my appreciation for my wife, family and friends and the happiness they brought into my life," he said. "I perhaps had taken those blessings too much for granted until then."

President Faust also shared the story of his friend, Jack Miller. During Christmastime 1949, Jack and Ila Miller were struggling financially. With Ila's brother, they obtained a required permit, traveled to the mountains near Scofield, Utah, and harvested Christmas trees to sell in the city.

"The trees were so beautiful that many people stopped to inquire about them," President Faust recalled. "Soon only one tree remained. Ila suggested to Jack that he bring it home so they could have their own Christmas tree to decorate. But Jack had already promised the tree to someone else.

"Only then did he confess that he had given away most of the Christmas trees to needy people so they would not be without a tree. He said, 'Ila, I can't turn these people away empty-handed at Christmastime!' "

President Faust said that not only did Jack and Ila have to buy their own Christmas tree from another lot, but they didn't make a dime in profit.

While it is difficult to cut down trees today, he added, there are other things Church members can do.

Retelling a favorite Gerald Horton Bath story, President Faust spoke of a native African who walked a long distance to find a beautiful shell for his Christian teacher. The teacher expressed thanks for the gift and for the effort it took to find it. The native answered, "Long walk, part of gift."

"Like the native's long walk was part of his gift of the shell, taking the time to go to Scofield and get the trees and bring them back was part of Jack's gift," he said. "May this Christmas be a wonderful season of 'good will toward all men,' a time for remembering the Savior and the greatest gift ever given. He gave His own life, which brought about eternal life for all of us."