...Chri-ist the Saaaavior is Booooorn

Three thoughts which will tie together at the end:

A week ago I sat in church listening to someone speak about gifts. He said he was always a little jealous of those people who were given the gift to believe in Christ because he struggled with it. Upon further pondering he realized he was given the gift to believe on people's words. This got me thinking...What spiritual gifts have I been given?

As a mom of two young children, it's pretty easy to feel VERY inadequate in my roll as a caregiver, homemaker, wife, etc. etc. With so many responsibilities, it's almost impossible to stay on top of everything. Taking the time to think about the blessings God gives me certainly helps me realize I have value, not just as a mom, but as an individual.

Two weeks ago we had a Relief Society meeting (i.e. Enrichment) about the Women of the Nativity. Somebody in my ward somehow found out that I have sang solos in the past so I was asked to sing a solo. Then three days before Enrichment I was told that the other people who were going to sing couldn't sing soooo could I sing the other two songs for the program?... Really?! Three songs, two of them being solos and all of them VERY different styles. Well, I've been wanting opportunities to serve but yikes, this was like a one-man show! I definitely didn't feel qualified for the request but I agreed because "the show must go on" no matter how bad... I practiced and practiced and practiced some more. 2 hours before the meeting I could feel a nasty cold coming on but hoped that it would wait to attack until after I sang. It did! (Just so you know, by Sunday I had completely lost my voice. It was pretty bad. All I could do was whisper and if I tried to really talk it would hurt and every other syllable would disappear in a breathy flow of air) So, I made it through all three songs. The only thing I didn't take into account was that the entire program would be quite spiritual. And if you know me, spiritual means emotional... I was lucky that I only had to stop myself from crying twice in the middle of singing. The speakers along with the music gave a very touching account of several women involved in Christ's birth and the events leading up to it. Excellent work by all those speakers who could portray a character while still sharing the spirit.

Tying these three thoughts together- I realized to have a testimony of Jesus Christ isn't as easy as one might think. Well, a testimony isn't as difficult as a relationship. I guess I looking at both. How do I develop a relationship with a person I read about but have never met? Do I have a testimony of the Savior? If so, how did I develop it? The gift I have been given is that of music, both the appreciation and the ability to participate in it. For me, music can express what I'm thinking and feeling SO much easier than words. This time of year there are many wonderful songs about our Savior, Jesus Christ. The spirit that is felt while listening and singing music about the Savior helps me strengthen my testimony even more. I was so sad when I had to go 2-3 days unable to sing my favorite Christmas songs at church and with my family! Through music I have learned that Jesus Christ is real. He was born to the virgin, Mary. He suffered in Gethsemane and was crucified on the cross all because He loves me (and all of you).

Tis the season! Enjoy the wonderful music available from the mass media only this time of year! Lets all strive to remember and celebrate the true meaning of Christmas. Merry Christmas to all!!!!