A Christmas Star

Russell M. Nelson, president (and prophet) of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. 

President Nelson's Facebook post today:

Tonight, December 21, is the winter solstice, regarded in many traditions as the darkest and longest night of the year. How fitting that astronomers and scientists are predicting tonight’s appearance of a “Christmas star,” formed by the great conjunction of Saturn and Jupiter, a rare event not seen in nearly 400 years.
While we don’t need to ascribe any special meaning to the actual phenomenon, tonight’s Christmas star will undoubtedly draw our minds and hearts to the original star that appeared in the heavens to mark the birth of our Savior Jesus Christ. For the shepherds in Judea, for the Wise Men, and for the believers in the New World, the star brought more than mere physical light—it brought hope.
My dear friends, as we near the end of a challenging year, one that may feel to many as a time of uncertainty and darkness, let us never forget that the light of hope still shines brightly. Jesus Christ is the light, the life, and the hope of the world. As we turn our hearts to Him, He will pour out His love for us in unmeasured ways. I wish you all a very merry and hope-filled Christmas season. #LightTheWorld

Be a Blessing to Someone

 

 

"This young man approached me and asked me to buy him a gallon of milk. My first thought was to say no but as I was paying for my gas I grabbed the milk. Outside was his girlfriend holding a box of cereal. He thanked me and I started to walk to my car. Something in me made me turn around. I told them I was about to get a car wash but if he wanted to wash it for me I’d pay him $20. We went to the nearest car wash and he had tears in his eyes after I paid him!

He told me that more than anything he appreciated me giving him the opportunity to be a man again in the eyes of his girlfriend and work for the money. The whole time his girlfriend helped him. It’s like she was proud of him. You could tell the love was so real. Real beyond material things and what he could do for her. She told him he did a great job and he couldn’t stop smiling. I had a long talk with him and her and he had a backpack full of paperwork from all of the places he’s been going to get help for them. I drove them to my apartment complex and gave him clothes for interviews and a few outfits and fitted caps. I don’t have much but life is about sharing what you do have.

Be a blessing to someone today because you could be in that situation before you know it! I gave them my number and I plan to take them to any interviews or appointments they have. It’s a great day to be alive no matter what your situation is. Someone has it worse than you! Share this message and inspire others to do good.”

Credit: Ariane Nelson (Story from 2019)

Love Like Jesus Christ

Christmas lights at Temple Square in Salt Lake City-2018

Henry B. Eyring's Christmas message:

I feel the spirit of Christmas as I read the Savior’s words. I feel the light, the optimism, and the witness that come from the influence of the Holy Ghost whenever I remember, ponder about, and strive to emulate the Savior of the World.

For us to have the spirit of Christmas, we must not only read of Him but act on what we learn. We must try to love as He loved.

He made no distinction between the poor and rich, the young or old, the healthy or infirm. He did not shun those of different faiths or those of different cultural backgrounds. He loved everyone. He loves everyone. And He has commanded us to “love one another,” as He has loved us (John 15:12).

I promise that as you ask Heavenly Father in faith and in the name of Jesus Christ and seek Him in your scripture study this season, the Spirit will bring feelings of peace to you and your loved ones this Christmas and always.

I'm sorry I don't know the artist for this portrayal of Joseph and Mary on the way to Bethlehem.

Be HIS HANDS

 

 (posted on Facebook by Jenine Murin)

President Spencer W. Kimball taught, "God does notice us, he watches over us. But it is usually through another person that he meets our needs. Therefore, it is VITAL that we serve each other in the kingdom."

As we emulate our Savior and remember how he served, how he used HIS HANDS to bless and serve others, we in turn can return this invaluable gift to Him, by doing likewise. We can be HIS HANDS in this mortal sphere; ours are His only feet. "When ye are in the service of your fellow beings, ye are only in the service of your God" (Mosiah 2:17).

To illustrate this principle and gift, I want to share the story of "The Towel." We were given this gift by our neighbor (a beautiful towel with this message) this Christmas Season.

"At first glance, it is easy to look at a towel as a most ordinary object. Have you ever stopped to think that for thousands of years, the towel has been used for many wonderful purposes? For example, the mother who wipes the tears of a child, the physician who binds the wounds of a patient, or the woman in her home wiping her hands as she moves from task to task.

Perhaps the MOST significant use of the towel happened nearly two thousand years ago when our Savior, only hours before He hung on the cross, took an ordinary towel in HIS LOVING HANDS and dried the feet of His disciples. This simple, loving act personifies the selflessness and loving service we should seek to give during our lives. It shows that an ordinary thing like a towel, in the RIGHT HANDS, and with a giving heart, can lighten another's load.

As with every action performed by the Savior on this earth, His act of service reminds us that simple day-to-day kindness is the Savior's way to bless and comfort."

Robert D. Hales said, "In the Lord's service the path is not easy. It often requires sacrifices, and we will likely experience adversity. But in serving Him, we discover that HIS HAND is truly over us."

 

Jesus Christ--The LAMB

 

                                                        Artist, Del Parson-The Lost Lamb

Notice the symbolism in many nativity paintings.  This one is "I Am a Child," bu Simon Dewey

Another idea for the 7-day Nativity Tradition that I like better than the other one is THE LAMB.

Jesus' birth occured in humble circumstances among the animals. There, the LAMB of God was born during Passover Season among the animals being prepared for the paschal sacrifice.

Then, before His work was done on earth, Jesus would be brought as a LAMB to the slaughter. He was both the LAMB and the shepherd.

The LAMB reminds us to prepare our hearts to recognize the hand of the Lord in our life, and then, in that instant, to GIVE THANKS.

Our gift of a grateful heart shows our appreciation to a generous Savior. Then, as President Henry B. Eyring said, "If you do that long enough and with faith, you will find yourself remembering blessings. And sometimes you will have gifts brought to your mind which you failed to notice during the day, but which you will then know were a touch of God's hand in your life."

In offering this gift to the Savior, we must be sure to show our love by counting our blessings -- and then, in His name, by making our blessings count.

Ten Symbols of Christmas With Scripture References

 

Ten Symbols of Christmas

By Charlotte Larcabal and Eric B. Murdock, Church Magazines, Photographs by Getty Images

The Holy Night, by Carl Bloch

Lights. Trees. Stars. Bells. Ever wonder what all these Christmas symbols might mean?

With all the hype of the holidays, you’re sure to see Christmas decorations everywhere. It’s a huge part of celebrating Christmas! But have you ever thought about how some of those traditional decorations can help us get in touch with the true spirit of the season? If we look at them in the right way, we can allow them to help us remember Jesus Christ in our Christmas celebrations as Christians have done for centuries.

The Star

                                                   

It’s hard to go anywhere during Christmas without seeing stars hanging from street lamps or sitting on top of Christmas trees. The star is one of the most recognizable symbols of the holiday. It represents the star that appeared in the sky when Jesus Christ was born. Five years before Jesus was born, Samuel the Lamanite prophesied of the signs of the Savior’s birth, including the appearance of a bright new star (see Helaman 14:5). The star led the Wise Men to Jesus (see Matthew 2:2) and reminds us to follow the light of the Savior just as the Wise Men followed the light of the star to find Him.

Lights and Candles

It’s hard to go anywhere during Christmas without seeing stars hanging from street lamps or sitting on top of Christmas trees. The star is one of the most recognizable symbols of the holiday. It represents the star that appeared in the sky when Jesus Christ was born. Five years before Jesus was born, Samuel the Lamanite prophesied of the signs of the Savior’s birth, including the appearance of a bright new star (see Helaman 14:5). The star led the Wise Men to Jesus (see Matthew 2:2) and reminds us to follow the light of the Savior just as the Wise Men followed the light of the star to find Him.

Elder David A. Bednar of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles has taught: “Many of our memorable and enduring Christmas traditions include different kinds of lights—lights on trees, lights in and on our homes, candles on our tables. May the beautiful lights of every holiday season remind us of Him who is the source of all light.”1 Christmas lights can remind us that Jesus Christ is the Light of the World. They can also remind us to be lights to others and to help others come unto Christ.

For centuries, candles have brought brightness and warmth to the season. Candles can also represent the light of the star that appeared at the birth of the Savior, and like other lights, remind us that He is the Light of the World. Did you know candles were often used to decorate Christmas trees before electric lights were invented?

Trees

       

Even before Christ’s birth, trees that stayed green all year long carried special meaning for people. A green, thriving tree in the dead of winter reminded people of hope and new life. Because of Jesus Christ, we can have everlasting life (see 3 Nephi 5:13), so we can choose to see the evergreen tree as a natural symbol of Him and His gift to us.

Poinsettias

The poinsettia originates from Mexico, and like the evergreen tree, it is a plant that thrives during the winter and symbolizes new life. But it doesn’t stop there! Their shape resembles a star, like the one that led the Wise Men to Jesus. Red poinsettias can remind us of the blood that Christ spilled for us. Elder Neal A. Maxwell (1926–2004) of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles taught, “Having bled at every pore, how red [Christ’s] raiment must have been in Gethsemane, how crimson that cloak!”2 white poinsettias can symbolize His purity (see Moroni 7:48).

Holly

Because its red berries and prickly green leaves last all year round, holly is used as a Christmas decoration all over the world. The sharp edges of the holly leaf can remind us of the crown of thorns placed on the Savior’s head (see Matthew 27:29). The red holly berry can remind us of His blood shed for all of us. Christians have long seen these symbols. In fact, in some Scandinavian languages, the word for holly is “Christ-thorn.”

Wreaths

Traditionally, wreaths are made of evergreens such as pine branches or holly. Their circular shape can represent eternity (see D&C 35:1). Wreaths hung on doors or in windows are like a symbolic invitation for the spirit of Christmas to fill our homes with the joy of the season.

Bells

                                        

For centuries, bells have been rung to announce the arrival of the Christmas season. They cansymbolize the announcement of the birth of Christ when angels in heaven praised God and declared, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men” (Luke 2:14).

Candy Canes

Perhaps a better name for the candy cane is “candy crook.” They can remind us of the staffs carried by the shepherds who visited the baby Jesus. During Christ’s time, a shepherd’s staff often had a crook, or bend, at the top that was used to hook sheep by the neck to gently lead them to food or water or to protect them from harm. As you enjoy a candy cane, remember that Jesus Christ is the Good Shepherd (see John 10:11, 14). If we choose to follow Him, He will gently lead us to safety and peace.

Stockings

If you think about it, it’s a bit strange for someone to put goodies in your old sock. But like many Christmas traditions, the tradition of Christmas stockings comes from an old legend. A long time ago (so the story goes), a poor man had three daughters and couldn’t afford to give them a dowry (money or goods given to the groom’s family by the bride’s family). In those days, it was very hard for a woman to get married without a dowry. A Christian bishop named Nicholas heard about the problem and wanted to help, but the man refused to accept money. One night, Nicholas threw three balls made of pure gold in through the open window of the man’s house. Each one landed in a stocking hung by the fire to dry. The next morning, each daughter found a gold ball in her stocking. With this bounty, they were all able to get married. Stockings can remind us of the importance of service. The greatest example of service is Jesus Christ. He always “went about doing good” (Acts 10:38). Take some time to think about the Savior’s selfless acts of service. How can you give Christlike service and show kindness to others?

Gifts

Christmas is the season of giving.Remember the Wise Men who came to see Jesus? They “presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense, and myrrh” (Matthew 2:11), but the greatest gift of all came from our Heavenly Father: “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life” (John 3:16). As you open your brightly wrapped presents on Christmas morning, remember that the Savior is the true gift of Christmas.

Day Seven of 7-Day Nativity Tradition-BABY JESUS

  by Emily Belle Freeman and David Butler, adapted from LDS Living's "Christ-Centered Christmas Celebration" video series

Day 7:  Baby Jesus

                                        
The 7- day Nativity Tradition is based on the book by Emily Belle Freeman and David Butler,designed by Ryan Jeppesen. The full, colorful resin Nativity set is available at                    DeseretBook.com

 EBF: There are a lot of traditions we’ve talked about, but we just need to make sure that we don’t miss the baby. That is how Christmas began. It began with God’s greatest gift that came to the world wrapped up in swaddling clothes. And the question is, at this special time of year, what will you do because of that great gift?

Invitation

DB: This is the invitation for day number seven, and it is to give the gift of your heart to Him. Especially after you’ve realized that He gave the gift of His heart to us.

Tradition Idea: Get a card for every member of your family and write down a gift to give to Jesus Christ this year. Each year you can review and ponder the gifts from the past and choose a new one. The Christ child reminds us to offer a gift to the Lord this Christmas season, a gift based on the true “work of Christmas,” one that will allow us to focus on Christ all year long. We love the idea of the “work of Christmas” found in a poem by Howard Thurman—that Christmas actually began when the shepherds went home, when the star was gone, and when the angels went back up into the heavens. That’s when the work of Christmas begins, and it’s going to go forward throughout this whole year.

---

DB: This is such a beautiful time of year to remember how good God has been to us and to just try in some small way to return our love to Him because of how much He’s shown toward us. We just want to wish you a merry, merry Christmas and hope that the Spirit of Christ fills your home and heart throughout the rest of the year

 

 

"The Boy Who Laughed at Santa Claus," by Ogden Nash

Back in 1977, Norman Rockwell's Christmas Book was published.  My children and I love reading the stories and poems in this book.  Over time, I noticed, if doing a search online for "The Boy Who Laughed at Santa Claus," the poem had been changed by everyone who posted it.  I compared the verses to the original one in Rockwell's book and realized I like the first version much better and the very last couple of phrases were better left the way Nash wrote it.  I cannot find anywhere that states he changed this poem.  Sometimes, getting information online isn't always correct.  It is sad to see an original poem watered down from its original writing.  If I were the poet, I'd be sad.  How much have we lost that has been changed over time?

By Ogden Nash

In Baltimore there lived a boy.
He wasn't anybody's joy.
Although his name was Jabez Dawes,
His character was full of flaws.

In school he never led the classes,
He hid old ladies' reading glasses,
His mouth was open while he chewed,
And elbows to the table glued.
He stole the milk of hungry kittens,
And walked through doors marked NO ADMITTANCE.
He said he acted thus because
There wasn't any Santa Claus.

Another trick that tickled Jabez
Was crying “Boo!”' at little babies.
He brushed his teeth, they said in town,
Sideways instead of up and down.
Yet people pardoned every sin,
And viewed his antics with a grin,
Till they were told by Jabez Dawes,
“There isn't any Santa Claus!”

Deploring how he did behave,
His parents swiftly sought their grave.
They hurried through the portals pearly,
And Jabez left the funeral early.

Like whooping cough, from child to child,
He sped to spread the rumor wild:
“Sure as my name is Jabez Dawes
There isn't any Santa Claus!”
Slunk like a weasel of a marten
Through nursery and kindergarten,
Whispering low to every tot,

“There isn't any, no there's not!'
No twinkling eyes, no cherry nose,
No sleigh, and furthermore, by Jiminy,
Nobody coming down the chimney!”

The children wept all Christmas Eve
And Jabez chortled up his sleeve.
No infant dared hang up his stocking
For fear of Jabez' ribald mocking.

He sprawled on his untidy bed,
Fresh malice dancing in his head,
When presently with scalp-a-tingling,
Jabez heard a distant jingling;
He heard the crunch of sleigh and hoof
Crisply alighting on the roof.
What good to rise and bar the door?
A shower of soot was on the floor.

Jabez beheld, oh, awe of awes,
The fireplace full of Santa Claus!
Then Jabez fell upon his knees
With cries of “Don't,” and “Pretty Please.”
He howled, “I don't know where you read it,
I swear some other fellow said it!”
“Jabez,” replied the angry saint,
“It isn't I, it's you that ain't.”
Although there is a Santa Claus,
There isn't any Jabez Dawes!'

Said Jabez then with impudent vim,
“Oh, yes there is, and I am him!
Your language don't scare me, it doesn’t—“
And suddenly he found he wasn't!
From grinning feet to unkempt locks,
Jabez became a Jack-in-the-box,
An ugly toy in Santa’s sack,
Mounting the flue on Santa’s back.

The neighbors heard his mournful squeal;
They searched for him, but not with zeal.
No trace was found of Jabez Dawes,
Which led to thunderous applause,
And people drank a loving cup
And went and hung their stockings up.

All you who sneer at Santa Claus,
Beware the fate of Jabez Dawes,
The saucy boy who told the saint off;
The child who got him, licked his paint off.

Day Six of 7-Nativity Traditions-WISE MEN

 by Emily Belle Freeman and David Butler, adapted from LDS Living's "Christ-Centered Christmas Celebration" video series

Day Seven-Wise Men

EBF: There are so many lessons we love about the wise men. One is that they were privileged to search out and seek for the Savior. But the second lesson is one that we don’t talk about very often, and it is my favorite one. After they had that encounter with Jesus Christ, they were led to journey another way [home]. It changed what they were doing in their life—that encounter with Christ made that big of a difference in their lives.

Invitation

DB: The wise men exemplify the journey each of us take as we seek Jesus. They remind us that as we draw closer to Him, we will be led to continue our journey a different way. So, this is the invitation from the wise men, and it is simply to journey closer to Christ.

Tradition Idea: Keep a reminder of the wise men’s three gifts in your house and then think about what you learn from the wise men and how that might affect your journey as you move forward this year.

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A Wonderful Christmas Story-in the True Spirit of the Santa Tradition

Author Unknown

I remember tearing across town on my bike to visit Grandma on the day my brother dropped the bomb: "There is no Santa Claus," he jeered. "Even dummies know that!" 

My Grandma was not the gushy kind, never had been. I fled to her that day because I knew she would be straight with me. I knew Grandma always told the truth, and I knew that the truth always went down a whole lot easier when swallowed with one of her "world-famous" cinnamon buns. I knew they were world-famous, because Grandma said so. It had to be true. 

Grandma was home, and the buns were still warm. Between bites, I told her everything. She was ready for me. "No Santa Claus?" she snorted, "Ridiculous! Don't believe it. That rumor has been going around for years, and it makes me mad, plain mad!! Now, put on your coat, and let's go." 

"Go? Go where, Grandma?" I asked. I hadn't even finished my second world-famous cinnamon bun. "Where" turned out to be Kirby's General Store, the one store in town that had a little bit of just about everything. As we walked through its doors, Grandma handed me ten dollars. That was a bundle in those days. "Take this money," she said, "and buy something for someone who needs it. I'll wait for you in the car." Then she turned and walked out of Kirby's. 

I was only eight years old. I'd often gone shopping with my mother, but never had I shopped for anything all by myself. The store seemed big and crowded, full of people scrambling to finish their Christmas shopping. 

For a few moments I just stood there, confused, clutching that ten-dollar bill, wondering what to buy, and who on earth to buy it for. 

I thought of everybody I knew: my family, my friends, my neighbors, the kids at school, the people who went to my church. 

I was just about thought out, when I suddenly thought of Bobby Decker. He was a kid with bad breath and messy hair, and he sat right behind me in Mrs. Pollock's grade-two class. Bobby Decker didn't have a coat. I knew that because he never went out to recess during the winter. His mother always wrote a note, telling the teacher that he had a cough, but all we kids knew that Bobby Decker didn't have a cough; he didn't have a good coat. I fingered the ten-dollar bill with growing excitement. I would buy Bobby Decker a coat! I settled on a red corduroy one that had a hood to it. It looked real warm, and he would like that. 

"Is this a Christmas present for someone?" the lady behind the counter asked kindly, as I laid my ten dollars down. "Yes, ma'am," I replied shyly. "It's for Bobby." 

The nice lady smiled at me, as I told her about how Bobby really needed a good winter coat. I didn't get any change, but she put the coat in a bag, smiled again, and wished me a Merry Christmas. 

That evening, Grandma helped me wrap the coat (a little tag fell out of the coat, and Grandma tucked it in her Bible) in Christmas paper and ribbons and wrote, "To Bobby, From Santa Claus" on it. 

Grandma said that Santa always insisted on secrecy. Then she drove me over to Bobby Decker's house, explaining as we went that I was now and forever officially, one of Santa's helpers. 

Grandma parked down the street from Bobby's house, and she and I crept noiselessly and hid in the bushes by his front walk. Then Grandma gave me a nudge. “All right, Santa Claus," she whispered, "get going." 

I took a deep breath, dashed for his front door, threw the present down on his step, pounded his door and flew back to the safety of the bushes and Grandma. 

Together we waited breathlessly in the darkness for the front door to open. Finally it did, and there stood Bobby. 

Fifty years haven't dimmed the thrill of those moments spent shivering, beside my Grandma, in Bobby Decker's bushes. That night, I realized that those awful rumors about Santa Claus were just what Grandma said they were -- ridiculous. Santa was alive and well, and we were on his team. 

I still have the Bible, with the coat tag tucked inside: $19.95. 

May you always have LOVE to share, 

HEALTH to spare and FRIENDS that care... 

And may you always believe in the magic of Santa Claus!

Day Five of the 7-day Nativity Tradition-SHEPERDS

by Emily Belle Freeman and David Butler, adapted from LDS Living's "Christ-Centered Christmas Celebration" video series

Day 5: Shepherds

 DB: [It is believed that] the shepherd fields right outside of Bethlehem are where they raised lambs for sacrifice in the temple, which is so symbolic because Jesus is the Lamb of God and was born to be sacrificed. And something that shepherds would normally do, is they would take the lambs—remember that were first born and male and had no blemish— 

EBF: And they would check them. They would check over all of them. And when a lamb was born that looked like that— 

DB: Right, they would wrap them up in swaddling clothes and they would lay it on the manger floor. So when the angels come and give [the shepherds] that sign to look for Jesus, they knew that they were looking for the Lamb of God. They knew what it meant. Invitation 

EBF: The shepherds symbolize a testimony within, an inner conviction that we have come to know Christ. The shepherds are a reminder for us to come closer to the Lord, now and with haste, and then to share our testimony with others. The invitation then for the shepherds is, of course, to share your testimony of Jesus. 

Tradition Idea: Get a candle and give one to every person in your family. The person who starts gets to light their candle, and then you just light the candle of every person around the room and share one small thing you love about Jesus. 

Day Four of 7-Day Nativity Tradition-ANGELS

 

by Emily Belle Freeman and David Butler, adapted from LDS Living's "Christ-Centered Christmas Celebration" video series

Day Four-ANGELS

EBF: I just love the thought of voices I know well telling each other of the Savior’s birth. And as I think about that, I think, “Isn’t that what happens when we sing those songs before institute or when we sing those songs before sacrament meeting? Or even if you go caroling from house to house as neighbors, that we are just telling each other what we know and what we believe and what we love about the birth of Jesus Christ.”

Invitation

DB: The angel embodies the heart that runneth over with good tidings of great joy in this season. The angels are a reminder of anticipation of good things to come and it should fill our hearts with warmth overflowing. So the invitation for the angel is to fill your heart and home with the carols.

Tradition Idea: Either go caroling with your family or turn on Christmas carols in your house and just enjoy all of that beautiful music. But whatever you do, make yourself some hot cocoa to go along with it!

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Day Three-Nativity Tradition-MARY

 

---

by Emily Belle Freeman and David Butler, adapted from LDS Living's "Christ-Centered Christmas Celebration" video series

Day 3: Mary

EBF: Have you ever wondered what it was that Mary might have pondered? I think to myself that surely she did what all new mothers do . . . and just pulls that baby up into her and looks at every single thing about the miracle of a brand new baby.

DB: Could Mary ever have imagined what her life would be filled with being the mother and disciple of the Son of God? And years later, after all of these things had happened, do you think she looked back on that night in the stable and remembered some of those things that she pondered?

EBF: We love thinking of what Mary might have pondered on that night, that still and sacred moment when she just sat and thought about the miracle of that birth. I think it is so important for each of us to remember to do that in our own lives—to take a moment and just ponder on the night of Jesus’s birth.

Invitation

DB: Mary reminds us that we need to find a moment to ponder the events of that sacred night in Bethlehem. As we do this, we celebrate the miracle of Christ’s birth and the gift heaven gave. So the invitation for Mary is to find some place and some time to ponder the miracle of Jesus’s birth.

Tradition Idea: Decorate heart-shaped sugar cookies and talk about Mary’s heart, or gather a box of things that might have helped Mary remember that holy night. Just take time to calm everything that’s going on around you and remember the night of Christ’s birth.

Day One of Seven Nativity Traditions-The STABLE

 Day One of Seven Nativity Traditions

by Emily Belle Freeman and David Butler, adapted from LDS Living's "Christ-Centered Christmas Celebration" video series

                              Day One-The Stable

DB: When [Mary] was maybe nine months pregnant, they made the trek into Bethlehem to find that everybody else from the line of David was also there, so the city was packed full of people. There was a lot of busy-ness, there were a lot of crowds, and no inn had room for Mary and Joseph, which means no place had room for Jesus.

EBF: Maybe we can look at that night, that first Christmas night when Joseph and Mary went away to a tiny stable—a holy place, a sacred place where they could get away from everything. . . . Maybe we can make room for Jesus Christ in our celebrations this year. Maybe we can create sacred spaces and holy places as we celebrate a Christ-centered Christmas this year.

Invitation and Tradition Idea:

The invitation and tradition for day number one is to display an empty stable. And every time you pass by it, maybe you can think, “What can I do this week or what can I do today to make more room for Jesus in my Christmas celebrations?”

Day Two-7-day Nativity Tradition-JOSEPH

by Emily Belle Freeman and David Butler, adapted from LDS Living's "Christ-Centered Christmas Celebration" video series

Today, I will share what Joseph represents and his part in the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ.
On this holy night, Joseph's heartfelt desire was to make sure everything was ready for the miracle that was about to take place. On the night Jesus was born, Joseph acted with KINDNESS.

                                                    Day Two-Joseph

JOSEPH represents the desires of our hearts. He reminds us of the secret acts of Christmas kindness given with sacrifice and love to the broken, the weary, the lost, or the lonely.
One of the Savior's most prominent traits was KINDNESS -- a loving, gentle nature that sought the good in others and caused Him to treat them accordingly. When we offer the gift of KINDNESS to Him, we recognize each person we encounter (including ourselves!), is a much loved son or daughter of our Father in Heaven. When we walk in His shoes, we treat others with kindness, compassion and forgiveness.

President Thomas S. Monson has said, "Is there someone for whom you should provide service this Christmas? Is there one who awaits your visit (following the Covid-19 guidelines)?...There is yet time this year to extend a helping hand, a loving heart and a willing spirit. In other words, to follow the example set by our Savior and to serve as he would have us serve."

May your holiday season be centered on being Christlike--kind, caring, loving, and having charity.

#Give Thanks Posts for November 2020

This is a thank you card painted by my little neighbor, Odin, who is less than two-years-old!

Russell M. Nelson, Prophet and President of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, issued a seven-day challenge to run up to Thanksgiving day to post what and who we are thankful for and why.  Below is one of my own posts, followed by some well-written posts by a dear family member (with her permission).  She, along with others, made me even the more grateful because the "thank you" posts were exceptionally inspiring and thought provoking. 

DAY 6 POST by me:  I'm having trouble wrapping up this week's #GiveThanks challenge. Reading the many beautiful expressions of gratitude that others have posted has enlarged my gratitude like the Grinch's heart growing bigger by the minute. I have realized, even more, how thankful I am for the talents/gifts of others. I've been touched, enriched, motivated, uplifted and blessed beyond measure by people who share their music, art, writing, humor, insights, and wisdom; their talents/gifts/skills to fix, build, and create; to encourage and listen and love and care and inspire, , and their beautiful spirit. When I see or hear you, I know we are all precious children of God and He has given each of us talents/gifts to share with others so we can be instruments in His hands to serve others and spread joy and encouragement.

 Day 3,  by Whitney Sowby:

I am so thankful for sisters. I have my biological sister, Brittany, who has always made any situation fun and exciting. I have my mom, who has become almost more of a sister now that I am grown. I have my extended family “sisters” in my mother in law, sister-in-laws, my beloved aunts, my cousins, my grandmas. They have loved me throughout my life. I can think of numberless stories about them defending me and loving and supporting me. I have my “sisters” in my friends and neighbors. I have had soooo many talks, sharing, learning from these ladies. So many discussions and tears together.

Tonight I was thinking about a problem my child was having (fear of the dark). And I remembered a dear friend who counseled me on her own experiences with her children. Though we do not live close, her previous counsel helped me again tonight.

My many walk and talks with friends and family have taught me so much. The “sisters” in my life are strong in each of their unique and special ways, and I have been lifted up, taught and loved by these amazing women. I can think of something I have learned from each one of you.

I am truly grateful for my many sisters. I thank my loving God for having them in my life.

Day 4, by Whitney Sowby:

Is anyone else having a hard time some days actually narrowing down a #givethanks to really one good idea/topic?!?! Can I just say everything?!

The closest I can get to everything, besides life (Day1 grateful post) is knowledge. And as I am only a mere mortal and cannot experience a fraction of things in my short life, I am blessed with the history of many more mere mortals’ knowledge being amassed together for my edification in the form of books.

Today I am grateful for books. Sooo many books.

I am thankful for the scriptures which give me a road map for my life. That bring God’s eternal message and His personal ministry to me to study at my own mortal pace. I am grateful for the many testimonies held in these scriptures and the power the hold as they teach me something new every time I read them.

I am thankful for books of learning; I have read thousands of books for school and job in text books,scientific journals and articles. And I still don’t know anything. The world holds so many fascinating things; that we have learned and have yet to discover. I am thankful for the biology/physiology/genetics books that have brought great understanding in my life. These science book have especially brought me a testimony of God’s great power and mercies.

I am thankful for books of fun; since I was young, I have devoured fiction. Little house on the prairie, Goosebumps, Nancy Drew, boxcar children, Anne of Green Gable, Jurassic Park, Tennis Shoes among the Nephites, The Hobbit and Lord of the Rings, The Work and the Glory, Harry Potter, Percy Jackson, and Dan Brown, James Herriot, Matthew Rielly, Brent Weeks......so many.......and ultimately Brandon Sanderson. Don’t interrupt me if I’m in the middle of a good book!!!

I am thankful for the “easy read books”. I love sitting with my kids and helping them learning the magnificent power of reading. I am thankful for the books I read aloud to them (Currently Wednesdays at the Castle). I treasure my reading time with them.

I am thankful for the smell and feel of a paperback book. I am also thankful for my kindle app that I can read at night while up with my babies.

I am thankful for the encyclopedic knowledge now always at my fingertips as I can google search or Wikipedia any question I can dream up, that I used to have to flip to find instead.

I am thankful I am born in this time where as a woman I am free to learn to read, and have such vast treasure troves to access.

Day 5, by Whitney Sowby

I am thankful for those who help me care for my body. The doctors, dentists, optometrists, pharmacists, techs/nurses and on and on.

Our bodies are miraculous, but take a great deal of care and work. I greatly value the time,

energy, money and work that comes to those who train for years and years to help us the best we know how to.

I am grateful for the researchers that continue to find new ways to help care for our bodies (Nationwide Children’s Hospital in Columbus, Ohio; Ben Kell, Sam Sharpe, Huachun Zhong, and more).

My entire life has been surrounded by those that work in healthcare. I am grateful for my husband, father and brothers, cousins and friends that have dedicated so much to help others. I am grateful for my mother, who had no heathcare training but was still there to care for me in sickness and pain.

I had an accident my junior year in high school and shattered some of my front teeth. Our family dentist took excellent care of me. Without the knowledge, tools, skills and expertise, I would look very scary and wouldn’t have been able to eat until my teeth were pulled. I am sure I would have had infections which have killed so many. I wouldn’t have had the same quality of life. And this is just a small example of the wonders of medicine.

I had horrible vision. Without my corrective eye care, I could barely see the creases in my hand held at arms length. With lasik, my eyes have been made more correct- I have perfect vision. It has been a blessing to wake up in the middle of the night (with the crying babies) and to be able to see.

I an so grateful for those that helped deliver my babies and helped monitor my and my baby’s health through pregnancy.

So many ailments that in the past have crippled and killed, today have lost their sting. Granted, there are still so many diseases and problems still, but we are still learning and trying. Advancement doesn’t come without work and not giving up.

Thank you to all those whose work helps others and their health.

          *********************************

There you have just a taste of the remarkable gratetude that filled the pages of social media for seven extra-thankful days! 

 

 

Why I Believe Devotional - October

This is well worth your time if you desire to experience an uplift with hope and strengthen your faith in Jesus Christ and Heavenly Father.  You will gain much joy in knowing they love you, watch over you, and will be there for you to help you through anything.  Skip the first half of the video until the devotional part comes on at 29:37.

 The beginning and end of this video have music playing and a few people sharing their personal stories of how they found The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.  Watch other devotionals of the England Manchester Mission on YouTube. 

                    Why I Believe Devotional

Hello and Goodbye to The Sunflowers

 

I've enjoyed the wild sunflowers more than ever this year.  Perhaps it is because of the pandemic.  I'm not going places and doing things other than riding my bike through the neighborhood.  It has been hard not to visit family and hug grandchildren, in particuplar, but this is a temporary thing and I've decided fretting isn't worth the energy.  Instead, I've resolved to enjoy everyday small moments and see the beauty around me everywhere. The sunflowers, and other wild weed/flowers particularly have brightened my world.

The other day, riding along on my bike, I saw this tall sunflower plant standing proud and brilliant in the sun.  A family had stopped to look at it and the mother had picked a couple of the flowers and handed them to her small son.  I thought it might have been better to just admire them and talk about how they grow in the worst soil with not much keeping them down.  Wildflowers never last if they're cut and brought inside.  Anyway, two days later that beautiful plant was mowed down, along with others growing nearby.

The area where the sunflowers were growing looked like a war zone where someone had ran over the area with a mower.  It looked far worse than if they'd just left the weeds and flowers growing.  Seriously, the weeds with the purple tops and the sunflowers were quite pretty. Why would anyone consider these plants a problem when they were just growing along side the road in gravel?  Did they think they were a fire hazard?  They grew near alfalfa fields with no homes close.  I was very sad to see the sunflowers ruined while yet it their glory.  The purple weeds were gone too.

Perhaps we could appreciate the gifts nature gives us even in the form of weeds.  Just because we didn't plant and tend something doesn't mean it is worthless.  Sure, some weeds are noxious and prevent cultivated things from growing but can't we leave the ones that aren't bothering anyone or creating a problem?

This is what I wrote to the sunflowers that were cut down (I know you'll think this silly but it did really affect me.):

Dear Sunflowers,

Why would anyone mow you down?  You were just handin' out hoping for sunlight and perhaps a little dew.  You brought light to a darkened world with your bright yellow that I enjoyed each day as I passed you by.

You grew in gravel, thin soil, and amongst debris but reached for the sky anyway though rain rarely came your way.  You grew in the worst of conditions and made the best of what you had by not just surviving but thriving with the little you were given. You lined the fences, the ditch banks, the side of the roads, and popped up in the middle of the fields bringing a marvelous display with freedom to reach for the sun in a joyful yellow dance. You decorated rock and garbage piles, somehow adding beauty to things considered abandoned and ugly. Your sunny faces bobbed in the wind.  Nothing much could take you down except what finally did. 

It truly was a shock when I saw your season of splender cut short and your lovely stalks flat on the ground and those pretty faces in the dirt.  You are gone.  Cut down in your prime and glory.  I'm so sorry, lovely sunflowers.  I mourn the loss of you, an important part of my present life. Your cheer is gone but I still feel warmth inside for what you gave.  I'm sorry that not everyone noticed your magnificent display.  

Thank you for your sunshine.

I loved you dearly.

The Miracle of Hope | Elder Jeffrey R. Holland

Perfect is Perfectly Overused

Don't worry about being perfect but do your best to stand strong in your values and beliefs. The negative opinions in the world will not sway you to believe you're not good enough.

Apparently, I do everything perfectly. Cool, huh? I know this because everywhere I go someone tells me whatever I’ve done is perfect. It is said emphatically often with a little upward lilt at the end of the drawn-out purr.

As an example, consider my recent visit to the bank where I signed a paper that was declared perfect by the bank associate. I also discovered in the past couple of years that my orders placed at various restaurants are always perfect. If I want straws, it is perfect and if I don’t want straws, it’s still perfect. My mouth is always full when a server in a restaurant asked, “How is everything?” To which I can only say, “Ummm,” and shake my head up and down while I am told, “perfect..” How can I lose? The money I hand to the clerks in the store is perfect (even the torn $20 I taped back together). My purchases at any store are deemed perfect. The fact that I found everything I wanted in the store (as asked by the courteous clerk) is followed by an affirmative, “Perfect.” All answers I give to questions on the phone or in-person are perfect. When asked if I’m warm with the blanket given me before surgery and I happen to be, then that is perfect. My opinion on a poll, my favorite TV show, book, method of doing something, and thousands of other things I’ve done, chosen, or commented on have been proclaimed perfect. Imagine that.

In the old days, before “perfect” became the go-to comment to almost everything, I remember people using other words like, “Thank you,” “That’s great,” “Yes,” “Good,” “Great choice!” “Okay,” “Alright,” and any number of useful or neutral responses (I’m not judging them better than awesome perfect, of course). Anyone remember John Denver and his “Far Out?” Or, how about “Groovy?” Word fads come and go. A couple of years ago “insane” hit the phrase rage and everything that was fabulous, shocking, wonderful, or just too much was deemed “insane.” No one forgets the “like” preceding many words, especially used by, like, teenagers. Many sentences these days begin with “so,” my husband points out. Studying the evolution of speech is quite interesting, really.

According to a dictionary, perfect means: being entirely without fault or defect—FLAWLESS; satisfying all requirements: ACCURATE, EXPERT, PROFICIENT TOTAL, and lacking in no essential detail: COMPLETE. It also said it used to mean SANE but that is obsolete.

With my false sense of perfectness, I find myself using the “P” word. This trend is contagious!
Really, it’s okay. Perfect is a much better word to use than some ugly words we’re hearing too often these days. It is always fun to count how many perfects I can collect in a day. It makes for a perfect day on the bright side and my head gets a little bigger as I perfect.

On the other hand, perhaps some of the above definitions do fit certain situations nicely and warrant using “perfect,” but I’d like to think that “sane” might come out of obsoleteness and send “perfect” back to where it belongs.