Love is the measure of our faith, the inspiration for our obedience, and the true altitude of our discipleship.

Faith in Jesus Christ and a testimony of Him and His universal Atonement is not just a doctrine with great theological value. Such faith is a universal gift, glorious for all cultural regions of this earth, irrespective of language, race, color, nationality, or socioeconomic circumstance. The powers of reason may be used to try to understand this gift, but those who feel its effects most deeply are those who are willing to accept its blessings, which come from a pure and clean life of following the path of true repentance and living the commandments of God.

Lifting where we stand is a principle of power. Most of the priesthood bearers I know understand and live by this principle. They are eager to roll up their sleeves and go to work, whatever that work might be.

Setting goals is a worthy endeavor. We know that our Heavenly Father has goals because He has told us that His work and glory is "to bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of man. You don't need an invitation before you start moving in the direction of your righteous goals. You don't need to wait for permission to become the person you were designed to be.

Often small acts of service are all that is required to lift and bless another.

The Wright brothers committed themselves to do what no one else had ever done before. They took time to do their homework. They were humble and smart enough to appreciate and learn about the work of others who went before. And they tackled the problem line upon line, precept upon precept.

If we are only willing to open our hearts and minds to the spirit of Christmas, we will recognize wonderful things happening around us.