I love this season of the year; I mean the Christmas season, not winter.
Though this winter has been very mild so far. We hit 52 degrees today
and we have had only about 1 inch of snow so far. I am grateful for for
the lights, the music, the overall increase in generosity and caring and
most importantly, the reason for the season. Our Savior, Jesus Christ
is the reason for the season, He is the gift.
For a couple of
months, Claudia has been coordinating a sub for Santa for 49
missionaries who rarely, if ever get a letter or package from home. It
has been heart-warming and tender to witness the generosity and love of
many people who have sent things to be included in packages for these 40
Elders and 9 Sisters. On Wednesday, 5 of us put all of the boxes
together in the conference room. We had so many who wanted to help that
we actually had to turn some people down and suggest they help another
worthy cause.
Later this week will start special zone
conferences for each of the 8 zones to help them prepare for and enjoy
the Christmas season. The packages we put together will be labeled and
taken to these conferences along with all the other packages that
families have sent. We are hoping these will just blend in with those
sent from home and make it possible for everyone to have something to
open.
We had the ward Christmas party last night. It was a
Hawaiian theme so everyone was encouraged to come in Hawaiian attire. We
had a BBQ'd pig, chicken, salads, rolls and dessert. They asked me to
be a Hawaiian Santa. Each of the children were encouraged to bring some
canned or packaged food that could be given to a near-by shelter. It was
fun to talk to each of the children and hear what they wanted for
Christmas. I only had three little ones who absolutely didn't want to
sit on Santa's lap. We have so grown to love the people here and the
children have helped us to not miss our grandchildren so much.
I
had the privilege of singing "Star of Bethlehem" as a solo in church
today. One of the Sister missionaries serving in our ward accompanied me
and did a beautiful job. I love Christmas music, the fun traditional
ones but most importantly the ones that have a great message about the
Savior and His mission on Earth.
Our Utah posterity got together
last night for our tradition of singing Christmas songs as a family. We
missed being there, but loved hearing and watching the video they
posted singing one of our favorites in 4 part harmony. Next year, we
will be there to add to the chaos and fun.
8 new missionaries
arrive tomorrow and 10 return home on Wednesday. So this week will be
full and busy. It will be exciting to welcome the new ones and sad to
say farewell to those going home.
I am so grateful for the
influence that Babe from Bethlehem is and has been in my life. I know
that He lives; he is the light and the life of the world. Embracing His
gospel and living as He would have us live, is the pathway to happiness
and joy. May each of you feel of His love and spirit in your homes and
families this Christmas season. May your homes be filled with laughter,
love and memories with those you love.
Elder Taggart
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