“On The 19th Day of Christmas Countdown, MoSop celebrates her 20th Wedding Anniversary!
[I love you today Mr. Mo even more than I did on our wedding day]…
…and she shares some fun facts about the Nativity.”
A BBC Special series devoted to Christmas aired in 1998. It included an episode entitled “Nativity Tales“, hosted by Neil Morrissey [a voice familiar to all WP bloggers]. Viewers are transported to the Holy Land to take a closer look at the stories surrounding the nativity; including the star, the shepherds, the wise men, and the gifts brought to the baby Jesus. I found this 5 minute clip fascinating. I particularly enjoyed the information about the miraculous star, which is now thought to have been a comet.
“The only comet that fit the bill appeared in 5 BC, so it is possible Jesus was born five years before we thought he was, and he can’t have been a winter baby because this comet was only seen in the springtime…”
This tidbit will not come as any surprize to members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Mormons believe through modern revelation that Christ’s actual birth date was April 6.[D&C 20:1]. Nevertheless, we have no hestitation celebrating the Savior’s birth on December 25 with the rest of the Christian world. After all, it is not uncommon for historical events to be celebrated on a day other than when they actually occurred. For example, few citizens of the United States care that the signing of their Declaration of Independence is celebrated on 4 July instead of on 2 July, [the actual date of the signing]. The governing principle is one of intent. The spirit of the celebration is what matters most, not necessarily having the celebration on the precise date.
Enjoy this fun clip offering many great insights on the Holy birth.
On The 18th Day of Christmas Countdown feel blessings from above …
while watching the ”Joy To Everyone“ music video, made with love!
Last year, Stephen Jones, Dean of the College of Fine Arts and Communications at Brigham Young University, teamed up with BYU alumni and some of Utah’s finest studio musicians to create a gift of music. The result was a song and a video that has inspired thousands.
“Joy to Everyone This Christmas,” came as an inspiration to Jones. “Our hope is to share this gift and invite people to serve others and spread joy in their own communities this season,” Jones said. Emmy-award winning composer and producer Sam Cardon and vocalists Jenny Jordan Frogley and David Osmond collaborated with Jones to write and produce the song. University photographer Mark Philbrick provided images from around the world to be used in the music video. Philbrick’s photos represent people from all parts of the globe to echo the words of the song:
“Let all the world join… every nation and land. Everyone.”
Joy to Everyone This Christmas
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The “Joy to Everyone This Christmas” video can be downloaded free of charge at http://joytoeveryone.com
On The 17th Day of Christmas Countdown, MoSop reminds us
what Christmas is all about, courtesy, Linus.
I’ve always loved the Peanuts Cartoon series. Creator Charles Schulz was smart. He knew that often it takes a child to be able to state the facts. There’s nothing quite so beautiful in simplicity. You’ve probably seen this video clip before, but as we face the last mad dash to complete our shopping and baking and party-going … it’s nice to be reminded.
On the 16th Day it isn’t always enough … to smile and grin and try to be tough… A post on coping with Grief and Loss at Christmas time.
For many days I have been posting regular messages of joy, glory, praise and holiday cheer as we ‘countdown to Christmas’. I plan to continue! Today, my message of hope and praise is just a little different from the norm. I wish to acknowledge the suffering that often accompanies this time of year when empty chairs and broken hearts seem especially out of place.
Suffering from the loss of a loved one at any time of the year is difficult, yet during the holidays or on other special occasions, the grieving experience has a more intense sense of loss. The world is moving forward, celebrating life and all its blessings, yet for those who grieve, a dark shadow pervades the holiday.
If you’re mourning a loss this Christmas, the holiday glam and seasonal lights can make you feel terrible … You’re not alone if you’re dealing with death – Grieving at Christmas
Every person’s grief becomes a very different and personal journey. There is no “one size fits all” guide to getting through the holidays, or to healing. Sadly, there is no magic wand that can make ‘everything ok’. According to Kay Talbot, PhD. one should expect “sudden Grief Attacks”, exhaustion, disruption, emotional “echos”, “if only’s”, “Should have’s”, anger, fear, and deep, soul searching questions. These are just a few of the many faces and stages of grief. Several books have been devoted just to getting through the holidays after a death.
However, there is an assurance that life will get better. Of course, it will never be the same as before. But, gradually we can each feel stronger and more in charge of our life.
“Death leaves a heartache difficult to heal ~~ Love leaves sweet memories no one can steal”
Epitaph on a tombstone in Ireland, dated 1889
Cori Connors
Two years ago I had the priviledge of attending a Christmas concert being given by an LDS folk singer named Cori Connors. I was enchanted with her warm personality, her generous spirit, and her deeply moving lyrics. Cori’s songs bubble with life. They include the joyful moments, but she is not afriad to explore the many not-so-happy challenges of mortality. I love Cori’s songs. They’re real. They’re honest. And, they’re intimite. One of these songs, entitled “You Would Have Loved This” was written at Christmas, following the death of Cori’s mother-in-law. That particular song has been running through my mind so much lately that I decided it really wanted to be a MoSop Movie, and that this topic really needed be posted!
It is my hope that Cori’s words, and music can help heal something inside each of us.
Cori Connors
Cori Connors:
Not long ago, when my family had gathered together at my mom’s house, we set up the old brown card table in the middle of the living room. Out from the cupboards and bookcases came boxes and albums full of old family photos. Those photos called up memories for all of us, some painful, but mostly sweet. They were a tangible representation of all that brought us to where we are today.
Richard Exley said…”Experience again the full range of emotion memories invoke. Let them play a nostalgic melody on the strings of your heart. Remember the warmth of a special friendship, the comfort of kindness, the closeness of family. Think about the Christ Child in Bethlehem’s manger and the nearness of God. Blink back the tears, if need be, and swallow past the fist sized lump in your throat, but don’t quench the memories. They are a part of your history, part of the web of experience which God has woven into the tapestry of your personhood.”
I have counted the years by Christmases, written on a series of envelopes and papers, and set to music in the wee silent hours at home. These songs are the pages of my scrapbook. My love and thanks to family and friends who embedded themselves in my heart.
The following MoSop Movie was created with all those in mind who have some hurt to endure, tenderness of soul, or pain of heart. It is my wish that you will find joy in your memories, and much sweetness amidst the sorrow. I’m sorry I do not have the right words to say to take your particular pain away. But, I offer up a song, and a prayer, and my love.
A new song has been released just in time for Christmas by LDS / Mormon musician Shawna [Belt] Edwards** which is taking the world by storm. It asks the timeless question: “Do YOU have room for the Savior?”
Within 24 hours, Edwards music video on YouTube started “going viral”, and since she has offered the MP3 and the sheet music as a free downloadable file - it is sure to be sweeping YouTube, websites, Facebook and Blogs by storm over the next few days. Of course, I can’t help joining in the excitement, too! The song, and message is beautiful. For her video, Edwards’ original music was arranged by Daniel Blomberg, and performed by LDS singer/songwriterApril Meservy.
“There was no room for Him in the inn. Do you have room for Him in your life?”
Do You Have Room For The Savior_Shawna Belt Edwards
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December 14, 2009 Interview Update
MoSop received a personal email from Shawna Belt Edwards who graciously agreed to share additional personal information, and some background on the song:
Edwards Family
SBE: I originally wrote this song as a Christmas gift for my family, and I sang it to them on Christmas Eve. It was inspired by President Monson’s 1990 Ensign article entitled The Search for Jesus. For the next 4 or 5 years, my dad would occasionally ask me, “Have you done anything with that song?” But other than a few hundred print copies I placed in a local music store, the answer was, “Not yet.”
My dad died suddenly and unexpectedly about two years ago. He was my first, and biggest fan. In my youth, I sat at the piano and practiced for hours and hours, and my dad would sit in a wing back chair in the corner and listen. Lots of people listened to me perform, but he was the only one who listened to me practice. That meant more to me than anything he could have ever given me.
I have kept thinking that the best way I could honor him would be to do something with the song. So I put it with the video and shared it a month ago at our Stake Music Night. I later posted it on YouTube and sent the link to 5 people. (3 of my kids live out of town, and I figured it would be an easy way for them to see it.) They shared it with a few people, and the rest is history.
I think it’s an incredible example of the power of the Internet for GOOD. 3 1/2 weeks ago, the song was still tucked away in my music file drawer. But now, it will be sung around the world this Christmas in Sacrament Meetings, firesides, Christmas Eve worship services, outdoor pageants, Evangelical gatherings, small town churches, interfaith celebrations, seminary classes, neighborhood parties, and (my favorite) Family Home Evenings.
MoSop thanks Sister Edwards for sharing her story, and music with us!
**SEARCH WARNING! There is a graphic pornography website headlining on search engines with the same name as this LDS composer. MoSop and Sister Edwards warn readers: Please DO NOT click on those misleading links!
“On the 10th Day Christmas, MoSop shares a story … for finding theChristmas Spirit’s glory“
The following is excerpts of a talk by President Thomas S. Monson of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. I have included a musical clip for you to enjoy while reading. Just click on the arrow.
In Search Of The Christmas Spirit
I am the Christmas Spirit. I enter the home of poverty, causing pale-faced children to open their eyes wide in pleased wonder. I cause the miser’s clutched hand to relax and thus paint a bright spot on his soul. I cause the aged to renew their youth and to laugh in the glad old way. I keep romance alive in the heart of childhood and brighten sleep with dreams woven of magic. I cause eager feet to climb dark stairways with filled baskets, leaving behind them hearts amazed at the goodness of the world. I cause the prodigal to pause a moment on his wild, wasteful way, and send to anxious love some little token that releases glad tears—tears which wash away the hard lines of sorrow. I enter dark prison cells, reminding scarred manhood of what might have been, and pointing forward to good days yet to come. I come softly into the still, white home of pain; and lips that are too weak to speak just tremble in silent, eloquent gratitude. In a thousand ways I cause the weary world to look up into the face of God, and for a little moment forget the things that are small and wretched. I am the Christmas Spirit. – [author unknown]
President Thomas S. Monson
This is the spirit each true Christian seeks. This is the spirit I pray each may find. This is the Christ spirit. No quest is so universal, no undertaking so richly rewarding, no effort so ennobling, no purpose so divine. The Christmas season seems to prompt anew that yearning, that seeking to emulate the Savior of the world…
…With the birth of the babe in Bethlehem, there emerged a great endowment—a power stronger than weapons, a wealth more lasting than the coins of Caesar. This child was to become the King of kings and Lord of lords, the promised Messiah—Jesus Christ, the Son of God…
Born in a stable
…Born in a stable, cradled in a manger, He came forth from heaven to live on earth as mortal man and to establish the kingdom of God. During His earthly ministry, He taught men the higher law. His glorious gospel reshaped the thinking of the world. He blessed the sick. He caused the lame to walk, the blind to see, the deaf to hear. He even raised the dead to life. To us He has said, “Come, follow me.”
Seeking
As we seek Christ, as we find Him, as we follow Him, we shall have the Christmas spirit, not for one fleeting day each year, but as a companion always. We shall learn to forget ourselves. We shall turn our thoughts to the greater benefit of others…
…If we remember, “When ye are in the service of your fellow beings ye are only in the service of your God” (Mosiah 2:17), we will not find ourselves in the unenviable position of Jacob Marley’s ghost. When he spoke to Ebenezer Scrooge in Dickens’ immortal A Christmas Carol, he spoke sadly of opportunities lost. Said he,
Marley's Ghost
“Why did I walk through crowds of fellow-beings with my eyes turned down, and never raise them to that blessed Star which led Wise Men to a poor abode! Were there no poor homes to which its light would have conducted me?” (In The Best Short Stories of Charles Dickens, New York: Charles Scribner’s Sons, 1947, p. 435.)
Reaching Out
We can learn a treasured lesson from the pen of Dickens and from the example of Christ. As we lift our eyes heavenward and then remember to look outward into the lives of others, as we remember that it is more blessed to give than to receive, we, during this Christmas season, will come to see a bright, particular star that will guide us to our precious opportunity…
…[Then our] quest for the Christmas spirit is rewarded.
“On The 9th Day of Christmas, MoSop shared a poem…. to lighten up your holiday home!”
Christmas Time
With the hustle and bustle of Christmas time,
Our family starts to complain and whine
There is snow to shovel, and food to prepare
The in-laws are coming, with no time to spare
There are too many goodies affecting our waist
But we can’t resist having “just one little taste”!
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Dad is in bed, he’s come down with the flu
Poor little Sarah can’t find her lost shoe
Mom and the kids have to string up the lights
But wires are tangled and all start to fight
There’s shopping and baking and wrapping to do
And poor little Sarah still can’t find her shoe!
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But wait! Stop! What is Christmas about?
The Christ-child of course, there isn’t a doubt!
So let’s pray for Daddy, and find Sarah’s shoe
Untangle the lights, and try something new
We’ll all work together, and have a fun time
Remember the Christ child, and His birth divine.
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[special thanks to the MP2 Relief Society Sisters]
A Christmas Message from International Missionaries
The Babe of Bethlehem
This video features international missionaries from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (“Mormons”) sharing a special Christmas Message through beautiful testimony and images, and in many languages.
You can find more Christmas messages, videos, free music downloads, activities and games for children at a lovely new website entitled Christ: The Real Gift of Christmas. Enjoy this sweet video!
“On The 19th Day of Christmas Countdown, MoSop celebrates her 20th Wedding Anniversary!
According to 
