Christmas Essence

In the words of our prophet Gordon B Hinckley. "In each of us there is at Christmas time something of our childhood. We all revel in the fun of Christmas, of giving, receiving, singing, feasting, gathering. But there is something else, something better, and that is to sit together as families and read again the fascinating story of the birth of Jesus, who was born in Bethlehem of Judea. He was the lowly babe who came to earth and brought to us the gift of Christmas. I believe in the Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of the Eternal, Living God. He is the Savior and the Redeemer of the world. I believe in Him. I love Him. I speak His name in reverence and wonder. Our joy at this season is because He came into the world. The peace that comes from Him, His infinite love which each of us may feel, and an overwhelming sense of gratitude for that which He freely gave us at so great a cost to Himself – these are of the “True Essence of Christmas.” Seth read this in his tuxedo at our Family Christmas Party to a quiet and full audience. Then we sang the Nativity Song, Eliza sang "Mary's Lullaby" to her new born daughter, we all sang "Stars were Gleaming" Collin sang "Joseph's Song" and then we all finished with "Picture a Stable" Andrea lead us, JoLynn accompanied. Tanner-Kristin-Maci were Mary-Joseph-Baby Jesus. All the kids were angels, shepherds, wisemen and Nicolas was the Star! It was so sweet and peaceful! The program came after a quiet, calm candlelit dinner. Then we all quietly listened as Mom gave each of us a coin from Dad's collection and Corey explained the appraisal process and history of the coins. Mom reflected on Christmas memories with Dad as JoLynn played beautiful Christmas music in the background. Just as we were leaving it began to snow, that beautiful full powdery snow that blankets the ground and adds to the Christmas Spirit! It was a beautiful and peaceful evening where we all felt the "True Essence of Christmas"

Yea RIGHT! It snowed so hard and so long that traffic was backed up for hours. Literally took those that came hours to arrive! Many didn't get to attend because of the storm. Darling invitations were not received through the mail. We did end up with a critical mass but the attendance was sparse! Dinner was chaotic, noisy and very late! The program was a hilarious shambles as the children, squawked, cried, disrobed itchy customs and ran screaming off the stage. Seth would not dawn his tuxedo, neither soloist could come and the accompanist had to leave early because her granddaughter was throwing up over a garbage can. The kids ran wild, dragging toys out from everywhere, rearranging furniture and leaving half eaten brownies on the floor to be smashed! It was crazy, hectic, chaotic and OH So Much FUN! Don't you just love a good old fashion family party! I do hope the True Essence of Christmas was felt though, because it's all about being together and we were definitely all together. "Now we all know that we're all here" rang in my ears! Merry Christmas! Love Allyson