It is amazing how quickly the Christmas season can come and go. This year my goal was to savor the season, focus on my Savior, and create lasting memories with my family so that I could enjoy the season as long as possible. To do that, I put aside the pressure to decorate and communicate as I normally do. I made time to relax, renew, ponder, study, and be silly (after all, laughter is healthy). I read, slept, sang songs, watched holiday kid cartoons, gave service, cheered, gathered with family and friends, listened, and most importantly, I focused.
On Christmas Eve I spent time alone, after everyone had gone to bed, reading The Forgotten Carols. I had never before read the story that goes along with the beautiful music and so for the first time, I read the story of how the birth of our Savior can change hearts. As I read, I listened to and sang along with the music by Michael McLean. Music is powerful! After awhile, I found that I could no longer keep open my eyes and so I vowed to finish the story the next day.
Christmas Day was filled with magic, love, laughter, family, and fun. After visiting my Grandma, Steve, Brandon, and I drove to the Bountiful Temple to experience the Nativity Story. The homes surrounding the temple display the Nativity Story in word and beautifully painted pictures. At each house, the next piece of the story is told, with the experience culminating by the testimony of Jesus Christ by our apostles.
It wasn't until everyone was once again in bed that I was able to revist The Forgotten Carols. This time I was able to finish the story and as I did, tears of gratitude, love, and testimony spilled from eyes. The story and music touched my heart and I will never again be able to simply listen to the music. From now on, I will hear and feel the music, but most importantly, I will remember it.
I know that Jesus Christ is our Savior. I know that his birth was humble yet heavenly. I know that Mary and Joseph were gentle parents that loved that baby whole-heartedly. What a precious time that must have been!
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