Joy to the World

My heart has been especially full of love for my Savior this Christmas season. As I listen to the Christmas story again, I'm overwhelmed with the magnificence of the event that happened long ago. I have to admit, though, that this overwhelming feeling of love towards my Savior is not always present. Perhaps that's why I feel especially fortunate to feel it this year.

As a young girl, I developed a special bond with my Heavenly Father, a bond that I've cherished throughout my life. Because of the love I've felt for Him I've searched to build the same connection with my Savior. I've always had a testimony of Jesus Christ, but my love for Him has not been as easy for me to feel as my love for my Heavenly Father. A part of me believed that this love would proliferate from strengthening my relationship with my Father in heaven but this hasn't worked for me, and I've felt somewhat frustrated at times.

As I approached this Christmas season, I could feel a small distance once again between myself and my Savior, not something I want to feel this time of year. So instead of trying to push through, finding the spirit by turning up my Christmas music, and frantically searching for ways to serve others (which are both great things to do), I simply got down on my knees and pleaded to feel the love I want to feel. It wasn't until after this simple act, that I realized why it is so hard for me to know and love my Savior.

He is glorious...and I feel that I need to be the same in order to be worthy to know Him.

He is kind and loving, the ultimate example of goodness.

He is perfect.

He is my earthly example and everything I want to be, but I know I will always fall short. Unlike me He doesn't need a 'Savior' He is the Savior. Because of this, I've felt occasionally intimidated by the one I'm supposed to celebrate in December every year, and I've had a hard time truly opening my heart to Him.

In that simple moment on my knees, I made a choice. To be inspired by Jesus Christ, instead of intimidated by Him. I will tell you, that this has required me to exercise an exponential amount of humility. I've had to bring myself to accept the truth of who Christ is, the truth that's painful to me. He is perfect, and I am not.

But then I have to be willing to accept my place in the plan. To admit that I am not perfect like my Savior... and that's how it's supposed to be. I am me, and I am important too with my own purpose and potential.

I am learning that it is not my job to be Christ. It is my job to be humble enough to accept the truth of who Christ is and try; try to be like him. Try to follow his example.

Only after truly accepting my place in the plan, and accepting the Savior for his greatness, have I been able to feel a profound appreciation and love for my dear brother who sacrificed so much for me. Only after accepting His grace, have I been able to accept his love for me and allow myself to feel it instead of turn it away.

These profound moments of truth are fleeting, which is why I want to solidify this moment by bearing my testimony to all those I care about.

I know that Jesus Christ lives!

I love Him!

I know that He is by my side, always. I know that He was born, like me, into this world. I know that He understands, rejection, physical pain, and sorrow. Most of all, I know He fulfilled His purpose on earth... so that I can fulfill mine.

This Christmas spirit I've tried to obtain frantically over the years has come easily this year after humbling myself and accepting truth. I still have a ways to go in strengthening my connection with Him, but today, I truly feel love for the tiny baby who entered this world so long ago.

From my heart I say, Hallelujah, and Joy to the World for my Savior is born!

It is my hope that all of you can feel the true Spirit of Christ this Christmas season and know of His love for you... for He loves you a lot.

Merry Christmas!!

Let's Light the World!