Christmas 2010

Its December 23rd and Christmas is coming!  We're all excited and exhilarated.  As always this Christmas season there are many memories we ponder, and we often hear that question, "What is your most memorable Christmas?"  At the moment I certainly cannot remember any particular one, but I do remember parts of many Christmas's.  My favorite and most cherished memories are of Christmas Eve.  My family has traditions such as receiving new pajamas, reenacting the nativity, eating treats and that's about the jist of it.  I've always loved Christmas Eve so much more than Christmas day, even when I was younger.  With the songs we sang and the activities we indulged in the true spirit of the Christmas season was there, the spirit of Christ.  I would say that the single most influential thing in my life around truely understanding Christmas was these traditions.  I will certainly miss being able to be a part of it this year, but will yet enjoy my Christmas in New York just the same.  May we all strive to remember Christ this season, and not just on Christmas Eve, but rather make it a part of our celebration on Christmas day and through the rest of the year.  I will conclude with my favorite Christmas Carol: Silent Night (I've modified it a little the way I would have it sung, in a cappella).

Silent night, holy night
All is calm, all is bright
Round yon Virgin Mother and Child
Holy Infant so tender and mild
Sleep in heavenly peace
Sleep in heavenly peace

Silent night, holy night!
Shepherds quake at the sight
Glories stream from heaven afar
Heavenly hosts sing Alleluia!
Christ, the Saviour is born
Christ, the Saviour is born

Silent night, holy night
Son of God, love's pure light
Radiant beams from Thy holy face
With the dawn of redeeming grace
Jesus, Lord, at Thy birth
Jesus, Lord, at Thy birth

Sleep in heavenly peace

Merry Christmas,

Elder John R. Woodworth