find joy in the journey: the spirit of christmas

Hello! My name is Shannon. I live in the desert with my husband Scott and 3 kids (Conner, Payton, Anna). I have been blogging since 2005 and I love to write about my family, everyday life, dating my husband, projects and parties, memory keeping, being a mom, faith, setting and working towards goals, and finding joy in the journey.
Thank you so much for dropping by!

Thomas S. Monson - I believe that among the greatest lessons we are to learn in this short sojourn upon the earth are lessons that help us distinguish between what is important and what is not. I plead with you not to let those important things pass you by as you plan for that illusive and non-existent future when you will have time to do all that you want to do. Instead, find joy in the journey -- now.

since 1999 // about us

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the spirit of christmas

I know . . . . long time, no blog. :)

Last Sunday, I sat in the back of the Primary room as Tamera presented the sharing time lesson in Junior Primary (this is a group lesson time for the 3 to 7 year old children). The theme for the month of December is "My family is blessed when we remember Jesus."

She stood there with a handful of pictures depicting scenes from Christ's life. The children took turns raising their hands and quickly shared what they remembered from the story. As she showed picture after picture, the children were eager to participate, to show that they recognized the story, and share their comments.

I soon noticed one little boy who had his hand raised high. This is a sweet boy who, despite his limitations, always has a smile on his face and is happy to come to Primary. I realized, then, that I don't think I had ever seen him raise his hand to answer a question or participate in a verbal way. (He is always more than happy - with that smile - to hold up a picture, take a turn in an activity, etc.)

His hand went higher and higher and he could hardly be contained in his seat. Other children had their hands up as well, sharing thoughts when called upon and others just sharing. :) I could tell from this boys' body language and sounds that he really wanted to be called on. I wondered what would happen when we was.

A picture was turned over and his name was called. From behind I watched as he held up both hands and made the sign for "Jesus" over and over and over again. Alternately touching his middle finger to the palm on his other hand.

I smiled. And I felt the spirit. And I recognized the love that these children have for their Savior and the love that He has for them. It is amazing and humbling for me to see how the love of Jesus Christ is felt and recognized and expressed by the the young, the simple, the meek.

I came across this video last week. I love that it demonstrates in such a simple, pure way what the spirit of Christmas is. And at the heart of it all we only need to remember one thing . . . . Christ.

Posted on Sunday, December 20, 2009 at 08:11 AM in faith | Permalink

Comments

I know . . . . long time, no blog. :)

Last Sunday, I sat in the back of the Primary room as Tamera presented the sharing time lesson in Junior Primary (this is a group lesson time for the 3 to 7 year old children). The theme for the month of December is "My family is blessed when we remember Jesus."

She stood there with a handful of pictures depicting scenes from Christ's life. The children took turns raising their hands and quickly shared what they remembered from the story. As she showed picture after picture, the children were eager to participate, to show that they recognized the story, and share their comments.

I soon noticed one little boy who had his hand raised high. This is a sweet boy who, despite his limitations, always has a smile on his face and is happy to come to Primary. I realized, then, that I don't think I had ever seen him raise his hand to answer a question or participate in a verbal way. (He is always more than happy - with that smile - to hold up a picture, take a turn in an activity, etc.)

His hand went higher and higher and he could hardly be contained in his seat. Other children had their hands up as well, sharing thoughts when called upon and others just sharing. :) I could tell from this boys' body language and sounds that he really wanted to be called on. I wondered what would happen when we was.

A picture was turned over and his name was called. From behind I watched as he held up both hands and made the sign for "Jesus" over and over and over again. Alternately touching his middle finger to the palm on his other hand.

I smiled. And I felt the spirit. And I recognized the love that these children have for their Savior and the love that He has for them. It is amazing and humbling for me to see how the love of Jesus Christ is felt and recognized and expressed by the the young, the simple, the meek.

I came across this video last week. I love that it demonstrates in such a simple, pure way what the spirit of Christmas is. And at the heart of it all we only need to remember one thing . . . . Christ.