Christmas in California

My favorite time of year has arrived. The Christmas trees are adorned with lights and ornaments, the stockings are hung on the chimney with care, the presents are all dressed in their wrappings and bows, and the little ones are nestled in their beds quietly awaiting the arrival of Santa Claus.

Even though all the these Christmas traditions (plus more) contribute to my love of this holiday, they are not the only reasons I look forward to Christmas each year. I believe Christmas is my favorite time of year because it provides the perfect opportunity for reflections: whether they are self-reflections, family-reflections, or Savior-reflections, they all contribute to my special memories surrounding the holiday.

With all that has happened this year I have had the wonderful opportunity to reflect on the life of our Savior and the power of his healing hands in my life. The chance that we have to celebrate the arrival of the beautiful baby Jesus is often overlooked. Having had the chance to bear a child of my own has given me the chance to reflect on our Savior's birth. There is something so sweet and gentle about a newborn baby and I can't imagine what it was like to hold the fragile body of baby Jesus. How precious and overwhelming of an opportunity both Joseph and Mary had in the upbringing of our beloved Savior. The coming of the Lord on that sacred night literally changed our lives eternally. One of my favorite Christmas hymns, which poetically reflects on this holy night, is titled "Silent Night," (tears often accompany the words that escapes my lips). I hope that everyone will take the time during the holiday scurry to reflect on our Savior's life and the many sacrifices he made for our sake.

Silent night, holy night
All is calm, all is bright
Round yon virgin mother and Child
Holy Infant so tender and mild
Sleep in heavenly peace
Sleep in heavenly peace

Silent night, holy night
Shepherds quake at the sight
Glories stream from heaven afar
Heavenly hosts sing Alleluia!
Christ, the Savior is born
Christ, the Savior is born

Silent night, holy night
Son of God, love's pure light
Radiant beams from thy holy face
With the dawn of redeeming grace
Jesus, Lord, at thy birth
Jesus, Lord, at thy birth