CHRISTMAS THOUGHTS TO OUR CHILDREN, GRANDCHILDREN, AND GREAT GRANDBABY

Through the years I have had various opportunities to study, ponder, appreciate, and relate feelings and insights into this special young woman, Mary, the chosen earthly Mother of Jesus, the Christ. As there is only one Christ, there is only one Mary, of all the pre-mortal hosts, no woman is greater than she.

Mary, anticipating the birth of Jesus, Christ, the literal Son of God, both in spirit and flesh. What feelings did Mary experience when the Angel Gabriel appeared unto her and spoke. "Blessed art thou among women." Behold, thou shalt conceive and bring forth a son. He shall be called Jesus, the Son of the Highest." Mary responded to this thrilling message with the words which reflect the depth of her spirituality and the beauty of her character: "Behold, the handmaid of the Lord, be it unto me according to thy word."

What did Mary feel as the months past and she prepared for the coming of the babe Jesus? She may have dreamed of a more glorious place to give birth to the Son of God than a hillside cave shared with the beasts of the field. Nevertheless, as Mary held the small babe in her arms for the first time; what were her thought? Thoughts and feelings of Joy, thrilling moments of anticipation, and a surge of love for this newly arrived little one.

What were your feelings and thoughts, as you held your own little ones for the first time? I am sure that you too experienced unforgettable emotions of joy and gratitude and relief. Mary filled with this joy, and in a state of unbelievable awe, brought forth the literal son of God, took the child, wrapped him in swaddling clothes and laid him in a manger.

ONLY ONE SONG

For this brief moment

He was her child...

Newborn, soft and warm

Against her breast.

Outside, the world could wait

to claim this infant King;

but for this brief time

He was Mary's child.

Let the Star falter in the sky!

Let the Wise Men pause in their Journey!

Let the Heavenly Angels hush their singing

"All Hail, the Newborn King!"

For in Mary's heart

there was only one song..

as silent lullaby

than only mothers sing.

By Alda Brown - published in 1965 Relief Society Magazine