Thanks for Mary and Jesus.

I have always loved this painting by Liz Lemon Swindle of Mary and her newborn Jesus.

I'm thankful for the Christmas story, the real reason for the season. So much hope, such humble circumstances, attended this precious Baby's birth.

My favorite Christmas song is "A Cradle in Bethlehem." I've heard it a thousand times and it always gets me. Every single time. I'm thankful for that Mother and her Baby, who grew up to live a simple life and be the Savior as He was always meant to. I'm thankful for the hope and humility I feel every year around this time. Ideally I (and we all) would feel this way year round, I know, but it's not an ideal world. So we have Christmas. It's a start.

Again, because I'm using the Blogger app, I can't post high quality photos or embed videos. But I can write posts on my phone, and that wins. So you'll have to click the link to hear this beautiful song. I'll always love you, Natty! and your perfect smoky voice.

https://youtube.com/watch?v=2B7hVTx_D4g