Magical

There is something to be said for the magic of Christmas. As we finished dinner tonight I was reminded of the Christmas devotional put on by the First Presidency of the Church. We turned it on and sat down to listen. These men are truly inspired and the messages they give touch my heart. President Monson spoke of a book he reads each Christmas called The Mansion. He recalled the main character and relayed this man's dream. The man had died and was with several others and a guide. The guide was directing each person to their mansions. A beautiful mansion for the doctor who had lovingly served his community. Another for someone else. And the guide continued with each person as the mansions got smaller and smaller. Finally the main character's mansion arrived. It was this tiny hut in the middle of a field. The mansions were based on the good deeds they had done in their lives. The man questioned the guide and said don't you know of all these things I have done? I've built schools and hospitals, my name is on them (or something to that effect). The guide said yes but you were already praised and recognized for those on earth. You wouldn't want to be paid twice?

I can't remember everything but the jist of it was we need to serve others to help those in need and not for our own praise and adoration. We need to remember Christ during the Christmas season and the example he set for us. President Monson said that "Christmas is what you make of it". So if we teach our children it's all about the gifts then that's what Christmas will mean to them. I know I am guilty of wanting the gifts and wanting to give my children loads of stuff but I hope to teach my children that Christmas is not all about the gifts we get but about Christ, his love for us, his service to others, the example he has set to love one another. I love Jesus Christ and am grateful for his love and sacrifice for me. I hope to make each Christmas Christ centered so my children will know and love Christ too.

Ok so this post took a totally different direction than I was thinking when I started. Back to the magic of Christmas. As I sat on the couch snuggling with my husband and two beautiful kids, watching the devotional, listening to the awesome Mo Tab choir singing Silent Night, I realized that this is what Christmas, and life for that matter, is all about. Being with family and loving on them. Sophie wanting to snuggle with her brother. TJ and I witnessing the pure love that children have in their hearts. I felt peace and love and happiness. I felt blessed and overjoyed to have them in my life. It was an amazing feeling and I am grateful for the reminder!