Merry Christmas

A friend sent me this poem and I just had to share it.
I could not have expressed my feelings any better.
At this holiday season I want to wish all of you, my dear friends and family A Very Merry Christmas. Our children are in my prayers, whether they be serving a mission or serving in the war. They have a strength that can only be received from above and I know without a doubt that My Father in Heaven and His Son Jesus Christ our watching over each one of them.

This Year for Christmas (revised)
I’m packing up his presents,
and sending them far away.
I’ll miss the joy of seeing his face
when he opens them Christmas Day.

A phone call will be my present;
I don’t care if it’s the only one.
Christmas, for me, came early,
in the temple with my son.

I sit and wait for his e-mails,
and re-read them every line.
I pour out my soul in prayer for him,
God is merciful and kind.

I’m grateful he is worthy.
His choice and mine are one.
We’ve put our faith into God’s hand,
as we gave to Him our son.

I wonder how Lamanite mothers
gave their sons to war?
Or how pioneers chose Zion,
Their sacrifice seems so much more.

My loss will be his presence,
I’ll miss his smile a ton.
For two years we will pray for him,
This year, I’m giving Christ my son.

The hands I washed, the hands I held,
The hands I taught to pray;
Now knock on doors to find the ones,
Who will listen to what you say.

The message he brings is priceless,
It’s from the atoning one.
My gift has taken years to make,
That’s why it’s hard to give my son.

It’s because of what he’s doing,
That I better understand,
Christ’s birth should be celebrated
In service to our fellowman.

Because I know God needs him,
Until his gathering is done.
For the next two years we’ll sacrifice,
By giving Christ our son.

I’ve spent more time in the temple,
Felt strength come from His word.
Put more preparation in my lessons,
And my testimony stirred.

Our family prays more frequently,
My tears are quick to run.
I better understand His sacrifice,
When God gave to us, His son.