What a fabulous Sabbath Day! It's always good to be home, especially on the Sunday before Christmas. I had the opportunity to attend two Sacrament meetings today and I was so grateful! I absolutely love all the Christmas hymns.
I thought a lot about our Savior. Obviously He is the reason for the season.
I thought about how I gained my testimony of the Savior. Here are two experiences that stuck out today:
I was in 9th grade. It was my first on-stage production. Savior of the World. His Birth and Resurrection. What an amazing experience that was. By the end of all the rehearsals, we basically had everyone's lines memorized from listening to them so many times. We had seen the scenes acted out over and over again. Sometimes the spirit was stronger than others. Sometimes instead of paying attention we tried to do our homework or laughed a little too loudly with our friends. But through the whole process; day one of rehearsal to the curtain at the end of the final show, I came to know my Savior. I really learned the scriptures that were quoted, I understood the role of each character in that first Christmas story, I came to know more about His life and His teachings, and how He is the center of everything. I came to know He lives and I came to know that He will come again. I will never forget one special moment where the whole cast was kneeling down, hands up, eyes gazing into heaven, and the special words that we sung. The spirit overpowered everyone in the room and emotions started pouring out as we sat there in wonder and awe.
Come Lord Jesus, to the manger;
may we see thy tender face?
Great Creator, here a stranger,
infant in this humble place.
Come Lord Jesus great Redeemer,
light of morning from the east.
We will be thy children ever,
dry our tears, all weeping cease.
Come in glory, to the earth
Come to us to rule and reign.
Ready us to kneel and greet thee
Come Lord Jesus Come.
Jesus, once of humble birth,
now in glory comes to earth.
Once he suffered grief and pain;
Now he comes on earth to reign.
Now he comes on earth to reign.
One year ago, I was in Decatur, Alabama and I had the opportunity to testify of our Savior, Jesus Christ. The experience in the musical was still with me. It was the first time I can actually remember knowing that Jesus Christ is our Savior. I never valued the true meaning of Christmas more than I did as a full-time missionary. It was a really special time in my life to share that sweet message with others. A message of hope, joy, peace, and light. As a missionary I came to know my Savior even deeper. The trials were many as I endured a lot of pain, sadness, and confusion. I often wondered, "Why me??" The desire that I had my whole life to serve was being thwarted by something I couldn't control. And that's when I really came to learn about my Savior's love. He has been there. He has felt it all (and more). He still believed in me and LOVES me. And most importantly, He was there to help me every step of the way as long as I came unto Him. I like to think that I went through my own little Gethsemane. I got to tap into a small portion of the pain and suffering the Savior experienced for all mankind. And through it all, I became a better person. A stronger one. Someone who has more compassion and understanding, an unwavering testimony, and a desire to continue on despite difficulties put in our path. And that, my friends, is what the Savior can do for each one of us.
He lived. He died, And He rose again.
Carve this message on your heart. Make it a part of you. Share it with others. Testify with the spirit and they will know it's true.
Have a wonderful week and continue to embrace the gift.
with all my love,
Mary
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