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.