Merry Christmas!

Christmas time has several attributes to which I look forward: The smell of cinnamon and pine trees, the chill in the air, (even here in the desert), the constant marathons of "A Christmas Story" on the tv, and the gentle sounds of music that I yen to play and sing loudly to. Yes, I know all the words of "Grandma got ran over.."
On the one hand I'm offended that commercials, malls, and stores start celebrating this grand holiday way into October and November, but on the other hand, I'm excited at the thought of drinking hot cocoa, wrapping secret presents, and sitting together as a family to read out of Luke 2.
One of my favorite songs of Christmas time is one called, "Mary, Did You Know?" (Feel free to scroll the music on the right hand side to hear it.) I love the words, I love the feelings, I love the meaning. In our society where "things" are expected, desired, horded, and worshiped, I love to be reminded of the humble beginnings of the Savior of the world.
He was born into a place less desirable, yet he was born to a woman virtuous and they were happy. Last year when I was eight months pregnant with Ainsley, large, definitely "great with child," I was given a statue from my mother in law that has since been one of my favorite decorations of the year.
I think of how uncomfortable, tiresome, emotional, stressful, and utterly painful pregnancy can be yet I didn't have to travel a long distance nor give birth in a place unsanitary, with no bed, no medicine, no experience, no technology, and very little comfort. I imagine in my mind, this woman Mary, looking upon the face of her new little baby with love and attachment. Sure she had been visited and taught the significance of this child and His potential, but could she truly understand the depth?
Did she truly understand that the son she had just delivered would be the Deliverer of all mankind? The Prince of Peace, The Savior. I can't begin to comprehend the unmitigated virtue of this one woman, Mary, to deserve such a title as earthly Mother to the Messiah.
I'm grateful for this holiday that I may reflect on this first "Christmas." And I'm grateful for the opportunity to celebrate the Savior, His condescension among men, His Atonement for all mankind, and His infinite love. Merry Christmas.