A Christmas thought...

I wanted to share a couple thoughts of mine that really bring the true meaning of Christmas to my heart. Jake shared with me a song on the way to church today that he loves and that I have never heard before. It's on the 2006 EFY CD called "Because." It is an amazing song and I wrote down the lyrics to share because there couldn't be a more beautiful way of describing our Savior Jesus Christ and all He did for us. I hope by reading this you may all have a stronger desire to remember Him above the hustle and bustle at this time of year, He is the true meaning of why we celebrate Christmas.

Because:

Because He walked with men I know the way
Because He calmed the raging storm I'm not afraid
Because He made the leper clean He can make me whole
Because He called His sheep by name I know I'm not alone
Because He was condemned I am redeemed
Because He broke the chains of death I am free
Because He bowed beneath all things He lifted me above
Because He shed His blood for me I know His love

I will praise forever the Savior of the world...
Because He gave to me everything He had to give I breathe, I see, I hope, I love, I live.

Because He conquered death I live again
Because He is my constant friend I'll follow Him
Because He wants to ease my pain He makes my burdens sweet
and when He comes to earth again I'll kneel before his feet.


The second thought I wanted to share is about beautiful Mary, the mother of Jesus. I have been thinking a lot about her this season. 'Breathe of Heaven' is one of my favorite Christmas songs and it touches me each time I hear it. Last night at our ward's relief society dinner it was sung by a friend of mine beautifully and I have been thinking about the lyrics. I think about how overwhelmed Mary might have been when pregnant with the Savior, knowing who He would be, knowing the son of God was within her. I probably feel close to her because I am pregnant right now and have never been eight months pregnant during Christmas. I feel, on a very small part of course, that I can relate a little bit to Mary. I have felt overwhelmed at times for the past year and half, knowing the responsibility I have as I am the mother of a celestial being, sometimes it feels hard to live up to. Ryan is my breathe of Heaven, literally, and I feel like I could sing along with the song Mary did you know, "Ashley did you know, that your baby boy.... would only live four short days, would be so valiant and worthy that He only needed those short days, that He has big missions in Heaven right now instead, that you will feel of His celestial presence in quiet moments and you will feel his power and his pull, pushing you to become the best person you can be so that you can be his mother forever..."

Just some thoughts... I hope that you all are enjoying this special time of year!