I don't recall a time when Christmas did not fill my heart with magic and wonder. Halloween was fun, but what always made it most exciting for me was knowing that it meant Christmas was right around the corner! I am that mom who sneaks in a few Christmas songs here and there in October, to the chagrin of many I am sure. I can't help it! The childlike wonder and magic of Christmas continue to fill my heart and my love for Christmas only grows with each passing year.

When I was a child, a great portion of the magic of Christmas came from anticipating and receiving gifts. As I have grown older, this has slowly faded away and I have found the magic that lies in giving and in celebrating the birth and life of our Savior, Jesus Christ. What better way to remember Him, the man who gave everything, than to give to others.

As this Christmas season approached, I pondered and prayed for inspiration as to how I could make this Christmas more special and more focused on the Savior than ever before. As I thought about it, I had the thought that I should find as many opportunities as I possibly could to testify of Jesus Christ. And so, it is with a humble heart, that I share with you my simple and sure testimony of my Savior.

I know that Jesus Christ lives. He came to earth just as every other human who has ever lived - as a baby. He lived a life that was not free of trial or temptation, but, rather, was filled with trial and temptation. Because of His understanding of His divine purpose, His love for us, and His strong will to follow the Father, He was able to withstand these difficulties and lead a perfect life. I know that He suffered in Gethsemane and gave His life on the cross, for no one had the power to take His life. His sacrifice has changed my life, and will continue to change my life forever. Because of Him, I can change!

I know that God knows me. How do I know? Because He sent His son. For me. For you. For all of us.  

"For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life." -John 3:16

I cannot claim that I fully understand the magnitude and the depth of such a sacrifice. But I can surely say that I understand it better now that I have children of my own than I ever  did before. Truly, it would take a love that transcends all things to be able to give your own child for the sake of a greater cause.

I love my Savior, Jesus Christ. And while it is increasingly unpopular to follow Jesus Christ, I know that I am not the only one who continues to worship Him. I know that if we all seek opportunities to testify of Him, maybe we can all make Christmas a little more special this year - for ourselves and for those around us.