I’m pretty passionate about simplifying Christmas, as you can tell, and I thought maybe you would like to read why. This is the story of the Christmas that changed my life — the Christmas that led me to do things differently, and that ultimately led me to write the song, Do You Have Room?
WE DIDN’T MISS CHRISTMAS
I prepared for Christmas early this year – Our tree was up the day after Thanksgiving, complete with a new set of ornaments – music ones, like I always wanted. I had meticulously chosen just the right gifts, décor, food, lights, stockings and wrapping paper. My parties were planned, and my cards were in the mail, and I was feeling pretty smug about it. But on the night before Christmas Eve, I still wasn’t ready. I had planned for everything….except the chicken pox.
Instead of making my list and checking it twice, I had spent the last ten days caring for two very sick children. How annoying, I thought—couldn’t they have waited until after the holidays? But now the worst was over, and hopefully, they would sleep well tonight.
I was awakened early Christmas Eve morning by Rebecca’s touch. “Mommy, my chin hurts.” I could see some puffiness around one of her chicken pox. I admonished her not to scratch it, and closed my eyes again, but she tugged at my sleeve and said, “I don’t feel good.” I reached for her forehead, and wondered why her fever had returned.
Although she was barely four, she had been counting the days, and yesterday, had proudly announced, “It’s two more days ‘til Christmas!” But this morning, she didn’t say anything about Christmas.
Medication did nothing to ease Rebecca’s fever. Her chin and cheek became hugely swollen, and she lay very still on the sofa, where we couldn’t even coax a smile out of her. Something was terribly wrong.
That evening we admitted her to the hospital. I was vaguely aware of the carols playing over the intercom, the strings of colored lights, and the Christmas tree. Mostly, I noticed how strangely quiet it was. I overheard a nurse say, “Wouldn’t it be horrible to bring your child to the hospital on Christmas Eve?”
Yes, it was horrible. I had cried as I sent our four boys to my parents’ home, each carrying one present from under the tree. Ten-year-old Gary responded, “We don’t even want to have Christmas without Becca.” Often the true spirit of Christmas is manifest in a single moment, and this year, the moment was now. “Bless you, Gary,” I said.
Rebecca had cellulitis, a deadly infection of the skin that invades deeper and deeper layers of tissue, threatening vital organs within hours. Had we waited too long to call the doctor?
We stayed in her room all night, worrying, praying and trying to make her comfortable. By morning, the infection had spread to the other side of her face. John looked at me from across the bed and said grimly, “Merry Christmas.” I was struck by the contrast of this morning with all the other Christmas mornings of my life: No laughter, no squeals, no wrapping paper or boxes or bows, no noisy toys, no surprises.
Funny what a little perspective can do—a few days ago we considered it a hassle to have chicken pox during the holidays. Yesterday, we worried that she was too sick to enjoy her presents. Today we didn’t care about presents. Today we didn’t care about any of the frantic and frivolous Christmas crush.
For three days, an IV steadily pumped a high-powered antibiotic into Rebecca’s tiny veins. She was motionless one moment, and restless the next, and miserable all of the time. I prayed like I had never prayed before, and realized more than ever what an immeasurable blessing it is to know that God lives. I begged Him for a miracle.
On the fourth day, we began to notice a change in Rebecca. Her appetite returned and her fever began to drop. When she saw herself in the mirror that day, she pouted, “My face looks stupid.” John laughed and said, “Yup. She’s a girl. Never mind that she almost died.….Her first thought is ‘How do I look?’”
That night, I sat on her hospital bed, and read a new book to her. “Mommy,” she said suddenly, “I missed Christmas.”
Tears welled in my eyes. She was right—she had missed Christmas, but none of the rest of us had. Instead, we experienced the most meaningful holiday of our lives. We understood more completely all the true gifts of Christmas, all the true gifts of Christ: The gift of hope, the gift of love, and yes, the gift of life itself.
We brought Rebecca home two days later, and the only sign of her illness was a knot on her chin. Our unopened presents were still under the tree, where we had left them, but they held little meaning for us. We had our Christmas gift.
This is a picture of Rebecca’s one month old baby. Oh, what I would have missed out on! Rebecca is my best friend. She has brought me many moments of pure joy, and I can’t imagine my life without her in it.
May your Christmas season be filled with all the true gifts of Christmas, and may you find a way to celebrate His birth with joy and peace.
Shawna
41 Comments
Join the conversation and post a comment.
Trackbacks/Pingbacks
- "Do You Have Room?" - Christmas Song by Shawna Edwards | Mormon Women - About LDS Life and Belief - [...] your thoughts (or a favorite Christmas memory) at Shawna Edwards Music (here or here)* and Shawna will send you ...
- Shawna Edwards: Thoughts on Simplifying Christmas | Mormon Women - About LDS Life and Belief - [...] The Christmas That Changed My Life – By Shawna Edwards [...]
This year we are making room for our Saviour by taking the focus away from gift-giving and instead giving our time to become more involved in reaching out to our community and church by volunteering to become involved in various community and hurch related activities.
I would like to receive the free copy of your sheet music for the soloist. Thank-you for the lovely song!
Those are the darkest moments that sometimes can only be illuminated by God.
I would love a copy of your Christmas Song.
I think the best memory of Christmas I have is singing carols with my extended family every Christmas Eve. They are all very muscial which every year adds to itself.
I would love a download of the video for do you have room. A sister played if for us during relief society today. There is a woman who I visit teach and she just loved the song. She is mentally handicapped and lives with her mother, and they do not have computer access right now. I would love to share a copy of the music with her during our visiting teaching message this month. Thank you for sharing your talents. Lucy brown
I am inspired of your Christmas song-Do you have room? I will sing this song in during our Christmas Party. With this, I am hoping to send me copy of lyrics and to be have a copy of this song.
I am hoping to receive the request within 24 hours.
Thank you very much and God bless
Ritchelle Apiag
Ritchelle,
That’s the highest compliment ever for any message — that you are inspired by it. Hope you are able to sing the song many times this Christmas season, and thank you so much!
Shawna
I absolutely love the words of this song. It touched me and I would love to get the words and sheet music to sing at my church.
What a beautiful song. My daughter would love to sing this song next Sunday in church. As we enter the Christmas season, what a powerful reminder of the real reason for the Christmas celebration. My favorite memories of Christmas are in being in the presence of family and loved ones. Could you please send us the sheet music for this song? I am also wondering about the option you have to buy the accompaniment track, is it a download? Thanks so much.
Wendy,
You can get the accompaniment track on the “Order Music” page.
Thanks, and all the best,
Shawna
Christmas is the one time of year that I love. I enjoy my family traditions, and helping others. My favorite Christmas memory is reading the Chrismas story by candlelight. I remember one year, when I was really young, my Grandpa was reading the story to my entire family, and there was a knock on the door — and, it was Santa. For a little girl, it was a great memory to see Santa, and to hear Poppa read the Christmas story.
I would love the sheet music for “Do you have room?” I am the chorister for my ward, and I would love to share this song with my congregation.
The song is absolutely beautiful and I’d love a copy of the solo arrangement. I’ve already purchased the SATB arrangement, but the solo is lovely as well. My favorite Christmas memories all involve music. We used to sit around the piano at my grandmother’s house and sing all of the Christmas songs that my aunt could find. And she’s quite the musician, so it took quite a while! I also loved the opportunity that I had as a teenager for a few years to sing in our stake’s production of the Messiah. I always loved the prayer that the choir director gave. She would always ask that the angels would fill in wherever our voices failed. It was amazing to feel the fulfillment of those prayers each year as we knew that the music sounded much better than we ourselves were capable of. It’s such a sweet time of year and a wonderful time to make more room in our hearts for our Savior!
Shawna, your song is absolutely beautiful! Thankyou for being willing to share it with all of us. One of the ways I’ve always felt meaningful to me, in making room for the Savior, is by sharing His spirit through music. This song, is one that has always helped do that and I’m hoping to be able to share it with others too. I know that by doing any act of service this season and always, is how I make room for the Savior, and I’m so grateful for the many opportunities to do that.
I would love a copy of the sheet music so I can sing this at our Christmas program. More people need to hear this song
Thankyou and Merry Christmas!
Shawna, God has truly used you to share His story…I know you continue to be a blessing in my life! I would say that my greatest Christmas memory was from 2003! This was the year that I gave my life to Christ and first realized just what the reason for the season really was! It was the first time In my life that I can remember truly understanding why Jesus was sent to Earth, and what a wonderful gift we were given that night!
I would love to have a copy “Do you have room?”! I would love to have this to perform with my Church. Not sure what type of arrangements you have, so it would be difficult to state what I would need…but whatever you are providing will be wonderful!
Thank you so much for all you do to share God’s Love!
I love this song. I lost my dad in June of 2007 and Christmas was his favorite holiday. He always had fun going shopping with his girls. And of course he would try his hardest to get us to tell him what mom got him. This September my son received the priesthood, his first temple trip was to be baptized for his grandpa. I love Christ and am so grateful for his atonement. This Christmas I am trying to focus more on the magic of Christ in my life then the magic of Christmas in my life and this song will help me do just that.
I just wanted to let you know that you have made my Christmas this year. What a beautiful song, “Do you have room”
Wow. That’s a beautiful thing to say…..thank you so much. It means a lot to me,
Shawna
It’s the hard times that often bring us to Him, isn’t it? Blessings to you this Christmas,
Shawna
Donnette,
Love, love this story! I hope my readers will take the time to read it. Thanks for sharing!!!
Shawna
My favorite Christmas memories are gathering together as a family to celebrate. My parents would always have relative’s over who would share their Christmas memories with us. It was some of the most memorable times ever. a good way to get to know extended family, as well. After the stories and memories, we would sing Christmas songs. it was heaven on earth!
would love the sheet music.
I would love to show my Young Women this video can I buy an actual copy of it?
Thank you for sharing your talent.
Every year at Christmas time I feel that the hustle and bustle of the world is there and I get a little stressed out. However, when I sit with my children at night and read to them by the Christmas Tree or we do the 12 days of Christmas for someone in need, I then feel the real meaning of Christmas. I LOVE CHRISTMAS! I always remember my Savior throughout the year but at Christmas time I feel so close to him and I am grateful for His love for me and my family. Without Him in my life I would not have the wonderful eternal family that I have. I love the Gospel and I am grateful to have it also in my life. My favorite song for Christmas is Silent Night. It just brings me peace and joy. As a child I remember sitting with my family and reading the scriptures and then singing hymns. I am striving to continue this with my own children.
Shawna~This song is so beautiful! I have 3 daughters with amazing voices, and would love for one of them to sing this at our children’s program Sunday night…Our church has a van ministry & most of our kids and youth live with parents who do not attend church…This Sunday evening, they are putting on a play & their parents will attend…This is the perfect song to possibly reach someone’s heart while they are there…We don’t get them to come often, some not at all…This would be the perfect time to sing this song…
My favorite Christmas memories–not just one Christmas, but every Christmas…my favorite part is attending church on Christmas Eve for a candlelight service…It’s not Christmas until we light candles and softly sing ‘Silent Night’…I’ve gone every year…It just wouldn’t be Christmas w/o it…
If you so see fit…could you send the sheet music & possible an accompianment CD for one of my daughters to practice with? I just know someone will be touched by the Holy Spirit…I’m praying for it, anyway…God Bless You!!!
Amy
Rome, GA
hello, This song and story moved me beyond words. I spend every Christmas since 2005 in a bit of a depressed state of grief. I lost both my parents and as an only child I lost the family that I always had Christmas with. I have two daughters (12 & 14) and can only imagine what that Christmas must have been like for you. One girl plays basketball and the other does allstar competition cheer and both seasons ramp up right in December. I am a youth minister as well (part time) and work on a college campus, so this is my busy season. It is so easy to get caught up in the activities of the month that Christmas (real Christmas) can be lost.
So, what will I do to make room, I will slow down, I will pray, I will reflect and ask others to do the same. I will re-connect with those I take for granted, those I don’t speak to often enough. I will talk about how Blessed I am and I will prepare for His coming. Not with lights and presents, but with prayer and meditation. I will sing songs of praise and teach them to my kids. My girls will sing your song at Christmas eve (which is why I need the sheet music) and we will all remember why we celebrate. Thank you for this story that shook me back into the reality of Holy Season.
My husband of 17 years moved out a few weeks ago, and it’s really made the holidays a difficult time. I went to the Messiah singalong this weekend, and it really put Christmas into perspective for me. And even with my current challenges and uncertainty, I am still so blessed in my life — so that is my focus for Christmas this year. My Christmas decorations have Nativities and pictures of Christ, and the Santas and Snowmen are staying in storage. And it’s not just thinking about Christ, but about being like Him. That’s the best gift we could give Him — and the best gift we can give ourselves.
Shawna!
wow! that`s such a wonderful and amazing song! god gave you such a great gift- you could be very proud that you use it in such a great way!
My band and I would like to sing this song on Christmas Eve in our church! we would be very pleased about getting the notes of your song! we like to use our gifts in a great way, too: for making people happy with your song and the good message of our saviour!
Shawna, thanks for sharing your song Do You Have Room? on YouTube. I am looking for a new song for my best friend as she wants to sing it for Christmas at church. We live in Belize, Central America (I’m American and she’s Belizean) and want to keep the Good News going. Please send us the recording as most people down here play music by ear.
My favorite Christmas story is one that spanned several years of my childhood. We always spent Christmas with extended family from grandparents down on my mother’s side. No matter where we had the gathering it was potluck, games (football and board games), and singing Christmas carols around the piano. Our family is built on a Christian foundation so that everyone was encouraged to make room for the Saviour. Part of how this was done was by providing a loving, family, and fun atmosphere. Thanks for letting me share. In Him, Yvonne
wonderful song indeed..tells about the reason for the season..
also i would love if you provided me with the lyrics to this song since i couldnt find them on the web.thank-you!
My favorite Christmas memory actually happens every year! Our church does a Christmas Eve service every year that is all music specials done by people in the congregation. I am always blessed by the songs performed in honor of our Saviour! This is the reason I would like the solo sheet music for this song. I intend to sing it unto the Lord at this service this year. Thank you so much for this wonderful song. I pray you have a blessed Christmas this and every year. God Bless
Leigh
Do You Have Room? I ache for the lack of room on the shelves in the stores for the message of salvation that came through the Christ Child, not in the $ spent on frivolous gifts. I’d love to share this song with our church family who has been challenged to do something different from the rest of the world that is celebrating Christmas. we want to worship Christ this Christmas. I look forward to receiving the solo sheet music. Thanks for your gift of worship.
As I was reading your story of your little girl, I am rocking my own 4 year old little girl with tears in my eyes. I cannot imagine my life without her or her 3 year old sister, as much as they drive me crazy they make me smile and laugh more. I am trying to teach them now what Christmas is all about as it is my favorite holiday with the beautiful music and stories of sharing and love. Thank you for sharing your story.
oops, too quick on the uptake…. thank you for sharing your story! God is good!
Shawna, this is a beautiful song. I have written music and poems. I know that when you are writting, and you real feel stongly about it , that the words flow as if someone is putting them in your head. My choir director sent me the video and she wants me to sing it in church during this beautiful Christmas season. May God bless you and your family , now and always!
Thank you for sharing this beautiful song with the world. I feel so much love for my savior and all that he did for me when I hear it. This Christmas I have made a goal, that actually started in November and has continued through December. In November I followed the trend to post on Facebook something everyday that I am grateful for. I loved doing this, it truly made my day better and I wanted to make others day better as well. I did not want this to end just because Thanksgiving came and went. So I decided to carry on a similar goal. For the month of December I have decided to post a scripture that highlights Christ and his life and teachings. This has been a wonderful thing for me to do. I am looking up scriptures that help me remember my savior and I am so grateful that I get to share those with others. I hope this will not only help me remember the true meaning of Christmas, but help others remember as well. I also hope it will help us apply his teaching more easily, since those teachings will be fresh in our minds. This is a simple task, but one that can affect people greatly. I am so grateful for my savior and his love for all of us.
This was just what I was looking for! For our young women Christmas party we are focusing on making room in our lives for the Savior. This song shares that message so beautifully and I know that when the girls hear it their hearts will be touched. I felt so good inside as I listened to the words and can’t wait to share this with others. Thank you for sharing your sweet testimony through song!
I was extremely touched by this beautiful song and video. Could you please send me a copy of the sheet music. I have a Granddaughter with a gift for music, which I would love to have this music to sing at our family get-together on Dec. 23rd. Thank you very much!
Thanks to much for your beautiful storie and music!!! My Favorite Christmas Memories were when i spend them with Family, to when i was young and had my grandparents and now with my beautiful children.
It is not insignificant, I think, that we find the true meaning of Christmas when we focus more on the Lord’s gifts to us rather than the gifts we give and receive ourselves… And the best part is that we can truly have this Spirit of Christmas with us all year round if we choose to maintain that same focus. For years now I have tried to pull away a bit from the regular Christmas festivities and spend some time alone in remembrance of my Savior’s birth. I love reading Luke 2, but also other scriptures in the Book of Mormon that help me remember the miracle that was Christ’s birth. I came across a novel based on the Christmas story called Two From Galilee by Marjorie Holmes. Although it is fictionalized, it helped me see things from a different perspective, making the events just a little more tangible than they had been before. All of these stories of the birth of Christ have helped me refocus my heart through the holidays. I hope that is something I never lose.
I would love to receive a copy of “Do You Have Room?”… It’s music like this that help us help others open their hearts to the true Spirit of Christmas. Thanks for the Spirit that you invite with your music!
This year, we have simplified our lives for Christmas. Everything we are doing is focusing on Him instead of us. I started blogging two years ago to share more of the influence of the Savior in my own life. I have discovered that the more I share, the more like Him I want to become. It is as if in sharing, I find the person that I most want to be. We love to share stories about kindness and good works during this season. It is something that we enjoy doing as a family. I would love to receive sheet music to this song. I have a daughter that would love to sing it for Christmas. Thank you so much for sharing your talents with the rest of us.
Memories of Christmases past hold good and not so good memories for me. I try and hold onto the good ones, and make more of my own each year. This year in fact, I have continued something my Mom did years ago. It was our first year away from family, and friends due to my parents divorce. We didn’t have much money, if any really, and my Mom hand made numerous cross stitched ornaments to hand on a little tree on the table top in our bare apartment. This year, I made sets of ornaments for family and friends as gifts. Some of what I made is from the exact same patterns my Mom used so many years ago. I started back in March, and am finally done, so that is a relief. It is sometimes strange what we remember from ur childhood, isn’t it.
If possible, I would love a copy of the sheet music, as I have picked up an old hobby of mine from my youth, and am going to begn playing the violin again. Another fond memory, yes, but successful, we shall see. Thank you so much for that beautiful song!
Thank you so much for sharing your talents with us. Your story of your daughter brought tears to my eyes as the spirit testified to me that Christmas is a time to remember the Savior and the blessings his life and teachings bring to us. My favorite memory of Christmas is just being with family. The very last thing we do as a family on Christmas Eve is to have my father who loves the Savior, honors the priesthood in which he holds so dear still at age 81 reads out of the scriptures the story of the birth of our Savior and then we sing Silent Night. I would love the solo version of you beautiful song, and want again to thank you for sharing your beautiful song and story.
I would like a copy of the sheet music. The song is so beautiful. I love Your stories. If you have more I would love to read them. Thank you