We chose to do our music selection together and pick songs revolving around the different characters of the Nativity — songs that either reference each character or are told from their perspective. There is so much beautiful symbolism found in every element of that sacred night. Everything points to the Savior and teaches us how to spend our lives searching for where He fits in.

The Christ Child may be at the center of the Nativity and of this holiday, but the other characters and elements of that first Christmas night, I believe, are meant to teach us as well.

Like Mary and Joseph, regular people are chosen to play divine roles and act on our Heavenly Father’s behalf. We are asked to make sacrifices and defy worldly expectations to find room for the Savior in our lives. And we come to understand that the only way to bring the Light of Christ to other people is through ourselves.

Like the shepherds of old, who had the overlooked job of guarding the flocks but were also the ones responsible for selecting the lamb that would become that week’s sacrament. It was up to them to find a lamb without blemish — innocent enough to be sacrificed for the good of others. It was no accident, then, that the heavenly messenger Gabriel appeared first to the lowly shepherds to announce the birth of the Messiah. It was their sacred duty and privilege to see the glory of the condescension of the Son of God and then spread the word to all who would listen.

The wise men were not there on the night of Christmas. Their journey from “the East” took several years before they arrived to meet the young King of Kings. Like them, it may take time for us to find our own personal testimony of Jesus Christ.

All things point to Christ and teach us that there is more to our lives here. The stars in the sky, the angels in heaven — even time itself — revolves around that night. Christmas should not be a passive experience. This year, let us find more from this holiday season by actively looking for opportunities to learn more about our Savior.