by Leena Lambert

The Christmas season is upon us. What a wonderful time of the year. I often reflect of Christmases past and the things I have learned throughout the years. I will always remember 10 years ago when I spent my Christmas at Primary Children's Medical Center.

The doctors had hoped to get us home before Christmas, but unfortunately -- or perhaps fortunately -- we were not able to make it home for Christmas that year. Our youngest daughter, Savanna, was diagnosed with a heart defect, which required a pacemaker. They could not place the pacemaker with her running a fever, so her surgery was delayed until she became well.

In the meantime, she was being monitored by telemetry 24 hours a day to make sure her heart continued to beat until her surgery could be performed. It was Christmas Eve, and she and I were both asleep in her room. Suddenly, many staff members burst into our room and rushed Savanna to ICU. Her heart rate had dropped and they were afraid it may even stop. They brought with them a large needle placed at the end of her bed that would be used to restart her heart if necessary.

ICU was quite different from being on the floor in the hospital. After getting Savanna settled, they allowed me to sit on a stool beside her bed. It was a sleepless night. Adrenaline was flowing and I was nervous and worried. I stayed up praying for my little girl for the rest of the night.

I heard from other parents that earlier that night many famous people -- jazz players, movie stars -- had come to visit the children in ICU. But we had missed all of that. We got something much better. When things had settled down, I started to look around me. Sick children were lying peacefully in their hospital beds. I began to feel the strongest peace in my heart and I knew we had a visitor. I got to spend Christmas Eve and early morning Christmas with the Savior. He was there comforting those sick children and his love for them was evident.

I would like to extend an invitation to everyone to spend Christmas -- or even the whole Christmas season or the coming year -- with the Savior. It really is wonderful. This invitation will not cost you money or fuel. You can accept this invitation no matter where you live. No credit cards or shopping lines are necessary. The only thing required is a willing heart and some time.

Take time to reflect on the miraculous humble birth two millennia ago. Take time to kneel in prayer and ask the Savior what you can do to spread the glad tidings. Take time to read about the Savior's life and reflect on the things you can change in your own life to be more like Him, and thus draw others to Him by your example.

We spend a lot of time preparing for this wonderful time of year. Shopping for just the right gifts, parties, decorating inside and out, hanging lights, visiting, baking, and wrapping, just to name a few. I know often this busyness has caused me to lose sight of the reason we celebrate CHRISTmas. Put Christ in your CHRISTmas this year.

"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)

I testify He is the Prince of Peace. I know He came to the earth to fulfill a mission for each of us. Through His atonement, He makes it possible for us to return to our heavenly home through repentance. I testify that He will come again to this earth with power and glory. I hope I am thinking about Him, and not worrying about distractions to the point that I miss that great day. He is the reason for the season. Wise men still seek Him. Be wise.

Lenna Lambert lives in Grantsville where she serves in the Primary -- the children's organization for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She is the mother of six children.