Of Good Report - The Christmas Edition!

Your monthly guide to the good stuff

“If there is anything virtuous, lovely, or of good report or praiseworthy, we seek after these things.” Joseph Smith

I’ve been looking forward to this moment for months! One of the “bonus” features of The Bright & Morning Star is a monthly sharing of some of the things I’m finding joy in. It could be something I’m reading, something I’ve watched or listened to, or some type of creative piece of art or technology that inspires me. It’s called Of Good Report, and how perfect that my first issue is just in time for Christmas. Ho ho ho, here we go!

#1 - Let’s start with a commercial! But this one is full of Christmas loveliness. Part of the magic is the mystery of why this grandpa is doing what he’s doing…right up to the final moment when all your questions will be answered. Grab a tissue!

#2 - Every year around this time, the First Presidency for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints shares a Christmas message. This year’s is especially lovely.

This Christmas season, we invite you to find quiet moments to reflect on our Savior’s birth, life and atoning sacrifice. Come unto Him. Learn of Him. Look to Him for lasting peace and divine rest. In a world that often feels overwhelming and contentious, He offers peace that “passeth all understanding” (Philippians 4:7).

He has promised: “Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; … and ye shall find rest unto your souls” (Matthew 11:28-29).

We testify that as you seek our Savior’s love, peace and rest, you will find it. You will be blessed to feel the true spirit of Christmas, the eternal joy that comes only from Him.

#3 - One of my favorite Christmas songs is In the Bleak Midwinter. And I don’t know if there’s a better version than this one from Sissel. Even her name sounds like someone who should be singing amazingly. Which she does. (FYI: Substack only allows me to share links to Spotify. The nice thing is, you can use a free account to listen to the entire song, not just a preview.)

#4 - A few years ago, BYU-TV produced a beautiful new film about the story behind the creation of Silent Night, the most popular Christmas carol of all time.

Watching this moving story has become one of our favorite new Christmas traditions. You can watch it for free here.

#5 - No list of Christmas goodness could be complete without The Christ Child story. Each time I watch I fall in love with Joseph and Mary all over again. The filmmakers made great effort to tell this story in the most authentic way, and it shows in every detail, large or small. My most favorite moment is when the wise men meet the young boy Jesus for the first time. You’ll know why when you watch.

#6 - You might laugh at this, but one of my Christmas traditions is to listen to and watch Christmas Lights from Coldplay. It’s just a lovely song about forgiveness that has become the first Christmas song I listen to at the beginning of the season. (Bonus fun fact: The words above the stage curtain in the video say CREDO ELVEM ETIAM VIVERE. This means "I believe Elvis lives" in Latin. 🕺🏻)

#7 - This song is brand-new to me. I hadn’t heard of Phil Wickman until just a few weeks ago, but it has become a new favorite. Enjoy!

#8 - Did you know I once wrote a Christmas story that was turned into a movie? I did! It’s called My Broken Horse Christmas, loosely based on a true story about a father and son and they learn about healing and hope. You can still buy it in bookstores and on Amazon, but you can also watch it for free here!

#9 - I could literally share hundreds of favorite Christmas songs both classic and modern, and you probably could too. The trick is narrowing my list down to my absolute favorites. Here’s one that is at or near the top for me, and this version specifically. The Piano Guys collaborated with The Church of Jesus Christ several years ago to make this amazing version of O Come Emmanuel that brings deep feelings of reverence for the Savior and His humble birth.

#10 - Another wonderful Christmas movie you may not have seen before was also produced by BYU. It’s called Winter Thaw and is based on a short story by Tolstoy. You can watch it for free on BYU-TV or on their website. This film has top notch production values and the cast is incredible, including John Rhys-Davies, who also played a dwarf in a little movie about rings and Hobbits and wizards you may have heard of. 😉 Oh, and he’s also been in a few other movies, including this new one coming next year that I’m super-pumped about!

#11 - Over the years I’ve collected a lengthy list of Christmas messages that have touched me in some way. As I think about those messages, I realize that some of the reasons they have impacted me relate to where I was at in my life. This message from Thomas S. Monson certainly qualifies, which I first read when I was serving as a bishop. The story he tells of members helping a German family is one of my favorites.

#12 - Last but not definitely not least, here is a piece of Christmas music that you can’t NOT be blown away by, and here is my absolute favorite version of it. Angels, from the Realms of Glory as performed by Renee Fleming with the Tabernacle Choir at Temple Square is…I don’t even have words to capture the power of this performance. Just hit play and inhale.

This was such fun putting all these together! I hope they bring you joy and help you feel the spirit of the season.

Now for the best part of all - your favorites! If you have a movie, a story, a song, or anything else that helps you feel closer to the Savior at Christmastime (or anytime!) please share in the comments.

Merry Christmas everyone!