Merry Christmas!

We got a very special visit from Santa today! Thanks to Santa School for sending such a special visitor. Benny was thrilled when he saw him come to the door. He started running around the house like a mad man! The triplets didn't even cry when he held them!

 

This Christmas has been such an enjoyable time for us. Benson is finally at the magical Christmas stage. He is just bursting with excitement for Santa to come and bring him Diesel 10 (a Thomas the Train figurine). It brings back my own memories of when Christmas used to be that magical for me. As I was wishing my Christmas could feel as magical as it used to when I was little, a thought occurred to me. This year, instead of a magical Christmas, I get to experience a miraculous Christmas! Because in all reality, the miracle of Jesus Christ's birth and his life is much more miraculous than the story of Santa.

My understanding of the life and the atonement of Christ has completely changed this year. In the past, I mostly focused on the power of the atonement in reference to Christ's ability to redeem us from our sins. But as I've struggled this year, I have come to recognize the power of the atonement in a much different way. Christ not only suffered for our sins, but he felt every pain and sorrow we have experienced. And because he felt those feelings, he is the best one to give us comfort and hope during our trials.

There have been many times during this year where I have had to rely on the atonement. Sometimes my burden has felt so heavy, I literally have felt like I might suffocate. And during those unbearable times, I have learned to pray to Heavenly Father. I have told him that I physically cannot survive another minute without his help. And every time, something miraculous has happened, I have felt the power of the atonement lift me. My sorrow did not usually disappear, but my burden was lifted enough that I knew I could go on. I know Christ completely understands my pain, and I know it hurts him to watch us suffer. But we can all turn to him; he wants to help and comfort us.

I have been amazed how God has given me the gift to be able to experience joy amidst sadness this year. In some ways I feel like I am happier than I have ever been. I believe that our ability to feel joy is linked to the sadness we have experienced. Because I've experienced feelings of sorrow, my happy times are exponentially happier. One of my good Rb friends once told me, "Don't blame heaven for your problems, look to heaven for your solutions." God doesn't give us trials to make us miserable. Sometimes he allows difficult things to happen to us so that we can grow and become more thankful and happy! If we choose to blame God, we will be miserable. But if we choose to let him in to our lives and believe we have a Savior, we can find happiness.

I used to be afraid for the second coming of Christ, but my perspective has changed. Yes, I know I will never be perfect, and I have so much to repent for. But because of Christ we can all be saved. We should all look forward to the second coming with anticipation and gratitude. We have a Savior who gave us the greatest gift of all, and I hope this Christmas we can remember, He is the Gift!