This year I was guided to find these beautiful ornaments at Deseret Book. They were tucked down under a low shelf. They are beautiful and I wish I had purchased more to share.
They have names of Christ on each star. The names include:
They have names of Christ on each star. The names include:
- Lamb of God - John 1:29
- Emmanuel - Matthew 1:23
- Bread of Life - John 6:35
- The Light - John 8:12
- Lord of Lords - Revelation 17:14
- Redeemer - Job 19:25
- King of Israel - John 12:13
- Shepherd - John 10:11
- Prince of Peace - Isaiah 9:6
- Mediator - 1 Timothy 2:5
- Living Water - John 4:10
- King of Kings - Revelation 17:14
To think about each of these names and roles that He plays in my life. I am so grateful for Him!
Tonight while searching for gifts of love, I found this set of paintings of the Savior by Liz Lemon Swindle and love this idea of putting images of Christ on the tree, reminding us constantly of the real reason for this season! We have had many opportunities to remind us of the real meaning of the season!
I believe it was my Sister L who said that the branch president in her area challenged the members when asked questions about being ready and excited for Christmas to share their favorite ways of bringing Christ into Christmas. I am so grateful my family has enjoyed the beautiful opportunity for many years now of participating in the Live Nativity at Tuachan with the original cast. What an amazing opportunity it is to consider how each of those individuals felt as you stand in those shoes and reenact on that beautiful stage that night of nights! As I have followed that admonishment and shared this tradition with others, and even invited them to come participate with us, I have been saddened by the response. I have seriously invited many to come on Saturday and share with us in this beautiful tradition. The saddest response..."I know I should make time for Christ at Christmas, but I just don't have time!" Oh stop! Whatever that task is that is more important that learning of and sharing His story is NOT more important than Him! We look forward to participating this weekend in the Nativity! What a beautiful opportunity! I'll post photos after Christmas, but it is one of my very favorite parts!
I have loved this year considering the thoughts of this book shared by a dear friend early this season titled A Christ Centered Christmas by Emily Freeman. It has brought a new level of understanding to my world. As I consider how Mary felt, all alone, traveling that distance of some 90 miles just prior to giving birth to her first born son! I have walked and labored... never for 90 miles! I love her to new levels this year! I am so grateful for her example of "pondering in her heart." How did she ache for love and kindness. Yet, she was cast out. I love you Mary! Thank you for sacrificing for your family! Thank you for sacrificing for us! I understand with a new heart! I will remember and appreciate her forever more than I every imagined!
I believe it was my Sister L who said that the branch president in her area challenged the members when asked questions about being ready and excited for Christmas to share their favorite ways of bringing Christ into Christmas. I am so grateful my family has enjoyed the beautiful opportunity for many years now of participating in the Live Nativity at Tuachan with the original cast. What an amazing opportunity it is to consider how each of those individuals felt as you stand in those shoes and reenact on that beautiful stage that night of nights! As I have followed that admonishment and shared this tradition with others, and even invited them to come participate with us, I have been saddened by the response. I have seriously invited many to come on Saturday and share with us in this beautiful tradition. The saddest response..."I know I should make time for Christ at Christmas, but I just don't have time!" Oh stop! Whatever that task is that is more important that learning of and sharing His story is NOT more important than Him! We look forward to participating this weekend in the Nativity! What a beautiful opportunity! I'll post photos after Christmas, but it is one of my very favorite parts!
I have loved this year considering the thoughts of this book shared by a dear friend early this season titled A Christ Centered Christmas by Emily Freeman. It has brought a new level of understanding to my world. As I consider how Mary felt, all alone, traveling that distance of some 90 miles just prior to giving birth to her first born son! I have walked and labored... never for 90 miles! I love her to new levels this year! I am so grateful for her example of "pondering in her heart." How did she ache for love and kindness. Yet, she was cast out. I love you Mary! Thank you for sacrificing for your family! Thank you for sacrificing for us! I understand with a new heart! I will remember and appreciate her forever more than I every imagined!