I cannot think of Christmas without thinking of the music that abounds during this season. “It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year,” “Joy to the World,” “Far, Far Away on Judea’s Plains,” "The First Noel," "Jingle Bells," “Angels We Have Heard on High,” “O Come All Ye Faithful,” and many, many more come immediately to mind. More than any time of year, I find myself ready to “make a joyful noise” all over the place! This truly is the season of joy. We celebrate the miracle of a baby, born in the humblest of circumstances, who came to save us all. What greater reason is there to have and express joy?
I hope you each make the time for the quiet moments of pondering that will allow you to feel the true joy of Christmas. Then, I invite you to make a joyful noise all around you. Make a joyful noise as you pray meaningfully to your Father in heaven, for your own needs and for the needs of those you know and love. Make a joyful noise as you share your testimony when prompted by the Holy Ghost. Make a joyful noise as you seek out those in need (whether that need is one of food or of a loving, thoughtful gesture) and seek to fill those needs. Make a joyful noise as you spend quality time with your family and friends, discussing the real reason we are so joyful at this time of year. Make a joyful noise as you mend quarrels and forgive offenses. Make a joyful noise as you seek ways to serve more throughout the year. And by all means, make a joyful noise as you sing all the beautiful songs that tell of our Savior's birth. The music we make, whether on- or off-key, is always beautiful when it expresses the deepest feelings of our heart.
With much love to you all this Christmas season,
Sister Jennifer Ort
Some of my faves:
http://youtu.be/pWBjl-jPcVM
En español - 'Los Peces en el Río' - this talks about how even the fishes in the river are excited about the birth of the baby Jesus
