Stronger Through Him

  My daughter taught me something about the Christmas Story I didn’t know. Turns out Jesus wasn’t turned away from a Holiday Inn (I did know that!).  The “inn” was likely a family guest room based on the Greek root word. It was the front room where family and friends could sleep. And the JST clarifies that it was multiple inns.  Which means the Savior of the world was born in a stable after Mary and Joseph were not only rejected by strangers but family.  More than once. Let that sit with you for a second. No space. No comfort. No soft landing. No women helping a young Mary through her first childbirth.  Just a feeding trough where the animals stayed. So if you’ve ever felt like there wasn’t room for you at the table… If family felt full but your heart felt empty… If you were pushed to the margins while others got the guest room… You’re in very holy company. Jesus didn’t enter the world through warmth and applause. He arrived through inconvenience, rejection, and...

  He Came To Save Me The unkind word, the darker thoughts The times I failed to show. The parts that I want covered He says will be like snow. But I’ve been mean or cruel Or I have leaned toward doubt I didn’t always keep my word And He’ll just stamp it out? I got too tired and weary I forgot to trust in the light  I held onto grudges and anger And He can make that right? I’ve lost those I loved and leaned on, I’ve questioned my Father’s love I’ve over-relied on the world Instead of just looking above. Our culture says I should be cancelled But Christ says He’ll cancel my sin He just want my heart to be toward him And to let His Atonement in.  That is the message of Christmas The gift of the nativity  The truth is that He is my Savior And His gift was to come and save me.  Natalie Potter

 

  Twice last week, I was at school working late events. Afterward I returned to my classroom to get my coat and found to my dismay that I had left my door unlocked and my Christmas tree plugged in. Visions of frowny face stickers from the district energy efficiency monitor came to mind and both times I chided myself for being forgetful and unplugged the tree and locked up. Tonight, after working concessions for Junior High basketball, I once again stopped by my room for my coat and once again the tree was aglow and my room was open! I may be getting a bit more forgetful but I was absolutely certain I had double checked them before I left today. Puzzled, I looked down the hallway where the night janitor was vacuuming.  She smiled and thanked me for taking the time to put up the tree.   “A little holiday spirit goes a long way!” She has been enjoying my tree each night while she works.  That made me smile, and not just because it meant I am not crazy. President Thomas ...

  https://www.facebook.com/share/r/1X2bXWntRV/?mibextid=wwXIfr This is an inspirational Christmas message my daughter inspired me with today.