Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas!

We leave tonight to drive to Nebraska for Christmas, and I must say that I'm really excited to see some snow and have a few days of Christmas-y weather. You know, every baby is born with something wonderful inside of them. As moms, we definitely have hopes and dreams for our children and see them as growing into adults of strength and character. Certainly Mary knew of the prophecies surrounding her baby. She knew of the greatness that laid within Him. But do you think she could fathom all that He would one day do? Do you think that she understood the breadth of his mission? Yes, I believe she did, as much as a mortal can understand such a divine calling. Was she prepared for His suffering in Gethsamane and Calvary? No, I don't think she was. How can a mother prepare herself for something like that? I'm sure it felt as if her very heart was being ripped out. But for that one night, while shepards worshipped and angels sang, He was her baby and she loved Him. And ironically, I think that perhaps, even as she saw his suffering 30 years later, that same love welled up inside of her as she saw her Son become someone truly great. From birth to death, she absolutely knew that her son was the Messiah. Even though our babies will never be asked to make such a sacrafice, they have that same divine greatness inside them. Although I like to cuddle my baby now, I look forward to the day when she becomes everything the Lord meant for her to become. On that day, I will look at her and remember what I felt the first time I held her and saw all that she could be swimming around in her big blue eyes. What a glorious season! I am so glad for the Savior's birth and so thankful for his role in our Heavenly Father's plan. Knowing that I can be with my family forever makes my Christmas with them sweeter. Merry Christmas to all of your families!!