Christmas Thoughts

I remember sitting in Sunday school around Christmas time last year and studying in depth the Christmas story. We assessed Mary and her faith in listening to the angel Gabriel. We analyzed Joseph and his humility in the midst of a difficult circumstance. I was pregnant at the time and Mary's role in the Christmas story overwhelmed me. I had a new level of understanding and insight into the story I had grown up my whole life learning about. I felt humbled in carrying a baby and in the miracle it was was for a tender, pure girl to carry and deliver the savior of mankind.

This year, as I sat at the ward Christmas party last night singing Christmas carols and reciting scripture I again was overwhelmed at the new connection I had- now that I am the mother of my own child. I couldn't hold back the tears as we sang this song...

"Stars were gleaming, shepherds dreaming
And the night was dark and chill.
Angels' story, manger glory,
Shepherds heard it on the hill.
Ah, that singing! Hear it ringing,
Earthward winging, Christmas bringing.
Hearken! We can hear it still!
Hearken! We can hear it still!"

I am so grateful to be a mother.