Heatherisms: December 2013

Today my heart was exceedingly full. I had a beautiful, ordinary instance that will change the way I think of my Savior at Christmastime forever.

Earlier today I had the opportunity to teach in Relief Society. It was no small miracle that I was ready in time due to my insane schedule at work as of late. I awoke early and was able to get it finished just in time. Heavenly Father truly blessed me with the Spirit and He guided and directed the whole lesson and it turned out wonderfully as I taught about receiving Christ in our hearts this Christmas season. Thoughts of how I could make this Christmas more sacred bounced around in my head, but nothing poignant seemed to quite stick.

Later that night before the fireside, I walked around the temple grounds because I wanted to see the nativity and feel the special spirit that always resides there. As I was standing there alone among many families and couples, I noticed a little boy standing in front of me with his arms folded. All the other children were running around, hanging on the ropes, giggling and wiggling in the cold air. I watched this boy stand perfectly still in reverence at the nativity scene before his eyes. Then, without provocation from anybody around him, he knelt on the frozen concrete directly in front of the baby Jesus with his head bowed for nearly a minute. Tears welled up in my eyes. This boy seemed to understand the gift given by the Father and seemed to be thanking him in his own small way, much like the shepherds and wise men standing on either side of him. As the music swelled and the lights faded at the conclusion of the nativity scene, the boy got up without a word and quietly walked away with a smile back to his family. This private moment of faith and devotion I was so privileged to see totally changed my perspective on the Christmas season. I will forever be grateful for that small boy who was unashamed and so willing to serve and honor his Savior. I pray that I may be able to kneel and awe at His feet often, unaffected by the world with a heart full of gratitude and devotion. The little boy truly was a wise man in his own right and I am so blessed to have seen this small scene to remind me of how to keep Christ in Christmas.

My friends, how will you worship him? What will you give? How will you thank Him for His life, love and sacrifice? How will you seek Him this season and always?