Christmas was weird this year. It wasn't bad, but it was weird. We were travelling for Ryan's wedding the week of, Ryan wasn't home, it was so quiet, I am still adjusting to my new job... Need I say more? It just didn't feel like Christmas. Even as Christmas came along.
But, this was all on me. I had forgotten to focus on the true meaning of Christmas. I forgot my Savior amongst all of the craziness of shopping, reception planning, and worrying about my flights and the events going on at work.
Christmas Day we all gather at my grandparents' house for Christmas dinner. Before our meal, we always say a prayer. My grandpa said the prayer this year. He is losing his memory, so you never quite know what you are going to get with his prayers anymore (one day he prayed like someone had died and it kind of scared the rest of us there), but his prayer this year really struck me. I wrote part of it down as soon as he finished. He prayed "that we may remember WHO we are and WHAT we are." All of the Christmas spirit that I had been missing rushed into me, bringing tears to my eyes. His simple testimony that we are all sons and daughters of God helped me remember what Christmas was really all about.
Christmas isn't about the traffic, the trees, the presents, or the decorations. Christmas is a time to come closer to our Savior. Christmas is a time to truly remember Him as we finish out the old year and get ready to start a new. Christmas is a time to begin thinking about resolutions you would like in the coming year. So, if you don't have a resolution or would like a new one (because your resolution to exercise every day or eat healthy is already out the window), I invite you to use my grandpa's prayer. Remember who you are and what you are.
You are a beloved son or daughter of God.
