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Sunday, December 14, 2008

Christmas trees, Stars, and Baby Jesus

As I sit here today looking at our beautiful Christmas tree decorated with white lights, topped with a star, and trimmed by tiny hands I feel grateful for the strong traditions that surround this magical time of year. Through my windows I can see the world outside. It is brown and leafless covered with snow but here in the warmth of my home is a large beautiful perfectly shaped green tree. It fills the room with its evergreen life warming me from within reminding me of my own eternal nature. And then there is the star lovingly and with ceremony placed on top. Brighter than all the other lights pulling my eyes heavenward each time I look at the tree. Making me pause and remember His birth and His life.

This week as I prepared for another of my favorite traditions – making Christmas cutout cookies with my nieces/nephews – I was listening to Christmas music and for the first time I really heard the hymn “O, Little Town of Bethlehem.” I think it had something to do with telling the story to my Joaquin for the first time during Family Home Evening this week. It was very tender for me as I talked about the Savior’s birth and the star that shone in the heavens that night to proclaim it to the world. We sang “Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star” and we let Joaquin hold the star then we placed it atop our bare but beautiful evergreen tree and plugged it in. We talked to him of the Baby Jesus and how he is our Savior and Redeemer. So, when I heard the sweet music and words….

O, little town of Bethlehem how still we see thee lie. Above the deep and dreamless sleep the silent stars go by; yet in the dark streets shineth the everlasting light. The hopes and fears of all the years are met in thee tonight.

For Christ is born of Mary and gathered all above. While mortals sleep, the angels keep their watch of wondering love. O morning stars, together proclaim the holy birth, And praises sing to God the King, And peace to men on earth.

How Silently, How silently the wondrous gift is given! So God imparts to human hearts the blessings of His heaven. No ear may hear his coming; But in this world of sin, Where meek souls will receive him, still the dear Christ enters in.

As I listened the third verse was most poingnant…Where meek souls will receive him, still the dear Christ enters in. I never noticed the punctuation before. The comma is before the word still not after meaning just as His birth long ago still today He enters in. I love that!

This month two years ago my sweet sister, my “Precie” passed on to the other side of the veil. Christmas is bitter sweet for me. Bitter in that I wish she were here to share these thoughts and reflections with. We always loved sharing new gospel insights. Sweet because at this time of year more than any I can feel the depth and power of her testimony of this Jesus Christ of whom we seek and celebrate. Precie was my earthly “lode star” steady and sure pressing forward with a true steadfastness in Christ. Hoping somehow she will hear me now I want to close with my testimony of Him. I do know that Jesus is the Christ, my Savior, my Redeemer. Because of Him and through him I will gain my fondest dream... eternal life, even exaltation to be joined with my loved ones never to be separated again. I hope to waste my life away in His service so that I may truly know Him and be like Him. In His wonderful sacred name, Jesus Christ, Amen.

1 comment:

SELPH PHOTOGRAPHY said...

the added addition of snow and cold weather makes the season complete for me. o-well humidity and heat will have to do. I love it that you are so reflective and deep with how you think about yourself and life. I do that myself.
I sure do love ya and miss ya!
Merry Christmas

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