A Christmas gift that keeps giving back

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to give or receive a gift for Christmas that just keeps on giving year after year?

I remember well my 16th Christmas. That year, I did not ask for anything for the holiday. In a family home evening we had, Dad read to the family from Luke 2, the account of the Savior’s birth. This stirred within me a sense of profound awe and reverence toward our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

That same year, I received my own Book of Remembrance. It had typed copies of family group sheets and pedigree charts showing my ancestors back a long way with names, dates and places. Along with the genealogy sheets, were placed my baby blessing, baptism and confirmation certificates. Because of special events later, I added my Eagle Scout, Duty to God and all the Aaronic Priesthood certificates and awards. Included is every priesthood ordinantion certificate I have had through the years. I still have the book today. What a treasure trove!

Through the years, I have pulled out my book, opened it and have gone through all the information and events. It has become a great comfort to me during my trials. It also gives me reminders of the occasions which brought about the certificates and events in the book.

I think of the sacrifices my ancestors made to get here and the work they did to stay here. Some of them kept accounts of such events. Sometimes I wonder when a storm strikes, if the seas they crossed were as cold and wet as the storm outside. Some ancestors walked or pushed handcarts over plains, climbed mountains, waded through iced-over rivers in freezing temperatures and trudged through unforgiving terrain.

This year, both my parents passed on. In some ways it seems like they have never left. Yet in other ways, it seems a little strange that they are not here physically. But it's OK, because we have seen things take place that has let us know that they are still around, helping us in ways they could not if they were here. By this, my family knows that they love us.

When difficulties arise, after going to the Lord, I consult that book to see how my ancestors came through worse difficulties. It helps me obtain the necessary courage to face my challenges because I am learning more of who I am and where I came from. In doing this along with researching ancestors, I find that the time my parents spent with me I am spending with them in what they taught me about my ancestors. It is almost like they are right there with me going through it all.