Monday, December 29, 2008

Sing, Choir of Angels...

It has been one of the busiest Christmas seasons on record for us. That is saying a lot, since I had two Christmas seasons in the Mormon Tabernacle Choir. So, a Merry Christmas to all of you. We're back home in Colorado from a whirlwind trip, involving my baby-sister's wedding, Christmas, and one really nasty stomach/intestinal virus, which we spread with Christmas cheer to ALL of our extended family. (Can I just apologize for the 827th time - I'm so, so sorry.) If you'd like to hear my little sister's hilarious and witty account, click here.

The best day of the trip, for me, was the Sunday before Christmas. (After the wedding stress, and before the stomach bug). My most amazing and talented mother-in-law made dozens of costumes a few years ago for a children's nativity. She brought them to church that Sunday and since I'm the wielder of the ridiculously large and expensive camera, I tagged along to take some pictures.

This is one of the most angelic faces I know... Rebekah turned 10 the next day.


Three angel cousins...

Sam the Shepherd. He looks a little like Linus from
"Charlie Brown Christmas" to me.

And, I don't know these children. But they really spread my message today. The little Mary was so sweet and maternal as she held the little baby Jesus. And Joseph was so solemn and careful.


And most of all, I'm feeling so thankful that all the stress and craziness and throwing up and fevers and snow of our trip, and the way that so little went as planned are all okay. Because the Savior Jesus Christ really WAS born, and because of his Atoning Sacrifice, we may overcome all, and all hurts and wrongs and illness will be done away. One of my favorite scriptures from Isaiah chapter 41 says:

He shall feed his flock like a shepherd: he shall gather the lambs with his arm, and carry them in his bosom, and shall gently lead those that are with young. Hast thou not known? Hast thou not heard, that the everlasting God, the Lord, the Creator of the ends of the earth, fainteth not, neither is weary? There is no searching of his understanding. He giveth power to the faint; and to them that have no might he increaseth strength. Even the youths shall faint and be weary, and the young men shall utterly fall: But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.


So, Merry Christmas to all of you, late though my wishes are.

The Spirit of Christmas is the Spirit of Christ!

9 comments:

Mama M said...

Thank you, dear one.

I am thankful for your sweet and pure testimony of the Savior, and the reminder of why this past week was so Celestial, even in the midst of being so relentlessly telestial.

I love my Mary, and all her little lambs. And shepherds. And angels.

Jill said...

What's a Christmas without a little sickness!? Sometimes I wish Christmas were in July for that very reason! I am glad you could get past all the bad and still have time to remember the true meaning of Christmas. Beautiful pictures as always too!!

Lara Neves said...

Beautiful pictures! Also I always love to read your mom's comments...she seems wonderful! :)

Lydia said...

Thanks for that scripture, it is a good one.

stephanie said...

I love the costumes for the christmas story! The kids look so cute in them.

Jessica and Tim said...

You have such a way of capturing the craziness and still remembering the reasons why we go through what we do. Family is so important. I miss our times to chat in the loft. Your kiddies are growing up so, but are still as beautiful as ever.

queendeni said...

Good Luck Mary!!! YOu will do well, thank you for referring me, I will transfer it to Lara. Thanks so much, what a good friend you are to Lara!!

Lara Neves said...

Hey Mary:

Just to answer your questions...I am in the middle of my third round. As far as lotion and stuff, I still used it, but I cut way down. I tried not to until I absolutely had to. I think shampoo and conditioner don't make a difference, since your hair wouldn't absorb it into your blood stream. Good luck! I can't wait to see how it all goes for you.

Kristen said...

Merry Belated Christmas! Thanks for your comment-please do let us know when you're up here. Take care.