Merry Christmas to All!

It was just a few weeks ago that I heard the news of one of the most devastating tragedies ever.  It was Friday and I had just finished sending my own little kindergarteners home for the day, safe and sound to their own homes, when I first heard of the tragedy at Sandy Hook Elementary.  At first I felt shock disbelieving that anything like that could happen which moved into despair.  Although I do not know anyone directly affected I felt the tragedy like it happened to someone I know and love.  I thought often of my own sweet little class and what horrors must have occurred in the little kindergarten classroom that day.  I though of the joy and innocence of my students knowing in my heart that those children killed that day were just as sweet and just as innocent as my own students.  I was heartbroken that someone could commit such and act of pure evil.  Poor Steven had a very sad and emotional wife on his hand who would cry at any given moment. I talked and cried often with my mom trying to find some measure of peace and comfort but it just wouldn't come.  We prayed for the victims families we prayed for the children of the school yet my heart remained heavy.

For a while I felt as if the Christmas season was ruined.  Saturday night arrived and Steven and I got ready to attend the Christmas concert at our church.  To be honest I did not want to go.  I wanted to stay home and feel sad but Steven wouldn't let me so we got dressed and headed over.  As I sat and listened as the choir sang of Christ I realized that attending this was exactly what I needed.  I finally felt the comfort and peace that I had been looking for and I re-learned one very important thing.  Christ heals our hearts.  When he came to earth and suffered in the garden of Gethsemane he suffered not only for our sins but also for any pain and any sorrow that we feel.  

So at this Christmas season I celebrate the birth of my Savior.  The one and only one who can heal my heart.  I testify that he lives and that he loves us and for this reason I feel joy in my heart.  Although tragedy exists because of our faith in him we can find peace.  We send our love to all of you.  As you spend time with family, opening gifts and celebrating may we all take a little time to remember the humble birth of our Savior.  Born in stable in Bethlehem yet angels rejoiced and sang of his birth.  It really is a wonderful life!  From our home toy ours we wish you a very Merry Christmas!