A Devotional

Last night, after a day of church, playing in the garage making moving box forts (kiddos), and generally lounging around (us old farts), we settled down to watch the Christmas Devotional.

With the lights turned off and only the glow of the computer monitor to light the room, some people (Orrin), drifted off to sleep.  Luckily there were a few kids climbing on him, so he didn't get to sleep for very long.

You know how there's usually one part of the talk that really sticks out and you feel like there's a neon arrow above your head, pointing directly at you?  That moment happened last night while President Monson spoke.

“Overdoing it is especially common this time of year for many of us. The causes for this might include too many Christmas activities to attend, too much to eat, too many expectations and too much tension. Often our efforts at Christmas time result in our feeling stressed out, wrung out and worn out during a time we should feel the simple joys of commemorating the birth of our Savior.”

*cough* The thought that perhaps the Prophet follows my blog may have flashed through my mind.

Today I began constructing a new list of things that really matter this time of year and that I really want the kids to feel and see.

And yes, I still must make a list.  Taking away my list-making would be a punishment near death.  

Hopefully I will remember this nugget of truth in the midst of the holiday/moving mess we're careening towards.

After the devotional ended, Piper stood and shared a little essay that she had prepared.

Christmas: true meaning

We all know the story of Jesus's birth.  So I am going to tell you a little story but, first Porter what do you thing the the true meaning of Christmas is?  Well, we selebrate the day of his birth on 25 of December.  And on that day Mary and Josiph where walking Mary felt like her baby was coming.  so they try to find a place to stay.  They find a hotell but, the manager said there are no more rooms.  So they go to a barn.  Mary lie down painfuly.  Then suddenly she had her baby.  all the animals gathered, cows, sheep, and horses.  And baby Jesus didn't make a sound.  Then three sheperds come running in.  One holding frankensense, another gold, and the last silver.  The air filled with joy the family went happily to bed.  Every Christmas a big star is shining on that very spot.  So now you see Christmas is not about presents it's about giving, loving and about Jesus's birth.

*Dad: the spelling and grammatical errors were directly copied from Piper's paper.  They are not mine*

Yes, it would seem that we have some fact checking to share with our brood about Christ's birth.  But I say hooray for a kiddo who can write a little story about Jesus in December rather than Santa and Elves!