My nephew who is serving a Mission in Russia sends me this slightly edited message about the greatest gift of Christmas.

A young married couple one Christmas Eve wanted to buy each other something special. They didn't have any children, or possess much money. They lived in poverty. However, they both had very precious things of their own.

The wife had long, beautiful, auburn hair that flowed flawlessly to her waist. The husband had a family heirloom - a silver pocket watch, which he took out of it's case and admired from time to time. So, they both went out to get each other a gift - a symbol of their love. Previously, the woman had noticed her husband admiring a platinum pocket chain for his watch. She wanted this for his Christmas gift, but in order to get the money to buy it, she would have to sell her hair.

Consequently, she cut off her hair and sold it for the needed money o buy the gift. When she got home, she looked at her husband, who looked surprised when he noticed her hair was gone. He asked her, "Where is your beautiful hair?" and smiling she replied, "I sold it to buy your gift."

He then showed her the gift he had bought her - Beautiful Golden Combs to adorn her hair... and she asked him, "where did you get the money for this?" and he replied, "I pawned my silver pocket watch."

Now I cannot tell a beautiful story as well as the man who writes it, but I do know that this is one of the most beautiful stories I've ever heard. It is of two "caring" people, who gave up what they loved - for the one that they loved the most. Jesus Christ did this for us. Please always remember from where the spirit of "Christmas" is derived.

The Atonement is the greatest gift to mankind. Do we use this gift every day? Do we treasure it as we should? It is a gift that has been sealed with the blood of Apostles, Prophets, Missionaries, Everyday people, and ...Our Lord, Our Savior, the Messiah even Jesus the Christ. Don't waste the best gift you've ever received. Share it. Use it. Love it.

Following is a beautiful statement I've added concerning the Atonement

At One With Christ

"The Savior's victory can compensate not only for our sins, but also for inadequacies …Our ultimate aspiration is more than being forgiven of sin — we seek to become holy, endowed affirmatively with Christ-like attributes, at one with him, like Him." — Elder Bruce Hafen, The Broken Heart