This was on the back of our Sacrament meeting program yesterday. I thought it was such a good story and a reminder to really think about what we believe.
The Bell Still Rings
"Several years ago just before Christmas, my niece, Shelly, took hold of her mother's hand and asked seriously, 'Is it okay if I believe just one more year?'
Since that memorable happening several years ago, our family has established a family tradition. Each year on Christmas Eve, we gather together around the tree. With the lights low and the fire burning in the fireplace, we ask the question once again, the most important question of the year, 'Is it okay if we believe one more year?'--not only believe in the traditions of childhood with Santa Clause, but more importantly in the message of the birth of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, whose birthday we are celebrating. Do we believe in his mission, his atonement, his resurrection? Do we believe in his invitation to come and follow him?
Of course we are not really committing ourselves for only a year. We are pledged to follow the Savior forever. But we live life a day, a week, a month, a year at a time, and Christmas is a season to focus on the year ahead and reconfirm our discipleship.
Following the discussion and the commitment, someone reads aloud The polar Express by Chris Von Allsburg, a story that tells how those who have faith can always hear the clear sound of a silver bell.
Following the story, we each receive a small new bell on a red satin ribbon to wear around our necks during the holidays. We listen for its clear sound as a testimony and commitment that we truly believe and will strive to live as we believe one more year. While the fire burns low, we then read from the Bible the glorious account of the Christmas story recorded by Luke telling of the birth of the Savior as announced by an angel, 'For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord' (Luke 2:11), and we believe." Ardeth G. Kapp
I believe. This summer as Brent's dad was sick, and we were facing the reality that he was not going to be with us much longer, Susan, Brent's mom, posed this same question to us. She said, right now is when we decide if we believe what we say we believe. I've thought about this a lot since then. I decided then that I believe, and now as we celebrate the birth of the Savior, I am reminded again, that I believe. I hope everyone has the opportunity to sit and ponder for a minute just what it is that we believe and commit again to live our lives to reflect that belief.
4 comments:
Sounds like you've really enjoyed the Christmas season. Have a safe travel home and we look forward to seeing you at the wedding.
Collette,
Thank you for this post. I am finally done with finals and was just perusing around trying to catch up on business when I came to your blog. This one really hit home for me and as I sit here my eyes are blurry from tears and I am feeling the spirit. This was a beautiful reminder of what is really going on in the world. Thank You!
Sorry about another comment but I am using your story today for a dear friend. Dane's best friend died this past year on Feb. 25 in a car accident. When I feel the anguish I feel at his abscense, I worry about his mother. I contacted her last night and she said she is trying to commit to faith that God will make all this ok. she said she fears her faith is not strong enough because the fried is so deep. The are 'skipping' Christmas this year because they can't face the traditions without Nick. She said maybe next year they'd be ready to bring the boxes out. They are not members of the church but such good people. I'm going to share this story with her and the importance of keeping on believing. Thanks for sharing the story.
i found you by way of Google "just one more year" Kapp ... I LOVE that story and have been looking for it! thank you for sharing!
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