~ Blogmas Day Fifteen : Christmas Music ~

Today at church, I had the opportunity to teach the three - four year olds. Our lesson was on Music Makes Me Happy. We talked about when we are sad or frightened, that music has the power to lift our spirits. We talked about fun songs and dancing. We talked about the songs we sing at church, that remind us of Heavenly Father and the Saviour Jesus Christ. We also talked about Christmas songs and the joy they bring. Their favourite Christmas songs ranged from Jingle Bells, Silent Night, and not surprisingly Rudolph the Red Nose Reindeer. 

I love Christmas music. This evening, My Mum, sister, and I attended a community music festival. Their were some local high school choirs performing, and different churches from the city as well. It was beautiful to listen to the different songs. The spirit was so strong tonight. I wish I could keep that feeling with me all the time. No matter our different religious views, they all sang of the birth of Christ. 

I know Christ came to this earth to atone for our sins. I'm so grateful to have the knowledge of the restored gospel. I know their is a prophet today who leads and guides Christ church on the earth today. I'm so thankful to have an eternal family. I love the temple. I love this time of year and the promises and joy it brings. I hope to keep the spirit of Christmas and it's message present the whole year. The message of Christ the saviour. That he lived, died, and was resurrected. That through him I can be forgiven of my sins. 

I know that music has the power to uplift and brighten our spirits. I'm grateful for the music that plays during the Christmas season. That so many sing of the birth of the Saviour. Joy to the world! The Lord is come!

picture from lds.org

~ Blogmas Day One : My Favourite Hymn ~

It's December! 

I absolutely love this time of year. I love the cold weather, the lights decorating houses, spending time with family, and the warmth this season brings. 

I've decided for the entire month of December I'm going to write a  blog post everyday! 

For my first blog in December, I want to keep it centered on the true meaning of Christmas. The birth of the Saviour, Jesus Christ and share with you my favourite Christmas Hymn.

I heard the Bells on Christmas Day

This hymn was inspired Henry Longfellow's poem Chrristmas Bells. 

Longfellow wrote this poem while he was caring for his wounded son. 

In the book, I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day by Lloyd and Karmel Newell they write:

"At a time when Henry needed to feel heaven's peace, he listened for and heard the bells of Christmas. No Matter how bleak the winter, no matter how deep the sorrow, the bells of Christmas still rang with promise of hope and peace and life eternal. Putting pen to paper, Henry Wadsworth Longfellow wrote: 

I heard the bells on Christmas day 

their old familiar carols play,

and wild and sweet the words repeat

of peace on earth, good will to men.

I thought how, as the day had come, 

the belfries of all Christendom

had rolled along th' unbroken song

of peace on earth, good will to men.

And in despair I bowed my head:

"There is no peace on earth," I said,

"For hate is strong and mocks the song

of peace on earth, good will to men.

Then from each black, accursed mouth

the cannon thundered in the South,

and with the sound the carols drowned

of peace on earth, good will to men.

It was as if an earthquake rent

the hearthstones of continent,

and made forlorn, the households born

of peace on earth, good will to men.

The pealed the bells more loud and deep:

"God is not dead, nor doth he sleep; 

the wrong shall fail, the right prevail, 

with peace on earth, good will to men.

Till, ringing, singing, on its way, 

the world revolved from night to day,

a voice, a chime, a chant sublime,

of peace on earth, good will to men!

I love the message this poem/hymn brings, that no matter how hard life gets, no matter if we feel completely alone, or we feel we simply can't go on. That is when the bells ring louder. In those moments we can feel with more assurance the love of our Heavenly Father and his plan for us. I love the words and in despair I bowed my head, there is no peace on earth I said. . . . . then pealed the bells more loud and deep god is not dead nor doth he sleep! We are never alone. Heavenly Father is always just a prayer away. I know if we turn to our Heavenly Father we will feel his loving arm surround us.

I know I have a Heavenly Father who loves me and watches over me. I know I have a Saviour and older brother, Jesus Christ, who died for me. I know that will help of the Holy Ghost I can find comfort and strength. I have so much to be thankful for this holiday season. 

I hope we all have a great Christmas and that we remember the true meaning of Christmas.