This year I have really been reflecting on what Christmas means to me and the symbols behind the different aspects of the Christmas story.
DONKEY: Are we not all like the donkey? Does it not sometimes feel like we are carrying a heavy load? Do we not sometimes think the distance to where we are going is too far? But, when we remember our true purpose, we have to remain faithful. There is something truly wonderful coming at the end of our long, hard journey.
STAR: Are we not all like the star? If we follow the promptings of the Spirit and try to live like Him and follow His example do we not shine and lead others to Christ? So many times I have been told that members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints have a light about them and people are so curious about how to get it! We can shine and be an example to others and bring them to our Savior.
MARY: Are we not all like Mary? Do we sometimes feel inadequate to the things that are sometimes asked of us? But, we were worthy enough to be asked. Again, there are great rewards if we continue on in faith.
JOSEPH: Are we not all like Joseph? We sometimes feel like we are knocking on every door we see asking for a place to stay or just a little bit of relief only to find ourselves somewhere we did not expect to be but happier than we could have ever imagined.
INNKEEPER: Are we not all like the innkeeper? When Christ comes knocking do we not all have to find a place in our busy lives to give him? It may not be our best room. At the time, it may be nothing but a lowly stable. The important thing to remember is that we gave Him all we had at that moment, and hopefully as time goes on we can find an even better place for Him.
ANGELS: Are we not all like the angels? Don't we want to share what we know from the rooftops? We have missionaries leave their families for 18 months-2 years to go and spread what we know, but we are each missionaries whether we leave home or not. People are curious about what we know, and we should be ready, willing, and excited to share it!
SHEPHERDS: Are we not all like the shepherds? Do we not sit and marvel at the light of Christ when we see it? It may come a little at a time or all at once, but once we see it we have a deep desire to follow it to the source.
WISEMEN: Are we not all like the wisemen? We study about Christ and watch for the signs of His coming. We want to give gifts to others to taste of the joy He feels as He blesses us. But, more importantly, we want to give Him gifts to show we love Him.
