Joy to the World!

This is absolutely the best time of the year!  With so many people focused on the Savior, the world becomes a softer place to land.  I also have to say I love the social media challenge the church has put out this year to #LIGHTtheWORLD.  It's been inspiring to see so many people in their own small way add to the light that the gospel brings to this earth.  

There are so many times I have felt the spirit of Christ this season ... in so many little ways everyday!  Here are a few of the special moments we've experienced as a family this season.

Our first moment was our excursion to see the Christmas lights at the Mesa temple!  This was extra special because we were able to go with Dan and Krystal.  We went the day after Thanksgiving so there was an extra special feeling since it ushered in the beginning of the Christmas season for us! 

LOVE this picture of Calvin and Saffron just soaking in the magic of Christmas.  Seeing the beautiful temple all lit up reminded me that we are blessed to feel this joy all year! 

"Every time we nurture our spouse and guide our children, everytime we forgive someone or ask forgiveness, we can feel joy.  Everyday that you and I choose to live celestial laws, everyday that we keep our covenants and help others to do the same JOY will be ours."

When we returned to Utah our next Christmas festivity was our Acacia Ward Party!  I would try to put into words how much I love my ward but there aren't words to explain it.  I'll just say these folks I see every Sunday and throughout the week make a great family.  I am surrounded by the best of the best.  We loved being edified with our friends, hearing the primary children sing songs, and a visit from Santa Clause!  (No pictures because Calvin was done with the celebrations by the time he arrived, sadly!)

I helped to make those giant snowflakes in the background - they looked awesome!  And the tree decoration in the middle was our Relief Society president, Sis Parry's, idea!  It was so festive and I think people enjoyed the food, decorations and overall spirit that was there.

A dear friend of mine shared on facebook a special photo from ten years ago (TEN YEARS - WHAT?!?)  when as a high school choir we were able to sing Christmas music at the church administration building.  We were able to sing for President Hinckley who briefly stopped at spoke with us.  I'll never forget as he walked away and shook his cane in the air and said "Sing on, Sing on!"  What a sweet and special experience that I loved to remember.  Here is the facebook post: 

"One of my favorite ways to celebrate this time of year has always been singing Christmas music. Songs about Jesus Christ have a special spirit and meaning that allow you to bear testimony and feel of His Spirit as you sing or listen. Although I know it doesn't matter who is listening when you sing, ten years ago this morning I had the opportunity to sing at the LDS Church Administration Building for some very special people whom I consider special witnesses of Jesus Christ, and it is an experience I will never forget. There is no sweeter music than a carol to our Heavenly King. #LightTheWorld"

Of course decorating our own tree while we listened to Christmas tunes was another tradition I love!  Calvin loves to get the soft ornaments off the bottom of the tree and carry them around the house.  He also enjoys looking at the bright twinkly lights before bedtime!

Last week we had an extra special opportunity to do a Play-a-thon at the Galleria mall with my piano students!  They all worked hard to prepare Christmas music to share.  They also collected pledges to give to the School of the Blind for the play-a-thon.  It was a great service opportunity and a unique venue to perform as well! 

Michael brought the boys and pushed them around the mall in the double stroller - which they enjoyed.  Mike said Calvin loved grabbing displays and being an overall whirlwind of destruction.. but what a CUTE whirlwind of destruction, right!?!

Here are some of the kids who performed 2 or 3 of their favorite Christmas carols! 

There is something quite special about the Christmas music and the spirit that it brings!  I really hope the kids got to feel that special feeling as they shared their music.

"JOY comes from and because of Him.  We feel it at Christmastime when we sing "Joy to the world, the Lord is come." And we can feel it all year round.  For Latter-day Saints, Jesus Christ is joy!"

-President Russell M. Nelson