Today Emily DeMartini taught a beautiful lesson in Relief Society. She did a lovely job- and charmingly said some things in Spanish as she hasn't quite made the transition back from Honduras completely (Yes- little Emily DeMartini is a return missionary- yes we are old ladies). Her lesson was on the atonement. Then in choir practice we were working on O Holy Night and I was struck by the lyrics of the second verse.

I was really touched by the personal note in these lyrics. This in general is a formal grand song and there hidden in the middle is the sweet message that he knows all our pain- feels all our sorrow. The personal message- the tender mercies- the daily graces you need in your life.

The King of Kings lay thus in lowly manger;

In all our trials born to be our friend.

He knows our need, to our weakness is no stranger