Merry Christmas

"It is the life at the other end of the manger scene that gives this moment of nativity in Bethlehem its ultimate meaning. Special as this child was and divine as was his conception, without that day of salvation wherein he would gain an everlasting victory over death and hell on behalf of every man, woman, and child who would ever be born—until that day should come—this baby’s life and mission would not be complete. Worse yet, without that triumphant atonement and resurrection he might have been remembered only as one born in abject poverty, scorned in his own native village, and tortured to death by a ruthless Roman regime that knew everything about torture and death.

But wise old Simeon understood all of this—that the birth was ultimately for the death—and it thrilled his soul that salvation was come. Thus Christmas was sobering as well as sweet for him, and so too will most Christmases be for us. Lying among those gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh were also a crown of thorns, a makeshift royal robe, and a Roman spear."

-- Elder Jeffrey R. Holland

Will forwarded me a talk that really hit home with both of us. It helps so much sometimes to take a step back and try to look at things - everything - from a broader perspective. It might sound kind of like a downer quote, but in the talk Elder Holland shares stories of less-than-merry Christmases and the lessons learned from them. It was really good. I wish I could figure out how to share the whole thing here. I'll work on it. In the mean time, I do know how to include a picture. This is what I put in our Christmas letters this year. Again, having to settle for Londyn sitting still and looking at the camera, but not smiling. I have to take what I can get. Anyway, have a wonderful Christmas!