Uplifting

Last night was our Relief Society Christmas dinner.  It was a beautiful event; simple and perfect.  There was a wonderful turnout with many sisters that we don't often see at midweek meetings.  The dinner was simple and delicious and sisters brought desserts to share.  Afterward, there was a sweet program based on the book, "A Christ Centered Christmas" by Emily Freeman.  It talked about seven nativity traditions and the lessons we can learn from the account of Christ's birth in the scriptures.  I sang "O Little Town of Bethlehem" with a small group part way through the readings.

As I sat there, my heart pondered a few things. The first thing I thought about is how much I, as a woman and mother and wife, needed this evening.  I loved being with the sisters in my ward; laughing and talking and catching up with each other.  Even though I am new to the ward, I still felt love and fellowship among the sisters.  I also needed that spiritual uplifting, the reminder that this season is about Christ and some ideas on how I can bring that into my family a little more.  As women, we do have the large part of responsibility to see that all the Christmas happenings happen and that's okay, but I appreciated the respite that this evening brought.

My other highlight of the evening was singing.  My voice felt better and I was able to sing clearly and I felt the spirit so strongly.  My heart was full.  The third verse of the song resonated and I was grateful to bear my testimony through the music.

How silently, how silently

The wondrous gift is giv'n!

So God imparts to human hearts

The blessings of his heav'n.

No ear may hear his coming;

But in this world of sin,

Where meek souls will receive him, still

The dear Christ enters in.

I am grateful for this Christmas season to focus on our Savior and the 'good news' that his gospel is.  He came to Earth because he loves each one of us.  He suffered for our sins and is our loving elder brother and mediator with the Father.  Through him, we can be redeemed and return to our Heavenly Father.  I know these things are true.  I hope you have an opportunity to feel the love of our Savior this Christmas season.