Nativity Countdown #17

This little set reminds me of the importance of simplicity. It contains just the basic characters - Joseph, Jesus and Mary. It's small and inexpensive. Yet, it still brings me happiness and joy and reminds me of the great gift of the Savior in my life.

A few years ago President Uchtdorf gave a talk titled, "Of Things that Matter Most." It was a reminder that we don't need to be busy all the time; it's okay to slow down and smell the roses. What better time to do that (and what harder time to try!) than during the Christmas season?

Here are some thoughts from that talk:

"The search for the best things inevitably leads to the foundational principles of the gospel of Jesus Christ—the simple and beautiful truths revealed to us by a caring, eternal, and all-knowing Father in Heaven. These core doctrines and principles, though simple enough for a child to understand, provide the answers to the most complex questions of life."

"There is a beauty and clarity that comes from simplicity that we sometimes do not appreciate in our thirst for intricate solutions."

"The holy scriptures and the spoken word of the living prophets give emphasis to the fundamental principles and doctrines of the gospel. The reason we return to these foundational principles, to the pure doctrines, is because they are the gateway to truths of profound meaning. They are the door to experiences of sublime importance that would otherwise be beyond our capacity to comprehend. These simple, basic principles are the key to living in harmony with God and man. They are the keys to opening the windows of heaven. They lead us to the peace, joy, and understanding that Heavenly Father has promised to His children who hear and obey Him."

"Let us simplify our lives a little. Let us make the changes necessary to refocus our lives on the sublime beauty of the simple, humble path of Christian discipleship—the path that leads always toward a life of meaning, gladness, and peace."