Mary

. I found this book that is called A Christ Centered Christmas by Emily Freeman. It has seven traditions that you follow leading up to Christmas and they have to do with the figures in the Nativity Scene.
The First Tradition is Mary. Luke 1:26-56 and Luke 2:5-7, 19 talks about the Character of Mary. I have often thought about Mary and what kind of a person would be chosen to be the mother of Jesus. What a tasks. I feel overwhelmed by the responsibility that has been entrusted in me with His children that he has given me to raise. I can not imagine the thoughts that went through her head as she sat in the stable and held that tiny little baby. Luke 2:19 says she pondered all the things in her heart. I can only imagine the things that she pondered as she held that very special baby as I know what goes through my head as I hold my tiny baby. Mary had to have been an amazing person, very righteous, giving, humble and patient. I am sure that she taught with love and never raised her voice to her child. I want to be a mother like Mary, teaching my children the important things with love and not raising my voice and getting frustrated with them. I know that I am not perfect and that it will take a long time for me to gain these skills. I just have to make everyday better than the last day and when I make a mistake not be afraid to admit it and ask my children for forgiveness. I want to raise children that are faithful and have a strong testimony. I love Mary and the person that she was and that everything that she went through. I hope that I can take her example and become a better mother and a better person.
This year as you prepare for Christmas take time to ponder that first Christmas in your heart. Ponder what the Birth of the Savior means to you. Ask yourself if you could be any person there that night who would it be and why. Share your thoughts with others or take some time to write it down. Emily Freeman gives this response of a little boy gave when asked who he would be, he respond the cow because the cow shared his bed and house with baby Jesus, basically the cow gave everything he had for the Savior. I just love that response, something that I wouldn't have thought on my own but a very profound thought. Anyway remember Mary and the first Christmas and what it means to you.

"Mary

reminds us that we need to find a moment

to ponder the events of that sacred night in Bethlehem.

In that moment we celebrate the miracle of Christ's birth, 

and the gift that Heaven gave."

Emily Freeman