Christmas

"For unto you is born this day, in the City of David, a Savior, which is Christ the Lord.  And this shall be a sign unto you:  Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes and lying in a manger."  Luke 2:11

I LOVE that this Christmas morning started with Sacrament meeting.  It was the perfect way to set a reverent tone for the day.  We got up at 7:30am, got ready for church, and had the most beautiful 90 minute meeting I think I've ever been to.  The ward choir sang The First Noel.  Then three speakers each talked about their three favorite Christmas hymns including background on each song and their personal testimonies about them.  After each speaker, we sang their hymn as a congregation.  The final musical number was O Holy Night by an incredible tenor in our ward.  And at the end, the Bishop gave a beautiful talk about the "Good News" of the gospel, and the incredible blessing it is to have the gift of the Savior.  He reminded all of us that we have a Father in Heaven who loves each of us more than we will ever understand;  that even when we don't feel worthy or deserving of that love, He loves us anyway; and that the Savior is the greatest gift He has ever given us.  I love that message.  I loved the quiet reminder that the whole reason we celebrate Christmas is to honor the birth of the Savior.  It was such a great way to start the day.

 ...and Sunday clothes make for a nice Christmas picture on the stairs.