Light the World - day twenty five - Christmas Day!

The birth of Jesus Christ was the most widely anticipated and prophesied event in the history of the world. In this single act, divinity and mortality united in a Savior who would balance the scales of justice, making it possible for the human family to achieve eternal life. Ancient prophets wrote of Christ’s coming and of His atoning mission. In the book of Isaiah, for example, we read, “He was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed” (Isaiah 53:5). In an earlier chapter, Isaiah foretold Christ’s birth itself, saying, “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).

Throughout the Old Testament and New Testament of the Bible and also the Book of Mormon is the message that “there is no other way nor means whereby man can be saved, only through the atoning blood of Jesus Christ” (Helaman 5:9). Jesus Christ is our Redeemer, our Advocate with God our Father. God’s prophets and messengers have repeated this truth throughout the ages, heralding the wonderful Messiah who would emerge so humbly in Bethlehem. Jesus Christ came into the world in order to save it. Stepping down from His role as Lord of all, He was born in very lowly circumstances. In a manger Mary laid the Lamb of God, the Savior of the world.

Because of Him, everything is possible.

Light the World - day twenty four

Christmas eve finally came.  We hosted our Christmas eve dinner and our traditional program in which everyone participated with music, song, story or scripture.  We enjoyed a smoked turkey and a honey baked ham with all the fixings and an English trifle for dessert.  The best part (and most touching part) of the evening was listening to a recording of Jake reading the Christmas story from Luke chapter 2.  Hearing his voice was so comforting, yet so sorrowful as we all miss him so very much.  Our hearts were full as we celebrated the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ and sang a few Christmas carols before the children headed off to bed.  Claire and R came to spend the night with us, so we enjoyed their company as well as that of Andy and Chelsea.  Jordan returned to her home with her children and her brother and sister-in-law (Matt and Jessica) helped her and spent the night at her home.  This Christmas season was terribly hard for Jordan and her children.  We have prayed repeatedly for their comfort and happiness, even in the face of great sorrow.
Later that night we fell into bed feeling grateful.  Very grateful for the knowledge we have and the peace we feel.

Lauren folded the napkins in a very festive way.

We got to talk to Dave, Courtney,
Charlie and Margaret and hear about
their Christmas eve preparations.
We missed having them with us this year.
 Little Sam was all decked out in his Santa suit.

Light the World - day twenty three

Andy and Chelsea came to town!  This year they were able to spend 11 days with us through Christmas and New Years.  We were so happy to have them come and stay with us.  They bring so much energy and happiness and they jumped right in to help everyone.  While the women went to lunch the day they arrived, Andy went with Rick and all the children to a movie.  Later that evening they took Jordan to dinner and to Comedy Sports club for a good laugh.  Throughout the holiday they played with the kids, helped Jordan in lots of ways and just had a good time visiting Claire and R, going to a BYU basketball game, snowboarding, hosting a friends party at our home and just being so fun to be around. We love Andy and Chelsea and appreciate all they did to make our Christmas even more enjoyable.

Light the world - day twenty two

This video says it all.  As we have tried to light the world, spread comfort, offer assistance, help others, serve, give and forgive, we have felt the JOY that only comes through those acts that follow the example of Jesus Christ.  It was been a wonderful month to Light the World!

Light the World - day twenty one

Grandma Pat treated us all to the annual production of A Christmas Carol a few days before Christmas.  Claire, R, Jordan, Rick and I went along with Ellie and Lauren for their first time. Attending this play is a family tradition and this year was a lot of fun going with the girls and watching it through their eyes.  It is so very well done.  Hale theater does a great job portraying this Christmas classic which reminds us all of the true meaning of Christmas, that it is more meaningful and fulfilling to give than to receive.  Poor old Ebenezer goes through a transformation as he is reminded about what really matters in life when he is visited by the ghosts of Christmas past, present and future. Charles Dickens story is a holiday classic in our home.

Light the World - day twenty

We enjoyed the FIRST ANNUAL GRANDPARENT SLEEPOVER a few days before Christmas.  It was so fun to have the grandchildren here as we made gifts for their parents, crafts, decorated sugar cookies and had dinner and overall fun.  It was also the BYU bowl game that night, so the older girls enjoyed watching that as well with Grandpa.  A victory for the Cougars helped to keep the holiday spirit alive as we headed into Christmas.  These little children are so fun and they say such funny things.  I'm so grateful that they live closer so that we can enjoy many more evenings like this in the future.  Their parents had a much needed break to make their final Christmas preparations and to sleep in.  A good time was had by all!

Light the World - day nineteen

I love to send and receive Christmas cards.  This year was no exception.  I love to see how people are doing, how their families are changing and growing and to exchange Christmas greetings.  This card will be our last one with Jake on it.  It was with mixed emotions that I sent it out.  I'm so grateful for all our beloved family members who are on it.  Each one holds a special place in my heart.  As we celebrated this time of year commemorating the Savior's birth, I'm so grateful for His life and atonement.  It means everything to me.  It means that through Him, our family will be together again. Everyone.  Jake will be with us again.  My Dad will be with us again. This was an especially meaningful thought to me.  Even though Jake won't be on our card next year, he will always be in our hearts and even though he isn't present, his presence is felt.  Because of the Savior, it was a Merry Christmas and it always will be.

Light the World - day eighteen

Each year my sweet little Elf brings a little treat and leaves it on my car seat in the early morning hours beginning the 12 days before Christmas.  It is usually some candy, useful Christmas plates or glasses, decorations, candles, wrapping paper and bows, or some other item to delight and please me. He has done this for years and I appreciate his thoughtfulness and kindness to me. He is my true love and he takes good care of me.  I wonder who it could be?

Light the World - day seventeen

We enjoyed a girl's night out at the Covey Center in Provo watching The Nutcracker ballet.  It was so well done and fun to watch the beautiful dancers of the Utah Regional Ballet and listen to Tchaikovsky's gorgeous musical score. I couldn't help but think of my niece Sydney who danced in this ballet for many, many years.  It was fun to go with Barbara, G. Pat and Jordan and her girls.  Sitting in front of us was one of the members of the Studio C cast and he was instantly recognized by the girls who are fans.  It was a lovely evening.

Light the World - day sixteen

Claire, R, Lizzie and Will have lived with us for the last six months. They moved into their new home a few days before Christmas. It has been wonderful to have them with us and to get to know them better.  Every Tuesday, Tommy would come over to play with Will and they would have lots of fun playing as only little boys can do.  I loved having them around and watching them play.  They are such funny and sweet little boys and they brought a lot of Christmas spirit and happiness into our home.

Light the World - day fifteen

My sweet sister Lee and her husband Mike come to town for an overnighter and it was so fun to spend some time with them.  We enjoyed dinner and then went to the Riverwoods to walk around and see the Christmas lights.  The next day they, along with Jessica and Brad, were so kind and thoughtful and they helped out at the homes of Jordan and Claire, doing some tasks that needed to be done. Their service was so appreciated and it definitely helped to bring an added measure of happiness and light to our lives.  Many thanks to Lee, Mike, Jessica and Brad.  We love and appreciate you!

Light the World - day fourteen

I especially enjoy this cover of Mary Did You Know done by Yahosh Bonner and Malea Lunt.  It is so beautiful!

Light the World - day thirteen

This Christmas I got to do something I've always wanted to do!  I got to attend the Christmas concerts of some of our grandchildren.  Now that some of them live near by, this is an added perk.  Lizzie and Will were involved in Christmas programs at their schools. It was so fun to hear the little children sing and to see Will (in the train conductor cap) do his little part on the program and Lizzie play the drum in her school program.  Being around little Santa believers who are full of enthusiasm and excitement was so fun this year, and brought back great memories of when our children were young.  It was fun to hear the songs I use to sing and to see their happy faces.

Light the World - day twelve

On December 15, we had the opportunity to go to Temple Square in SLC and attend the annual Mormon Tabernacle Christmas concert.  This year we were able to get eight tickets, (thanks Dave!) so Rick and I, along with G. Pat, Jordan and girls and Lizzie attended.  We went early in the evening so we could eat at the City Creek food court and look around that beautiful shopping center and wander around temple square that was all decked out for Christmas.  It was a lovely evening to share together.
We also had a special chance encounter with a young woman who grew up in our ward years ago. She married and moved into the home she grew up in with her young family and lived just down the street.  Some years ago, she had a surgery of some sort and was prescribed some pain killers.  In a story that is tragically becoming more common place, she became addicted to prescription pain killers which basically ruined her life.  She lost her home, her family and her life.  We saw her with a group of people outside of temple square who were selling funnel cakes and working towards being drug free.  It was so wonderful to see her, hug her and give her some encouragement.  Rick was the bishop of our ward when she was a teenager and she was so happy to see us.
It was the perfect reminder to me of what Christmas is all about.  Hope.  Change through the Savior. Celebration of beauty and progress.  Joy.  Happiness.

Light the World - day eleven

Through all our holiday activities, we don't forget our three little ones in NC.  We now have nine grandchildren!! Charlie, Margaret and Sam are always dear to our hearts and we love to chat with them on Facetime and stay connected with their activities.  Their family is having fun being together and enjoying fun activities this holiday season, and with Dave home on paternity leave, there are extra hands to help out. These little ones have the sweetest faces and I would love to snuggle with them.  They are staying home this year and we will miss having them with us, but understand that they need to stay put with a newborn this time of year.  We love them so much! Merry Christmas little family.