Silent night, Holy nightFrom time to time, if we are living worthily, the Spirit of God touches our hearts and minds that our lives are improved forever. A warm feeling penetrates our hearts. The silent still, small voice speaks to us quietly, communicating through a burning in our bosom (see Doctrine and Covenants 9:8). Knowledge given to us from God draws us closer to him, sanctifying us and strengthening our desire to return to his presence.
During such unforgettable moments, revelation comes to us and forever alters our view, sharpening our focus on what matters most in life. We sense more profoundly our eternal relationship with him as the literal Father of our spirits. We also feel more acutely our complete dependence upon the merciful atonement of his Son, Jesus Christ. I had just such a revealing experience.
It was Christmas time in the Bavarian Alps in 1937. I have always loved Christmas. There is a special spirit about it. The chill in the winter air is the perfect counterpoint to the warmth that should fill our hearts as we contemplate the message of salvation found in the birth, and life, and the resurrection of our Lord and Savior.
I experienced that warmth many years ago while serving as a missionary for the church just prior to the outbreak of World War II. As you might expect, the possibility of armed conflict was very intense.But, as Christmas approached, our thoughts were drawn to the Savior. We rejoiced in the privilege of serving him during that sacred season in the famous city of Salzburg, Austria.
On Christmas Eve, Elder Staker Olson and I visited the village of Oberndorf, nestled securely in the beautiful Bavarian Alps. It was a crisp, clear winter night. We walked under a canopy of stars, across the smooth stillness of new-fallen snow to a humble little church where a familiar melody beckoned with its message of hope and peace. Inside, a choir was singing in German a carol that brought warmth to our hearts on that cold winter night. Though we were far from our homes and families, we were filled with our Heavenly Father's love and comforted by his spirit as we listened to the calming strains of "Silent Night! Holy Night!"See the rest of this story at ldschurchnews.com.
This story is provided by the LDS Church News, an official publication of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. It is produced weekly by the Deseret News.