Good Tidings

Christmas 2012 - What a day! Christmas is one of my favorite seasons, though the celebration is different every year. This year was no exception. As the children have grown, we have modified our traditions some. I have to chuckle when I think about the changes:

• We had our Nazarene dinner like usual and Mom (Mary) & dad (Joseph) actually participated in the nativity this year.
• The evening last night was spent playing games and flying helicopters (Steven's idea and contribution)
• We stayed up late laughing and enjoying one another's company
• At the bidding of the children, Mom and dad joined in the tradition of lining up in the basement before entering the family room this morning to see the gifts--whole new perspective for me
• We were happy to have Grandma stay with us last night and be with us today; especially grateful for her vitality and longevity

Did everything proceed flawlessly? No, all wasn't perfect, but that didn't change things. There were hiccups, just like always, but the great thing is that the children handled it all well, and we overcame hardship. Bumpy as the morning was, the entire day proceeded as we had hoped.

Grandma's health continues; gift exchange was awesome; peace, hope, and joy have been abundant.

Carly and Steven joined us for dinner. Camilla has been communicating with us all morning though Nick and Camilla are in Logan this year...

Let this be a time of remembrance, of gratitude, and a time of forgiveness. Let it be a time to ponder the Atonement of Jesus Christ for each of us personally. We, like the wisemen of old, should seek the Christ and lay before him the most precious of gifts--a broken heart and a contrite spirit.

"Unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given;  for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people."



Merry Christmas, every one.