Christmas reflections

This is one of my favorite times of the year. Its not just the decorations and the giving. To me Christmas brings with it a sense of peaceful reflection. I find my self reflecting on the past year. Remembering memories my family has shared together. Remembering people and friends that have come or gone from my life. I think to the future and ways I can improve myself as a mom, a wife, a daughter of God. I hope for a better year than the last no matter what happened in the past year. I think of the memories I may be a part of. A child entering school or a new grade. An upcoming vacation.

But mostly I reflect on a quiet night over two thousand years ago. I like to think of Mary and her thoughts and feelings as she made her choice to be a humble servant of God. "Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according to thy word." I want to be more like Mary. To say to the Lord, "I am willing to do whatever Thou asks of me because I am Thy handmaid." Unfortunately I am more likely to put conditions on my service. "I'll do it but can it wait until..." What must it have been like to feel the Savior of the world growing inside of her? Did she know to what extent His life would effect hers? Do I know to what extent His life can effect mine?

As I start this Christmas month I hope I can keep these feelings in my heart always. I want my children to love this time of year for more than presents and Santa Clause. I want them to love it because of the Savior.