December 24, 2009

The Reason for the Season



This Christmas Eve I wanted to post this video I made about the birth of the Savior. The artwork was done by my grandmother Isabel Bacheler Smith (1898-1985). She loved the Savior and always depicted this love in her art. She of all people lived a life of service towards others, and truly gave her whole heart unto the Lord. She always looked for opportunities to serve. Her and my grandfather Monroe Smith started American Youth Hostels (AYH) and served thousands of youth throughout the world. They did this so that youth could learn about other cultures and people, in hopes of helping them to more fully love their neighbor as Christ had taught. Much of the artwork is taken from the AYH Knapsacks which were published each quarter. 

May the light of Christ rest upon each of you this Christmas Season, and may each of us reflect His light and life to others by living as He did. May each of you have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

December 22, 2009

Hallelujah, Christ Is Born


When I was about seventeen years old I wrote this song about the birth of Jesus Christ.  In a land far away He was born.  Two thousand years have passed, yet the power of His birth, life, death and resurrection are just as powerful as they were that first Christmas eve.  While in Jerusalem, I was able to sit on the hills that overlook the small town of Bethlehem.  As the sun began to set, and the night sky filled with small sparks of light, my thoughts turned to that night when angels came to herald the birth of our King and Redeemer.  

Hallelujah,Christ is Born in Bethlehem!
Hallelujah, come and see Him!
Hallelujah, come and look in to His eyes
To see the love He has for you

Born in a lowly stable across the sea
Humbly came down to save mankind
Hallelujah, He has freed us from our sins
For He shall be great, the Son of the Highest
My Savior King and Friend

The star led the wise men
You too can see the light He has
Guiding you back to Christ again
On your way back to see Him

Hallelujah, Christ was born in Bethlehem
And this I know, that He lives
He is my Lord and my Friend
And I will give, everything I have to Him
Though I was not there on that night, I hope to be able to raise this same voice of praise and joy.  "For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace." (Isaiah 9:6)