'Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the house,
Not a creature was stirring, not even the pet hamster under the Christmas tree.
The stockings were hung in the front room with care,
In hopes that St. Nicholas soon would be there.
The Turley children were nestled all snug in Emmett's hide-a-bed,
While visions of LEGOs danced in their heads.
And Cami and Emmett and I in our p.j.'s,
Had just settled down, to read the Christmas Story . . .
Late Christmas Eve, my two oldest siblings and I decided to read the Christmas story together after the rest of the family had bunkered down for the night. For a week or so, I had been concerned and nervous about attending the temple for the first time within the next few days. As I read aloud, I was surprised by the experience of the shepherds. "And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid (Luke 2:8-9)." It had never occurred to me that they were afraid too! Then I read verse ten: "And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people." I felt a lot like Joseph Smith, because I am not sure that any scripture had really meant as much to me as this one did at that moment. I knew that my decision to attend the temple and make holy covenants with God was the right decision and that it would only bless my life. After reading those words and attending the temple, I felt like I could more fully follow the shepherds' example. Upon seeing the baby Jesus and receiving their own witness, they did not hesitate to share the message of the Savior.
"And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger. And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child
(Luke 2:16-17)."
