Why Christ's Birth is Significant

      I am sure that we all, as Christians, realize the true meaning of Christmas. But in the hubbub of getting gifts ready for our loved ones, baking cookies for our neighbors, going to plays and choir concerts and band recitals, and Christmas carols and shopping, it is possible to lose sight of the depth of its meaning. At Christmas we celebrate one of the most important events- arguably the most important- ever to take place in this world. Jesus Christ is of infinite worth in terms of our salvation, but His birth, specifically, was foretold by many in the scriptures and was (and is) absolutely essential.

        The literal birth of Jesus Christ holds great significance for all mankind. In looking at the big picture, we know that God's laws require justice. He would be an unfair God if there were no consequences for sin. Though, we are all sinners (in some form or another), so we all are in danger of punishment, condemnation, and eternal separation from God and our bodies. However, in His love for us, Heavenly Father provided a Savior for us to overcome sin (the Atonement) and death (the Crucifixion and Resurrection). The Apostle James E. Talmage wrote in his book Jesus the Christ,

Moreover, since by the transgression of one man sin came into the world and death was entailed upon all, it is consistent with reason that the atonement thus made necessary should be wrought by one.1

        Just as we must be held accountable for our sins by the law of justice, a perfect, ultimate sacrifice throws the balance. If one perfect being submits Himself to all pain and suffering for naught, the law of justice is mocked. It is Christ's perfection that made room for mercy- He was owed justice, and uses it to grant mercy to all who would otherwise experience the same payment for sin He already suffered.

Jesus Christ alone was qualified to be our Savior:

1. -As the one and only sinless Man
2. -As the Only Begotten of the Father and therefore the only Being born to earth possessing in their fullness the attributes of both Godhood and manhood
3. -As the One who had been chosen in the heavens and foreordained to this service 2

The Apostle Paul taught,

For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive.3

        Christ needed to be born of a mortal mother so that He had the ability to die. But He also needed to be born of God to have power over death and sin- so that He would not submit to death until His "hour had come". His birth gave way to the possibility for redemption of all who ever have, or ever will, live on this earth. A reason for rejoicing, indeed.

        And so, each year, we celebrate the great love and wisdom of our Heavenly Father, and the love and willingness of our Savior, Jesus Christ, who,

[Descended] below all things, in order that He might raise others above all things; for if He could not raise Himself and be exalted through those principles brought about by the atonement, He could not raise others; He could not do for others what He could not do for Himself.4

And we look forward to the time when He who was once of lowly birth will return, with glory, to the earth.

Published by Jen
1. James E. Talmage, Story and Philosophy of 'Mormonism,' p. 111.
2. James E. Talmage, Jesus the Christ, p. 20.
3. 1 Corinthians 15:22
4. Church President, John Taylor

Continue

Finding Joy in Giving

Thanks to Guest Blogger Amy for sharing her experience in giving.

“Rather than exchange gifts with each other this Christmas, why don’t we pick some children in need and give our presents to them?”  Mrs. Nielsen, my third grade teacher queried.  “All in favor, raise your hands!”  Travis, Beth and Heidi all raised their hands.  The rest of us, who had our heads screwed on straight, kept our hands decidedly down.

Of course Travis raised his hand I thought, he’s rich; he’ll get all the Christmas presents he wants anyway.   I knew for a fact that Travis and his two older sisters each had private horseback riding lessons, a privilege I sincerely coveted.   I also knew my parents didn’t have the money to ‘pony up’ for such a luxury.

Why was Mrs. Nielsen trying to ruin our fun Christmas tradition?  At church my teacher said it was more blessed to give than to receive, but I didn’t believe it.  I liked getting something myself a whole lot better than giving something to someone else.

Luckily my vote was in the majority and my classmates and I once again exchanged gifts with each other.  Phew, crisis averted.

And now a few decades (or so) later I still LOVE to get presents, and I’m embarrassed to admit I probably still like receiving better than giving.  But even I have to admit, giving feels really good sometimes.

One Christmas season, my parents’ friends’ daughter (ya follow me?), who worked as a social worker, decided she wanted to help provide Christmas presents for all the families on her caseload.  My parents asked my siblings and me if we wanted to participate in the gift buying.  This time my hand went straight up in the affirmative.  My assignment was to buy a present for an eight year old girl.  She had specifically asked for a baby doll.  Probably my favorite, Christmas present of all time had been the Mandy doll I received when I was six years old.  Mandy and I went through thick and thin together and were bonded for life, so I was thrilled to be able to buy a doll for another little girl.

I spent a lot of time in the department store picking just the right doll.  After  I made my choice I couldn’t help but remember how, as a child, I had longingly looked at the pictures of the extra clothing and accoutrements shown on the doll box or  pamphlet  that were all sold separately.  I had always wanted those extra accessories, but like horseback riding lessons, they were dividends I never received.

However, I decided one particular eight year old girl on a social worker’s caseload was going to get the extras too.  I really didn’t have the extra money, but sometimes you do have to throw caution to the wind. I bought a bathtub, a stroller and a couple of extra outfits. I felt so privileged to be able to buy these small things for this young girl. I imagined her looking at the “extras” on the pictures on the box  and feeling glorious that she had all the paraphernalia too.

I heard from my parent’s friends that the little girl had really liked the doll, but I bet all the joy she had playing with her doll didn’t match all the joy I’d felt buying for her.

Continue

Christmas through the Eyes of Simeon and Anna

Faithful Witnesses of Christ

Often overlooked and seldom mentioned along with the traditional Christmas story, the stories of Simeon and Anna are important, inspiring accounts. They can provide wonderful lessons to enhance our worship of Christ this Christmas season.

Two things that strike me about their stories are

1-   All their lives they faithfully looked for Christ

2-   When they saw Christ, they recognized him instantly!

(Taking some literary license upon myself, I’d like to tell Simeon and Anna’s stories.)

Having studied the scriptures and prophecies of the prophets of old, Simeon watched for the sign—the majestic shining star in the sky—hoping and waiting for his Lord, for it had been revealed to him that “he should not see death before he saw the Lord’s Christ.”

Simeon was a “just and devout” man, and he worked daily in the temple. He was led by the Holy Ghost, and he waited for the day when he would have the incomparable privilege of meeting his Lord, who would bring about salvation to every man.

However, he was getting very old, and though he believed in the revelation, though he had felt the Holy Ghost testify strongly to his heart that he would see that Christ child, he wondered how many years he might still have to wait. His body was growing tired, and the walk to and home from the temple seemed to take longer than when he was younger.

Then, from a seemingly ordinary day, he began to see the wonder in heaven. That night he saw a beautiful, majestic, shining star, unlike anything he had ever seen before, and he knew it to be the sign of his Lord’s birth.

“This is the day I have been waiting for!” Simeon thought. He had anticipated this day for many years, and now he saw the sign with his own eyes! The prophecies would soon be fulfilled!

From that time, each day was filled with eager anticipation; waiting, wondering…when would his chance come?!

It had been eight days since he had seen the sign, and this morning he arose earlier than usual, and decided to get an early start on his walk to the temple. It was a warm, clear day, and he felt excitement filling his bones. He gave thanks to God for another day he could live and work in His holy temple.

27 And he came by the Spirit into the temple: and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for him after the custom of the law,

 28 Then took he him up in his arms, and blessed God, and said,

 29 Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace, according to thy word:

 30 For mine eyes have seen thy salvation,

 31 Which thou hast prepared before the face of all people;

 32 A light to lighten the Gentiles, and the glory of thy people Israel.

33 And Joseph and his mother marvelled at those things which were spoken of him.

34 And Simeon blessed them, and said unto Mary his mother, Behold, this child is set for the fall and rising again of many in Israel…¹

Anna’s story is similar to Simeon’s. She had been a widow for many years. She was faithful, she spent her days in service to God, and fasting night and day. She spent so much time at the temple it seemed she never left.

She was there when Mary and Joseph brought Jesus to the temple to be circumcised. She was there as an eyewitness to the Savior himself.

38 And she coming in that instant gave thanks likewise unto the Lord, and spake of him to all them that looked for redemption in Jerusalem.¹ 

Simeon and Anna were both eye witnesses to the Lord; they knew of his divinity and recognized Him in the instant they saw him. But there were many who saw Christ and didn’t believe… What made the difference?

Maybe the answer lies in the patterns we see from their lives, in these scriptures, brief as they are. Both Simeon and Anna were righteous. They drew near to God² by standing in holy places³ (the sacred temple) and they received their testimonies from the Holy Ghost.

Significantly, after they witnessed the Savior, they testified of him and spread the good news abroad.

Church apostle Dallin H. Oaks said, “The mission of the Holy Ghost is to witness of the Father and the Son. Consequently, everyone who has received the witness of the Holy Ghost has a duty to share that testimony with others.”⁴

Our lesson and challenge then, as we take the examples of Simeon and Anna, is to

1-   Draw near unto God by placing ourselves in Holy places

2-   Strive to learn of Jesus Christ through the scriptures

3-   Come to know Him by the Holy Ghost.

As we try to live in a way that Simeon or Anna might have lived, we can receive witness of Jesus Christ’s divinity. And, just as Simeon and Anna, once we have received a personal knowledge of Christ, we must testify of Him.

References:

1.    Luke 2:25-38

2.    James 4:8, (Doctrine and Covenants 88:63)

3.     Matt 24:15, (Doctrine and Covenants 87:8)

4.     Church Apostle, Dallin H. Oaks, “Witnesses of Christ” October 1990

Published by: McKell

Continue

Christmas Lessons the Shepherds and Wise Men Teach

The Shepherds

While shepherds watch'd their flocks by night,

All seated on the ground,

The angel of the Lord came down,

And glory shone around.

"Fear not," said he, for mighty dread

Had seized their troubled mind;

"Glad tidings of great joy I bring

To you and all mankind."

"To you, in David's town this day,

Is born of David's line

The Savior who is Christ the Lord,

And this shall be the sign:

The heav'nly Babe you there shall find

To human view displayed,

All meanly wrapped in swathing bands,

And in a manger laid."

Hymn #211 “While Shepherd Watched Their Flocks”

15 And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us.

 16 And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger.

 17 And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child.

Luke 2:15-17

Lesson #1 from the Shepherds:  They left with haste.

Lesson #2: They spread the good news of Christ abroad.

The Wise Men

With wond'ring awe the wisemen saw

The star in heaven springing,

And with delight, in peaceful night,

They heard the angels singing:

Hosanna, hosanna, hosanna to his name!

7 Then Herod, when he had privily called the wise men, inquired of them diligently what time the star appeared.

 8 And he sent them to Bethlehem, and said, Go and search diligently for the young child; and when ye have found him, bring me word again, that I may come and worship him also.

By light of star they traveled far

To seek the lowly manger,

A humble bed wherein was laid

The wondrous little Stranger.

Hymn #210 “With Wondering Awe”

 11 And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshipped him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense, and myrrh.

 12 And being warned of God in a dream that they should not return to Herod, they departed into their own country another way.

Matthew 2:7-12

Lesson from the Wise Men: Sometimes we must choose another way.

I love these lessons we are taught from the shepherds and the wise men.

I like to think that if I saw the sign of the star in the sky, I would join the shepherds and the wise men and leave with haste to meet the Savior. Although, it can be so easy to get caught up in the daily tasks which seem so important to get done in that moment.  Maybe I would have meant to go, but said, just one second, I’m coming…

Would I have recognized the sign for what it was? Do I search the scriptures well enough that I would know what the sign meant?  Do I make the time for him now, to develop a relationship with Him, so I would know my Lord when I saw him?

The lesson for me here is to put down what I’m doing and make the time to get to know my Lord and Savior. Read the scriptures, ponder on his life, and invite His spirit to accompany me in my journey, so that I may find Him.

The second lesson for me is one I learn from the wise men. Instead of taking the easy, most traveled route, they went another way. Maybe they went out of their comfort zone. King Herod asked them to return and report to Him. It may have been scary to disobey. But the Lord asks us to follow Him, which may sometimes be contrary to the popular or easy way, and we need to follow.

The lesson for me here is to take a different way; follow the Lord’s way.

I am grateful for the simple, yet profound examples of the shepherds and the wise men, which if followed, can lead us closer to our loving Lord and Savior.

Published by: McKell

Continue

Christmas through the Eyes of Joseph, and Mary

[I wonder how] Joseph must have felt as he moved through the streets of a city not his own, with not a friend or kinsman in sight, nor anyone willing to extend a helping hand. In these very last and most painful hours of her “confinement,” Mary had ridden or walked approximately 100 miles from Nazareth in Galilee to Bethlehem in Judea. Surely Joseph must have wept at her silent courage. Now, alone and unnoticed, they had to descend from human company to a stable, a grotto full of animals, there to bring forth the Son of God.

I wonder what emotions Joseph might have had as he cleared away the dung and debris. I wonder if he felt the sting of tears as he hurriedly tried to find the cleanest straw and hold the animals back. I wonder if he wondered: “Could there be a more unhealthy, a more disease-ridden, a more despicable circumstance in which a child could be born? Is this a place fit for a king? Should the mother of the Son of God be asked to enter the valley of the shadow of death in such a foul and unfamiliar place as this? Is it wrong to wish her some comfort? Is it right He should be born here?”

But I am certain Joseph did not mutter and Mary did not wail. They knew a great deal and did the best they could.

Perhaps these parents knew even then that in the beginning of his mortal life, as well as in the end, this baby son born to them would have to descend beneath every human pain and disappointment. He would do so to help those who also felt they had been born without advantage.

I’ve thought of Mary, too, this most favored mortal woman in the history of the world, who as a mere child received an angel who uttered to her those words that would change the course not only of her own life but also that of all human history: “Hail, thou virgin, who art highly favoured of the Lord. The Lord is with thee; for thou art chosen and blessed among women.” (JST, Luke 1:28.) The nature of her spirit and the depth of her preparation were revealed in a response that shows both innocence and maturity: “Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according to thy word.” (Luke 1:38.)

It is here I stumble, here that I grasp for the feelings a mother has when she knows she has conceived a living soul, feels life quicken and grow within her womb, and carries a child to delivery. At such times fathers stand aside and watch, but mothers feel and never forget. Again, I’ve thought of Luke’s careful phrasing about that holy night in Bethlehem:

“The days were accomplished that she should be delivered.

“And she brought forth her firstborn son, and [she] wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and [she] laid him in a manger.” (Luke 2:6–7; italics added.) Those brief pronouns trumpet in our ears that, second only to the child himself, Mary is the chiefest figure, the regal queen, mother of mothers—holding center stage in this grandest of all dramatic moments. And those same pronouns also trumpet that, save for her beloved husband, she was very much alone.

I have wondered if this young woman, something of a child herself, here bearing her first baby, might have wished her mother, or an aunt, or her sister, or a friend, to be near her through the labor. Surely the birth of such a son as this should command the aid and attention of every midwife in Judea! We all might wish that someone could have held her hand, cooled her brow, and when the ordeal was over, given her rest in crisp, cool linen.

But it was not to be so. With only Joseph’s inexperienced assistance, she herself brought forth her firstborn son, wrapped him in the little clothes she had knowingly brought on her journey, and perhaps laid him on a pillow of hay.

Then on both sides of the veil a heavenly host broke into song. “Glory to God in the highest,” they sang, “and on earth, peace among men of good will.” (Luke 2:14, Phillips Translation.) But except for heavenly witnesses, these three were alone: Joseph, Mary, the baby to be named Jesus.

At this focal point of all human history, a point illuminated by a new star in the heavens revealed for just such a purpose, probably no other mortal watched—none but a poor young carpenter, a beautiful virgin mother, and silent stabled animals who had not the power to utter the sacredness they had seen.

Shepherds would soon arrive and later, wise men from the East. Later yet the memory of that night would bring Santa Claus and Frosty and Rudolph—and all would be welcome. But first and forever there was just a little family, without toys or trees or tinsel. With a baby—that’s how Christmas began.

By Church Apostle, Elder Jeffrey R. Holland, “Maybe Christmas Doesn’t Come From a Store”

Continue

Of Primary Importance: Childlike Wonder

It’s that wonderful time of year when I get to sing the songs of Christmas with the children at church! We recently began learning a song that invites the children to picture the sacred scene of the very first Christmas:

Listen here

As I began explaining the story of the first Christmas, I was surprised to see one of the 4-year-olds become quite distressed. “Wait!” he called out, “Why did they put Baby Jesus in a place where the wild animals could get him?” Another girl piped up, “Yeah! Was Mary worried that the animals might accidentally eat him?”

My first reaction was to laugh to myself and realize I needed to explain the story a little better for my young friends who weren’t familiar with it. But as I thought about the little boy’s question over the next few days, a new question began to form in my own mind: When was the last time I had “pictured a Christmas”—really pictured it? When was the last time I had really pondered with childlike wonder and innocence the miracle that was Christ’s birth?

Christmastime has been a season of wonder for ages, and this is perhaps especially true of the first Christmas.  Mary and Joseph, the shepherds and wise men all wondered at the holy baby in their midst and the life he would live.

When the angel visited the shepherds to deliver the message of the Savior’s birth, “the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid” (Luke 2:9-15). The angel told them to “Fear not,” and the shepherds joyfully shared the miraculous message with everyone they could. “And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds” (Luke 2:17-18).



Although the wise men were not visited by angelic messengers, they wondered and sought after the Christ and rejoiced when they found him.

“Where is he that is born King of the Jews? for we have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him” (Matthew 2:1-2).

“When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy. And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshipped him” (Matthew 2:10-11).

When Simeon prophesied that Jesus would be “a light to lighten the Gentiles, and the glory of thy people Israel,” Joseph and Mary “marveled at those things which were spoken of” the new baby (Luke 2:28-33).

Mary must have marveled that she would bear and raise the child who would grow to be the Good Shepherd and the means of bringing salvation to the world. She was amazed that God had “regarded the low estate of his handmaiden: for, behold, from henceforth all generations shall call me blessed” (Luke 1:47-48). As miracles unfolded, she “kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart” (Luke 2:19).



Picture the little baby Jesus.
 Think of his life and words so dear.

I think that maybe the shepherds, wise men, Mary, and Joseph wondered not so much at the baby that was born, but at what he would become. Former Church President Gordon B. Hinckley said, “The babe Jesus of Bethlehem would be but another baby without the redeeming Christ of Gethsemane and Calvary, and the triumphant fact of the Resurrection.”

This is the wondrous and true story of Christmas. The birth of Jesus in Bethlehem of Judea is preface. The three-year ministry of the Master is prologue. The magnificent substance of the story is His sacrifice, the totally selfless act of dying in pain on the cross of Calvary to atone for the sins of all of us.

The epilogue is the miracle of the Resurrection, bringing the assurance that “as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive” (1 Cor. 15:22).¹

At the end of his mortal life, Christ proclaimed, “To this end was I born, and for this cause came I into the world, that I should bear witness unto the truth. Every one that is of the truth heareth my voice” (John 18:37).



So in this season of excitement and stress and joy, may we remember to think of Christ’s life and words. In this season of remembering the Holy Child, may we recapture a little bit of childlike innocence and wonder at the miracle. May we sing praise to Him and remember Him as we picture Christmas this year.

Posted by Shellie

1. Past President of the Church Gordon B. Hinckley, “The Wondrous and True Story of Christmas,” December 2000 Ensign

Continue

O Come, Emmanuel

I love this video. Tender scenes from the Savior's life, with the backdrop of The Piano Guys "O Come Emmanuel" played so beautifully, brings a special Christmas spirit into my home, as I hope it will also bring to yours.

As I watched this video I was reminded of the miracle of Christ's birth. There were many signs and wonders on that holy night foretold by prophets long ago. However, the true miracle of his birth is the life he lived! The miracles he performed, the perfect example he left, the saving principles he taught, and most importantly the life he gave. He came into this world, just as you and me, as a baby. He is mankind's miracle.

"Rejoice! Rejoice!" Because Emmanuel did come to us!

Enjoy!

Published by: McKell

Continue

Favorite Christmas Stories

Just a week before Christmas, I had a visitor.  This is how it happened. I had just finished the household chores and was preparing to go to bed, when I heard a noise in the front of the house. I opened the door of the front room, and to my surprise, Santa Clause himself stepped out from behind the Christmas tree. He placed his fingers over his mouth so I would not cry out.

“What are you doing…,” I started to ask, but the words choked up in my throat as I saw he had tears in his eyes. His usual jolly manner was gone—gone was the eager, boisterous soul we all know.

He then answered me with a simple statement of “Teach the children.” I was puzzled. What did he mean? He anticipated my question and with one quick movement brought forth a miniature toy bag from behind the tree. As I stood there bewildered, Santa said again, “Teach the children. Teach them the old meaning of Christmas—The meaning that Christmas nowadays has forgotten.”

I started to say, “How can I…” when Santa reached into the toy bag and pulled out a brilliant shiny star.

“Teach the children that the star was the heavenly sign of promise long ago. God promised a Savior for the world and the star was a sign of the fulfillment of that promise. The countless shining stars at night—one for each man—now show the burning hope of all mankind.” Santa gently laid the star upon the fireplace mantle and drew forth from the bag a glittering red Christmas tree ornament.

“Teach the children red is the first color of Christmas. It was first used by the faithful people to remind them of the blood which was shed for all the people by the Savior. Christ gave His life and shed His blood that every man might have God’s gift of Eternal Life. Red is deep, intense, vivid—it is the greatest color of all. It is the symbol of the gift of God.”

“Teach the children,” he said as he dislodged a small Christmas tree from the depths of the toy bag. He placed it before the mantle and gently hung the red ornament on it. The deep green of the fir tree was a perfect background for the ornament. Here was the second color of Christmas.

“The pure green color of the stately fir tree remains green all year round,” he said. “This depicts the everlasting hope of mankind. Green is the youthful, hopeful, abundant color of nature. All the needles point heavenward—symbols of man’s returning thoughts toward heaven. The great green tree has been man’s best friend. It has sheltered him, warmed him, made beauty for him.” Suddenly, I heard a soft tinkling sound.

“Teach the children,” whispered Santa, “that the candle shows man’s thanks for the star of long ago. Its small light is the mirror of starlight. At first, candles were placed on the trees—they were like many glowing stars shining against the dark green. The colored lights have now taken over in remembrance.”

Santa turned the small Christmas tree lights on and picked up a gift from under the tree. He pointed to the large bow and said, “A bow is placed on a present to remind us of the spirit of the brotherhood of man. We should remember that the bow is tied as men should be tied, all of us together, with the bonds of good will toward each other. Good will forever is the message of the bow.”

Santa slung his bag over his shoulder and began to reach for the candy cane placed high on the tree. He unfastened it and reached out toward me with it.

“Teach the children that the candy cane represents the shepherd’s crook. The crook on the staff helps bring back the strayed sheep to the flock. The candy cane represents the helping hand we should show at Christmas time. The candy cane is the symbol that we are our brother’s keepers.”

As Santa looked about the room, a feeling of satisfaction shone in his face. He read wonderment in my eyes, and I am sure he sensed admiration for his night.

He reached into his bag and brought forth a large holly wreath. He placed it on the door and said, “Please teach the children that the wreath symbolizes the eternal nature of love; it never ceases, stops or ends. It is the one continuous round of affection. The wreath does double duty. It is made of many things and in many colors. It should remind us of all the things of Christmas. Please, teach the children.”

Continue

Is There Room in the Inn?

I was driving down the road the other day and saw a sign on a local church that read “You have your elf on the shelf, but where is your Jesus?”  I spent the rest of the drive home thinking about that sign.  Although we don’t have an elf, I had to wonder, Where is my Jesus?   

My family is currently on a temporary work assignment 2,000 miles from our home.  We came with a few necessities but not much else—mostly clothes and bedding.  There was certainly not room for Christmas decorations, and it occurred to me the other day that I don’t even have my children’s Christmas stockings for them to put out on Christmas Eve.  I have struggled with my emotions thinking that I should be in my home, decorating my tree, with my decorations!  Christmas is only a few weeks away and I have been wondering  how I  am going to make this Christmas special for my houseful of children, without the things they are accustomed to?  I spent a few days feeling sorry for myself and then I realized, I need a change of heart.   The thought that keeps going through my head is one brought to my attention by a Sunday School teacher many years ago.   “Do you make room for Christ in your life or is there no room in the inn?”   I think that is why the church’s sign caught my attention --I need to make more room for Christ in my life and not be as the inn keeper, who couldn’t make room for Mary and Joseph to bring Jesus into the world. 

My whole life I have been told “Christmas is not about things,” and although intellectually I know that, I wonder if I have ever really lived it.  There certainly have been Christmas mornings where there has been little under the tree, and as I think about it, those are the years I looked harder for the Christmas spirit.  Making room in the inn really means making room in my heart for Christ.   I have a great opportunity this year to custom-make Christmas.  I spent this week making a giant felt Nativity set so my kids could sit and play with the Nativity characters and retell the Christmas story over and over.   We will spend time together as a family making paper decorations, custom-made to point us to Christ.  Our Christmas tree will be covered with paper stars that represent the star of Bethlehem, candy canes that will remind us of the shepherd’s crook, and paper chains which remind us that we are bound together as a family because of the love of Jesus Christ.   I guess it is a blessing that my snowman collection and my family ornaments are still packed away under the stairs far away, because this Christmas is going to be one where we make memories.   This Christmas is going to be the year that we slow things down and really focus on what is important about the season--making room in the inn.  

Published by Guest Blogger: Syd

Continue

12 Ways to Bring the Spirit of Christ into Christmas

To wrap up our week of traditions, Guest Blogger Lara shares 12 Christmas traditions to help bring the spirit of Christ into your homes this Christmas.

1.  Plan your own 12 days of Christmas service for a neighbor or someone who could use a little TLC  (click here for some ideas)

2.  Make this Christmas Scripture Advent Calendar.  Even if it's past December 1st, you can make it today and pick up wherever you're at. 

3.  Christmas in Bethlehem dinner (we usually do it right after Christmas when life has calmed down a bit)

4.  Service chain--Instead of a countdown to Christmas chain, make a service chain out of strips of paper and a stapler.  Family members add a link every time they perform an act of service for someone.  We like to make a goal to have the chain reach a certain length and then we will go on a fun family outing together.

5.  Print off these Christmas Eve devotional books (that include songs, scriptures, and pictures) and spend about half-hour on Christmas Eve singing and reading the scriptures together

6.  Instead of gingerbread houses, make a graham cracker and candy creche scene with graham crackers, candy, royal icing, and toothpicks.

7.  Year by year drawings--Each year have your children draw a Nativity scene, then have them date and sign them and keep them in a binder as a scrapbook.  It will be fun each Christmas  to look back at the progression of their scenes.

8.  Watch inspiring videos and musical performances--if not in person, then on the internet.
Here's one of our favorites this year.  We also like this one and  this one.  


9.  Using supplies and toys you can find around your house, have everyone create their own nativity.  Here's the one my daughter made from Lincoln Logs and her dolls.  Next we are going to try this gorgeous nativity art project. 

10.  Go to the library and check out a variety of meaningful Christmas books and read one each day in December.   (this one, this one , and this one are a couple of our favorites and here is a link to my Christmas picture book review)

11.  If you live near one, visit your temple visitors' center's Christmas displays and performances.

12.  Invite the missionaries to your home to share a Christmas message.  Even better...invite a friend too!

Thanks to Lara for all these fun ideas!  Find more of Lara's great ideas at "Parenting in the Latter-days" featuring wonderful parenting and printable FHE ideas.  (http://thegoldenseven.blogspot.com)

Continue

Traditions: Joshua the Shepherd

Guest Blogger Nicolina shares her family's Christ-centered Christmas tradition, a fun rendition of Elf on the Shelf.

Long before there was a book about elves and shelves, my mother-in-law created an elf.  She used the elf as a tool, and she told her kids, "He's watching you so you better be good".  As a young child my husband would look forward to seeing where the elf moved during the night.  He really tried being good when he was in the same room as the elf.  

A few years ago my husband and I were talking about Christmas traditions, and we decided to spice ours up a bit.  Christmas is a magical time of year.  Young children find that magic to be so real.  We talked about the elf tradition. This was just about the time it was catching on, but we didn't want Christmas to be all about being good for Santa.  Christmas is about being selfless, and I didn’t want our children so focused on being good only so they can get many presents from Santa

One night we were brainstorming, and we came up with Joshua, our Shepherd.  We decided to have a shepherd that would come and remind us to serve each other, to tell us the Christmas story, to give us insight into Bethlehem and who lived there long ago, and to teach us more about the Savior. 

And so every year, once our tree is up, Joshua the Shepherd arrives and we cut a sheep out of construction paper.  He brings "sheep puffs" (aka cotton balls) and every time there is an act of service performed we get to put one puff on the sheep.  Sometimes we have several sheep.  Sometimes we have one big one.  But every year on Christmas Eve, before the birthday of our Lord, Joshua takes the sheep home with him and adds it to his flock.  

 

Like the elf, Joshua moves about the house.  He leaves notes, stories, or scriptures. And we are able to remember the Savior, and the Christmas season.  

This idea will morph as my children age.  He may bring stories to read every day. Perhaps one year he will bring a character out of the Nativity Story each day and we will learn all about that person.  He might leave personalized notes to my children.

We still like Santa, and Santa still visits our house on Christmas day.  But he has become a small part of our Christmas traditions.

After telling my sister-in-law about our tradition she said, "I love it, but I think I'm going to do an angel!"  Then I began thinking… what about a wise man, or a donkey, a sheep, the star, or really anything for the Nativity?

Each year I relearn that Christmas is as good as we make it to be.  I’ve learned this time of year requires effort, love, and service.  And the more I do those things for others, the more I feel the magic of the Christmas season. 

Continue