True Christmas Love

“I love you, Mother,” said little John;

Then, forgetting his work, his cap went on,

And he was off to the garden swing,

Leaving her the water and wood to bring.

 

“I love you, Mother,” said rosy Nell.

“I love you better than tongue can tell.”

Then she teased and pouted full half the day,

Till her mother rejoiced when she went to play.

 

“I love you, Mother,” said little Fan.

“Today I’ll help you all I can.

How glad I am that school doesn’t keep!”

So she rocked the babe till it fell asleep.

 

Then, stepping softly, she fetched the broom,

And swept the floor and tidied the room.

Busy and happy all day was she,

Helpful and happy as a child could be.

 

“I love you, Mother,” again they said,

Three little children going to bed.

How do you think that Mother guessed

Which of them really loved her best?

I found this little poem when reading an article entitled, "The Doorway of Love" by  Thomas S. Monson.  As this Christmas season continues, do we find ourselves saying we love our Savior as John and Nell said they loved their Mother then acted contrary, or do we find ourselves saying we love our Savior and then truly mean it, as Fan demonstrated?  Do we understand the difference?  

The difference between the first two and Fan was that Fan observed and then served. Sister Burton, in this last General Conference stated, "We have covenanted to 'always remember [the Savior] and keep his commandments,' and He has said, 'This is my commandment, That ye love one another, as I have loved you.'

"Notice how the following words from President Monson include the same invitation: 'We are surrounded by those in need of our attention, our encouragement, our support, our comfort, our kindness. … We are the Lord’s hands here upon the earth, with the mandate to serve and to lift His children. He is dependent upon each of us.'

"Did you hear it—the invitation to love one another? For some, serving or ministering one by one, following the Savior’s example, doesn’t come easily. But with practice, each of us can become more like the Savior as we serve God’s children. To help us better love one another, I would like to suggest four words to remember: 'First observe, then serve.'"