The {Real} Christmas Spirit

I know that we have already been over how much I love Christmas. Christmas decorations filling the shelves in the stores, Christmas music blaring on the loudspeakers (and in the car, and in the cd player at home), twinkling Christmas lights on the houses, Christmas decorations on the tree, Christmas smells in the air, Christmas foods in the tummy. For so many reasons, it really is my most favorite time of year.

I also know what a hectic, stressful time this holiday season can be, and just how easy it is to gloss over what we are really celebrating because we are too busy (shopping, cooking, planning, wrapping, decorating) to have a quiet moment to sit and actually think about it. Thank goodness for Savanna, who on more than one occasion this month has kindly reminded me, "You know, Christmas isn't just about presents."

And thank goodness for spiritual holiday celebrations that refocus our busy eyes and grab our distracted, albeit well-intentioned, minds and train them upon the simple, beautiful knowledge of what Christmas is and why it is so very important.

Enter the Nativity Festival held at one of our church buildings earlier this month. 400 nativities on display from all around the world. Multiple choirs and orchestras from several different churches performing the most beautiful Christmas music. Dozens of gorgeous, white Christmas decorations to remind us of the purity of the season, and 6 very happy members of our family who, for a moment, got to take a step back, breathe in the true wonder of the season, and focus on Christ for the evening.

"If the Savior were among us today, we would find Him where He always was--
ministering to the meek, the downcast, the humble, the distressed, and the poor 

in spirit. During this Christmas season and always, may we give to Him by loving as He loves. 
May we remember the humble dignity of His birth, gifts, and life. 

And may we, through simple acts of kindness, charity, and compassion, 

fill the world with the light of His love and healing power."

-Dieter F. Uchtdorf