I just read this talk given by Elder Holland that he gave back in 1976. It was published in the Dec. Ensign in 1977 and it's so so good! I hope you all read it.
This was my favorite part--
"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."
I love that (the bolded). I feel like this Christmas, that's how it will be for our family. Just a little family, without toys and trees and tinsel, with a baby..And that's how our Christmas will be. (Ok, so we will have a tree and tinsel, but only because we're living with Cody's family. And I do have toys for Cody, but I'm not getting any "toys" for under the tree-we have to buy a new car so that's my present this year!)
After watching the Christmas Devotional last night I've been thinking a lot more about what we could do this Christmas to put Christ back into focus. I'm usually very focused on getting gifts to give, making treats to share, and decorating and watching Christmas movies...But because this year is a little more meager for us, I want it to be more special. At first I thought maybe Cody and I could go to a soup kitchen or something on Christmas day to serve those less fortunate than us...But because I'll have a brand new baby, I dont' think that'll be possible. I've heard so many older people (like general authorities) talk about when they were first married and poor and they did something simple for Christmas with their family and it is one of their favorite memories. I want something like that this year! I want to do so something really special that I'll remember for always. So I'm still thinking of something special we can do to share the love of Christ and the love of Christmas with each other and those around us. I'll let you know if I think of anything....
And if you have any ideas, definitely swing them by me! :)
3 comments:
So sweet! Just what Christmas SHOULD be about - just a little family - together - happy - enjoying one another's company! We should all do that!
That's my favorite talk to read at Christmas time, I read it every year!!
Have fun with your little family, we miss you guys and cant wait to see you again!
We're in the same situation, no money, wanting it to be meaningful, special... one idea I thought of was writing letters of things we'd like to "give" each other in the new year... like by way of spirituality, or stuff like that... more meaningful things. I haven't exactly polished it out in my mind yet, but something along those lines.
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