This song is absolutely heavenly! I love it.

Where shepherds lately knelt and kept the angel's word,

I come in half-belief, a pilgrim strangely stirred;

But there is room and welcome there for me,

But there is room and welcome there for me.

In that unlikely place I find him as they said:

Sweet newborn Babe, how frail! And in a manger bed:

A still, small voice to cry one day for me,

A still, small voice to cry one day for me.

How should I not have known Isaiah would be there,

His prophecies fulfilled? With pounding heart I stare:

A child, a son, the Prince of Peace for me,

A child, a son, the Prince of Peace for me.

Can I, will I forget how Love was born, and burned

It's way into my heart--unasked, unforced, unearned,

To die, to live, and not alone for me,

To die, to live, and not alone for me.

 

 

Gifts we have been given:
Baptism and the gift of the Holy Ghost

The Savior's example

Wisdom and knowledge

The possibility of eternal life--"the greatest of all the gifts of God"

Christ's life, death, atoning sacrifice, and Resurrection

The priesthood, or God's authority and power on earth

God's commandments

Weakness

Covenants and ordinances, like the sacrament and temple endowment

Unique spiritual gifts

Gifts we can give to God:

Keep the commandments

Deny yourself of all ungodliness and love God

Offer a broken heart and a contrite spirit

Love those around you

Come unto Christ, take His yoke upon you, and learn of Him

Share the gospel with others

(From the December "For the Strength of Youth" magazine)

 

The painting at the top is titled "The Nativity," while the painting at the bottom is titled "The Christ Child." Both are exquisite pieces by Sharlotte Andrus. I really like the lighting in the paintings and the expressions on the faces.  Wow! Beautiful!

Can you tell that my breathing has slowed the last two days? It has! The cards are mailed out, the deliveries delivered, the presents wrapped, the house cleaned, and I am feeling calm. I had urges to go out yesterday and buy more gifts, and I am always concerned as to what I forgot or didn't do correctly, but I must let those thoughts go and concentrate on the Savior. What a blessing to have Christmas Eve on a Sunday! This has forced me to plan ahead have tasks completed in order to feel the Spirit of the Sabbath. Here is a partial list of ways my soul has been enriched this month:

--Reading

--Praying

--Hearing people teach and testify

--Finding small ways to light the world. Thinking of others.

--Seeing hundreds of ways that others are lighting the world

--Connecting/visiting with friends and family members

--Listening to music

--Worshipping together on Sunday

--Attending the temple

--Pondering

--Seeing.. the pink light in the sky in the early mornings, the sunsets in the evening, the snow on the mountains and on the trees, and marveling at the beauty of the earth.

--Learning more about God and Jesus Christ and feeling gratitude for them. I feel such gratitude to the Savior Jesus Christ! I rejoice that He was born and willingly came to earth.

This picture titled "The Angel's Song" by Ellie Wilson Warner is magnificent! I love it! 

Some lines of lyrics from the Christmas hymns stood out to me today:

Let every heart prepare him room (#201, Isaac Watts).

Come and behold him. Oh, come let us adore him (#202. John F. Wade).

Come, adore on bended knee. Christ the Lord, the newborn king (#203, French carol).

Heavenly hosts sing Alleluia! Christ, the Savior is born! Son of God, love's pure light (#204, Joseph Mohr).

Mary was that mother mild, Jesus Christ her little child (#205, Cecil Frances Alexander).

I love thee Lord Jesus. Be near me, Lord Jesus; I ask thee to stay close by me forever, and love me I pray (#206, Anon.).

The hopes and fears of all the years are met in thee tonight.  How silently, how silently the wondrous gift is given! Where meek souls will receive him, still the dear Christ enters in (#208, Phillip Brooks).

Hail the heavenborn Prince of Peace! Hail the Son of Righteousness! Light and life to all he brings, risen with healing in his wings. Glory to the newborn King (#209, Charles Wesley).

Hasten the time when from every clime men shall unite in the strains sublime. Glory to God in the highest (#212, John Menzies Macfarlane)!

God is not dead nor doth he sleep (#214, Henry Wadsworth Longfellow).

Ring out the darkness of the land, ring in the Christ that is to be (#215).

Christmas is not a day or a season, but a condition of heart and mind.

If we love our neighbors as ourselves;

If in our riches we are poor in spirit and in our poverty we are rich in grace;

If our charity vaunteth not itself, but suffereth long and is kind;

If when our brother asks for a loaf, we give ourselves instead;

If each day dawns in opportunity and sets in achievement, however small--

then every day is Christ's day and Christmas is always near.

James Wallingford, in Charles L. Wallis, ed., Words of Life (1966), 33.

A few quotes from C. S. Lewis about Christmas and the birth of Christ:

Once in our world, a Stable had something in it that was bigger than our whole world.

(From The Last Battle) 

 

The Son of God became a man to enable men to become sons of God.

(from Mere Christianity)

 

The birth of Christ is the central event in the history of earth — the very thing the whole story has been about. 

(From a personal interview)

Christmas 2021 was memorable and unexpected. Our grandson Tate was sick in the hospital (actually he bounced around to three hospitals in seven days). His parents were trying to be with him at the hospital and cover things at home with the three girls. Driving times to and from the hospital meant that their oldest daughter was babysitting a lot. Friends and neighbors were stepping in to help but my goodness, it was the week of Christmas, and everyone had activities to go to and things to do.  

 

To abbreviate--with the support and encouragement of my husband and family, some of whom had just arrived to spend the holiday with us, I flew out to California. It was my great pleasure to help in any small way. Besides spending time with the three girls at home, I was able to take a shift at the hospital with Tate. Here are some things in my heart which I am grateful for....

--A placid seven year-old boy who submitted to his treatments and procedures willingly.

--Hospital staff who allowed an exception to be made on Christmas Eve so that someone other than Tate's parents could spend the night with him.

--The blessing of putting my vaccination card in my backpack before I left for California, which allowed me to be admitted into the hospital.

--A mini Christmas tree which stood in the corner of Tate's hospital room. Surrounding the tree were gifts from his parents and cards from his sisters.

--A wonderful organization that donated a box of activities for Tate, along with other hospital patients. Tate woke up to a surprise box of gifts on Christmas day.

--The quiet and calm felt in the hospital room.

--Making a Christmas Eve/Christmas day menu with the three girls and taking them shopping in the rain to purchase the necessary items.

--The amazing hospital staff who worked through the holidays taking care of sick children.

--Tate's devoted parents who ran themselves ragged caring for him and being with him. 

--Talking with Tate in the hospital about the Christmas story, and about how Heavenly Father and Jesus knew him and knew he was in the hospital.

--Sweet feelings of not being alone in the hospital room.

--Hearing how family members rallied together and made spectacular meals at home, even better than I would have made!

--Our college-age son staying up late on Christmas Eve and decorating for his father's birthday.

--A new sensitivity that Christmas is not always joyful and predictable. A desire to reach out each Christmas to those who are experiencing pain at Christmas time. 

--An increase of love.

 

Sometimes Christmas looks a little different than you expected.  Our grandson is in the hospital with RSV, pneumonia, and asthma, and having him get better is our main concern. I believe in the power of prayer and I know that he and his parents will be strengthened through the prayers and faith of many caring people. 

Cecily Smith wrote an article in the April 2019 Ensign titled "Living in Grace and Gratitude." I liked these words from her:

"There is a beauty and clarity that comes from simplicity."

And this: "I've learned to leave margins in my days.  Those open spaces have allowed for a greater influence of the Spirit, room to serve someone in need, and the ability to be present with my family."

Now some comments about these two quotes, starting with the quote about simplicity.  My husband's work associate sets up seven Christmas trees in his house.  I have one and I'm feeling fine about that. I have no judgment for this associate as he probably loves Christmas trees and wants to set up that many, but I don't need to. I cooked a lot over the weekend and we have had leftovers for days and it has been all right with us. Leftovers are simple and fine. My morning routine is simple but sets me on the right track for the day. Yes, I agree with Cecily. There can be beauty and clarity in simplicity. 

I also agree with her in regards to allowing some open space in the day. I have tried really hard to be better at that this December.  Usually December is so full of tasks and commitments that there is no time to sit and ponder, listen to music, or listen to someone who needs to talk. What a shame as this should be the time, more than any other time of the year, when our hearts are softened and we think about the Savior.  Reading, praying, fasting, and participating in Light the World have all helped provide quiet moments of reflection.

One of my favorite childhood memories is caroling as a family at Christmas time. Instead of staying home and playing games, watching a show, or wrapping presents, we would all cram into the car(s) with our instruments and music, along with canisters of caramel corn, fresh caramels, or other treats made by mom. The houses we visited were not all in the same neighborhood, so there was driving involved and the caroling took place on multiple nights. When we arrived at a house, we would pile out of the car, giggling while getting situated, and then the concert would begin.  I remember that one year Mark's drum set was loaded into the car and carried out to each house. Hal sang loud and with a strong vibrato, David played his horn while Dad and Carolyn added the harmony and Rich hit the low bass notes.  No matter what vowel or consonant Mom sang, she was always smiling, and we all had a grand time.  

There was one lady we sang to who had a lot of barking dogs and the yard smelled funny, yet I am happy our parents took us there.  The Christmas caroling served multiple purposes--we were enlarging our musical talents, we were serving and seeking to lift, and we were having fun as a family. I remember liking it then and feeling close as a family while singing. Thank you dad and mom for instigating it and carrying on the tradition year after year.

Oh my, oh my, oh my.  This is a picture of Roxanne Crunkelton-Gunn who won the Nationwide "Ugly Sweater Contest." Roxanne is 63 years old and resides in Pennsylvania.  She made this sweater herself, well actually she bought a sweater at the thrift store and then attempted to cover the whole thing. This is not the first sweater she has made. Around town she is called the "Ugly Sweater Lady." As a winner of the contest, she was awarded $500:)

I am catching up and sharing pictures of events that happened this past month. It has been a marvelous, busy month. We missed the gatherings, both with family members and friends that were cancelled because of Covid, but are grateful for the things that did happen.

A grandson turned 3!

A grandson was baptized!

Logan and Matthew were able to spend time with the twins.

 

We had our traditional final's lunch with the two members of the family who are in college: 

A neighbor put up a giant Santa up and our grandson was dwarfed by it!

My father was in and out of the hospital a couple of times, but is thankfully now home.

We enjoyed being with a couple of children on Christmas Eve.

Matthew turned 60!

 

 

                                      In happy moments--praise God.

                                      In difficult moments--seek God.

                                      In quiet moments--worship God.

                                       In painful moments--trust God.

                                        In every moment--thank God.

I have had a mix of all of these types of moments this month and have felt a range of emotion. I have had happy moments, difficult moments, quiet moments (not enough of those), and painful moments. Responsibility and worry have weighed on my shoulders, but I have also felt joy in my heart. Thoughts of the newborn babe and his life and mission have brought great peace. I thank God for the gift of life!

Although this video is only two minutes long, the beginning dialogue and images depict the bleakness and hopelessness of life without a Savior, but then...

"One quiet night long ago in a tiny town, a child was born.

Born to change all hearts, end all goodbyes, fix all mistakes.

Born to overcome anguish, regret, depression, fear.

He understands you.

He heals us.

He can bridge the lonely gap between God and man and bring us home if we let him, if we love Him, if we follow Him.

That's why we celebrate, that's why we sing, and that's why He was born."

I am grateful Christ the Lord was born!

There were a lot of great parts of December, but seeing these two little boys from San Francisco was one of the joys of the month.

I really enjoy being with grandchildren.

I liked singing in the Ward Choir. I liked the special Sacrament Meeting on December 22nd.

I liked the way we pulled together to care for our Dad after his surgery.

I like making deliveries.

I like when the doorbell rings.  

The snow was beautiful. (and so exciting for California company!)

I like listening to beautiful Christmas music.

I like seeing the faces and families on Christmas cards.

I like thinking about the baby Jesus.

I like family parties and visiting with people.

I like the lights on the houses and trees, and the large light displays.

I like the feel of Christmas and the tenderness it brings.

Our choir sang a song called "A Christmas Blessing" this year, lyrics by Pamela A. Stewart, and I love the words:

May the shining splendor of the star tonight
Spill into your darkness, fill you with its light,
Light that seeks the shadows of your sheltered heart,
Reaching every corner, touching every part.

May the angels' music in the air tonight
Comfort all your sorrows like a lullaby.
May it blossom in within you, fill your broken soul,
Ease your pain and sadness, make your spirit whole.

May the peace of Christmas fill our world this night,
Peace for every nation, peace in every life.
Heal our inward strife that war may cease on earth,
Peace, be born with in us with the Savior's birth.

Yes, the Savior's birth brought us peace and I have felt it in my soul this season.

It's all about this little baby.
The lights, the gifts, the celebration.
We do it in remembrance and celebration of His birth.
I have tried to remember Him this month.
As I have been at my Dad's house helping, I've tried to remember the baby.
As I have purchased gifts for family members, and dropped off items for friends and neighbors, I have tried to remember Him.
I saw several beautiful light displays and they reminded me of His light.
I sang songs with the choir and the words touched my soul and reminded me of Him.
I have thought about what I would say to the baby Jesus were I kneeling near His manger bed.
I have tried to stay focused and not get carried away by distractions that don't matter.
I have sought peace and quiet amidst the busyness of it all.
Some days have been crazy and I have not succeeded.
But I will proclaim with conviction that I love that little baby in the manger.
I am grateful that He came to earth to save us all.
He is my Savior and Redeemer, and His birth, life, and sacrifice, make it possible for me to have hope in living with the Father again.

Yesterday in Young Women's we talked about three words: WELCOME, WORSHIP, ADORE. The girls and leaders listed synonyms for the three words.

Welcome: kindness, hello, invite, come in, being open

Worship: awe, praise, respect, honor, adore, love, appreciate, humility

Adore: intensity, deeper, no words, enjoy, cherish, love, beautiful, passionate, deep feelings, beyond measure

Then we looked for examples of WELCOME, WORSHIP, and ADORE in segments from this video.

This painting caught my eye, not because it is authentic as to how the worship of the newborn King would have looked, but because of the extraordinary details in the painting and the frame. This piece is titled "The Adoration of the Magi" by the Italian painter Gentile da Fabriano, completed in 1423.  The painting was commissioned by Palla Strozzi who is pictured in the painting, along with his father. In this work one is able to see the path of the three Magi in several scenes, starting from the upper left corner and continuing clockwise, ultimately leading to the moment when the Magi meet Mary and Jesus. Per the artist's preference, the people are wearing richly decorated clothing, and exotic animals have been added to the barnyard scene. There are even tiny paintings in the frame displaying snippets from the life of Christ.