Christmas Spirit

Deck the Halls! It's Christmas time! On Monday, we put up our christmas decorations; I was so thrilled! Our tree looks a little silly with a couple scrap pieces of ribbon, but I had to have the ribbon on regardless. I love having white lights up in the house too (window, kitchen, etc); it gives a nice homey feel at night time. 

 

Also this Christmas season, I haven't felt overwhelmed or "disgusted" by all the christmas shoppers/shopping or by the omnipresence of good ol' Saint Nick. Though I never had any disdain for these things, they just always made it harder to concentrate on how/why Christmas truly came to be. Consequently, its meaning has been somewhat distant for me while growing up. Sometimes I tried to force myself to have a spiritual experience, but it never really came. I hope that doesn't sound too awful to you, but I only say it because this year is becoming different. As I've looked at our nativity, I'm reminded of a time when there were people who had great faith but perhaps were struggling for hope. Jesus became their hope and their strength. I can't imagine the impact he had on those humble people that night who had been praying for their savior. His impact should be (and is) the same today for those who believe in Him. That's a powerful thing to think about and realize. I'm thankful for the experiences I had while performing in the production of Savior of the World and BYU-Idaho. To be a witness at the birth of Christ among my friends (who are also fellow believers) has made this more real to me.