Christmas: Finding Peace

As a mother, I've often wanted to give my children more temporally than I've been able to. Each Christmas I'd feel sad, especially as a single-parent for so many years, that I couldn't give them what they wanted or needed, or what I would have liked to give them. There were sometimes tears, mostly on my side.

Now, as a married woman, with 5 additional children and 14 grandchildren, I still feel the same. We're on a limited budget of time and resources.

For this reason I have been grateful for the teachings of my own mother who gave me the most important gift; the gift of a testimony of the gospel of Jesus Christ and the understanding of what matters most.

I often reflect on these thoughts: what can we do to help lift, strengthen and bless our family, that will be meaningful, keep the Spirit of the season, and help them feel of our love? For...that is what matters most.

I am very grateful for the recent First Presidency Devotional about the true meaning of the season and these powerful messages from Elder Kearon:

“We must be careful not to be so busy and tired from trying to do too much that we miss the focus of the season and are unable to figuratively kneel at the manger, worship the newborn King, and bring our own personal gift to Him,”.

“Is your schedule too packed? Are certain cultural traditions and pressures causing you undue stress and preventing you from receiving and reflecting the joy of Christ’s birth? How might you simplify your calendar this Christmas and plan better for next?”

“Perhaps this year you don’t send the Christmas cards, or you let go of some other media-inspired expectation you have of yourself. The cost in either time or money will take away some of your ability to focus on the Savior and feel His Christmas joy.”

“Perhaps this year you have a simplified Christmas with more homemade gifts and gifts of service, because the pressure and cost of trying to buy it all is too great—and unnecessary—and it will take away some of your ability to focus on the Savior and feel His Christmas peace.”

“As this Christmas approaches, let us do more of what matters and much less of what doesn’t..."

I second his words as they are true and have sunk deep into my heart. I pray we can strive to have more peace this Christmas season by letting-go of what matters less and focusing on what matters most.  

World's Largest LIVE Nativity; Angels We Have Heard on High- Piano Guys, David Archuleta, Alex Boye' etc. - Glorious Message

Today we share the Glorious Message of the Birth of Jesus Christ.  In a Live Nativity, surrounded by concourses of angels, we imagine what it might have been like during that sacred time.

Over 1,000 people spent over 10,000 hours preparing to share this powerful witness to the world.

'Angels We Have Heard on High", The Piano Guys, David Archuleta, Alex Boye', The Mormon Tabernacle Choir and...countless others - offer their gifts and talents in this regard.

We invite all to watch and to feel of the Holy Spirit as we ponder on the true meaning of this season and how we can better learn from His life, teachings and example.

Read more about it.

#ShareTheGift

Christmas Tears and Christmas Joys!

None of us are naive enough that we think there aren't hardships and trials this time of year.  In fact, my car broke down yesterday and it was one of those 'last straw' type things.  We had to borrow grandpa's car a few times yesterday to get us where we needed to go as well as this morning to take Ashley to her Institute classes.

I was just on my knees a few minutes ago (who among us does not feel despair from time to time) and the tears were flowing.  Just in the midst of it all I heard a unique and rare sound on my phone (yes, I still don't know how all the noises on my phone work).  I looked at it to see who was 'writing'.  It was a personal message to me (and to all of you) from the First Presidency.  Wow!  I read it and ...yes, the tears flowed even more freely (their messages will go to all who have their emails listed on their lds.org ward account page.)

Both tears and joy are part of this mortal experience.  We're always grateful for people that lift us when we're having a hard time and...we're also happy when we can be the ones to lift.  I've experienced both, many times.  I don't like to feel in despair and sadness - but...those have often been companions throughout my years of low-income single-parenting; the hardest thing I've ever done.

He is the GIFT!

Many of you have seen this precious video about the true meaning of this season.  I invite you all to watch again and share.  #sharethegift

In our busy lives may we take time to be still; to turn off all the noises around us, to sit and ponder, to lie in bed and think on why we're, what we're to do and become and what is ahead for us if we follow Him.

My life has been changed forever because of my Savior, Jesus Christ.  I don't say that lightly.  His life and teachings mean everything to me.  I've been through much of sorrow and suffering (as have many of you) and my only real hope was the hope I gained in and through and because of Him.

He's brought me comfort and peace and has showed me a way out of sorrow and to the light and joy.  So, I share this with you in that same vein.

He is the REASON for the season.  HE IS THE GIFT!

Getting Ready for Christmas

Getting Ready for Christmas

by President Dieter F. Uchtdorf

As an old tradition, our family has always celebrated the Advent of Christmas. Starting on the fourth Sunday before Christmas, we would get together on Sunday afternoons, light wax candles on a pine Advent wreath, enjoy delicious homemade cookies, and read passages of scriptures that center on the Christ.

We read accounts of ancient prophets who yearned for the coming of the Messiah. We read scriptures that proclaim the wondrous story of His birth. Each week by singing beautiful Christmas songs and having a fun time together, our family tried to refocus on the true meaning of the season. I must admit that delicious hot chocolate, hot apple cider, and tasty homemade cookies helped a lot to catch the joyful feeling of the Christmas season!

While celebrating the Advent of Christmas is not part of all cultures around the globe, there is something we can learn from this widespread Christian tradition. Perhaps even this year we might carve from our busy schedules some time to study and reflect on the true meaning of Christmas—personally and as families.

When we prepare for Christmas by pondering its real meaning, we prepare to experience the Christ and His message. May I suggest three things we may want to study, ponder, and apply in this season of preparation.

First, rejoice in the birth of our Savior.

Second, ponder His influence in our lives today.

Third, look steadfastly for His coming.

I pray that each and every one of you will have a wonderful and merry Christmas season.

The word Advent means “the coming of Christ.” In Germany, where President Uchtdorf grew up, many families celebrate Advent for four weeks before Christmas.

Room for Christ

Do you have room for him?  This is the title of a new release from LDS woman Shawna Edwards.  Important to think about and ponder on during this season when oftimes it becomes more about worldly gifts and financial strain.  Let us get back to the real meaning of the season.  Blessings to you all.