Thoughts at Christmastime

I've been writing down notes in my phone during the week of things that have impressed me. These are a few of those notes.

You can't give the Spirit of Christmas. We can give gifts that represent our love for each other or actually shows how we want to take care of each other and make each other happy through our wants. But that is not the Spirit of Christmas. We can have the Spirit of Christmas and it may come through song or service, but it can't be given away, maybe shared. The thought came to me that the Spirit of Christmas is something you have to look for. You have to desire it. Each person has to attain it for himself, almost like a testimony.

It's easy to give, but ESPECIALLY at Christmas it is SO important to RECEIVE. I've said that there are two kinds of people in this world "Givers" or "Takers" and I've always wanted to be a "Giver". Well, I've been thinking a little different. I want to be a "Giver" and I want to be a "Receiver" - still don't desire to be a "Taker". Somehow that seems prideful and being a "Receiver" requires humility and contentment and gratitude. He has so much to offer us - not to take, but to receive.

Christ was the first gift and it was given by Heavenly Father. Through his life he gave love, life, peace and hope.

True happiness only comes from making someone else happy.

The way to Bethlehem was not easy. It was a rough road. They were tired and I'm sure somewhat discouraged, but they were never lost and never forgotten by our Father in Heaven. Sometimes life can seem like the road to Bethlehem.

Shepherds were followers just like we are. They were told "Fear Not, I bring you good tidings of great joy for unto you is born this day in the city of David and this shall be a sign you shall find a babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger". They saw. They heard. And then the important part, They Went in HASTE. They had to follow. They had to search and find. The Shepherds went to worship. How do we worship? Do we worship by the hustling and bustling of shopping or decorating? Or do we worship by Sharing the Spirit of Christ, by lifting the heavy hearted, by following the Spirit when it is so strong this time of year. Don't push it aside. It is the very essence of the season.

I was thinking of the passover and when Christ washed and anointed the apostles feet. Think about letting someone wash your feet. Now think about the Savior washing your feet.  I don't have words to express the feelings.

During the Passover Christ instigated the sacrament. I'm sure the apostles didn't fully understand it's meaning, but they felt something and knew it was holy. They did it without knowing. Sometimes we may have to do things that we don't know, but we feel.

I'm trying to remember to drop the "mas" (meaning "more") in Christmas.

And last but not least I wanted to share a little tender moment. I struggle sometimes wondering if I should make changes. I don't think like others and I don't fit in easily. I want to do what the Lord wants me to do and not what is necessarily easy. I sense I have many talents, but I often wonder if I use them. Should I be doing other things and have a bigger impact on others? I haven't felt like I've been understood by the Church. I don't fit in the mainstream so my needs don't get addressed. I don't scream and whine for affirmation. Well I was listening to an old Christmas devotional and the words "And her name shall be Mary". I've heard those words many times. They had a huge impact on me as I realized I was receiving revelation. Her name was Mary and God knew her and loved her. My name is also known and he loves me too. It doesn't really matter if anyone else knows me or loves me. It brought peace and comfort that the gospel of Jesus Christ brings. It reminded me of the love my Heavenly Father has for me.

Maybe these words will give you an idea. Share your thoughts - or even just one thought.

Love you. Merry Christmas!

xo Mommy