I feel extra happy this year to know that Jesus Christ was the prophesied Messiah. I know that He lives. All that He did was for us. Out and about, so many people are going nuts over presents and festivities, yet we walk among them with peace in our hearts and light in our eyes, because we know why we celebrate this season. The power of our message hit home today when we ran into an excommunicated member at Target during our weekly shopping. He promptly flagged us down and offered to buy our groceries. As we got to know him, we learned more about his concerns and reasons for walking away from the light. There was great confusion and contradiction in the things he would say, and I found myself praising God in my heart for blessing us with faith. The testimonies we have been given are precious. It is such a privilege to witness for Christ during this season of the year, and lift people to see life more clearly through the light of the gospel.
Light is my favorite symbol of the Savior. I love Christmas lights. I always remember driving around during the Christmas season and looking at all the neighborhood lights while listening to "It Must Have Been the Mistletoe." (: (Since a song about mistletoe isn't exactly appropriate for missionaries, we have been listening to "Oh Come All Ye Faithful," and, my personal fave: "Silent Night." as we cruise past the lights.)
It is significant that we are each born with the light of Christ within us. There is not a single person I have met on my mission that I have not loved, and this because I know they hold the light of Our Lord. It is rewarding to search for that spark, and then to support and strengthen it in them. It is the greatest tragedy when we see it diminish, as ofttimes people forget, or make poor choices. I rejoice to know that you all "walk in the light of your fire and in the sparks which ye have kindled." (2 Nephi7:11). The miracles you see in your lives, and the missionary experiences Heavenly Father trusts you with are evidence of your faith in Jesus Christ and His Atonement.
So much has happened since I started training Sister Arave, I have completely lost track of time. It has been the fastest 6 weeks of my life! I never want to leave the wards I am serving in. The people are constantly striving to become closer to the Savior by serving each other. I love to see the Lord's work in action. When I read about Gramzie's SS lesson on Zion and the Pure in Heart, I want to say: "Gramma! Come see Zion in Fayetteville, NC! It'll be a great field trip for your class!" But I remember there is another little Zion in the PV8 ward in Provo (: And another one in the Lehi 18th Ward, and another in the Caprock ward. What a testimony of the truth of this gospel. Regardless of who or where you are, you can be changed for the better by living the principles of Christ's gospel. We are not perfect, but constantly striving, and being filled with His love. Helaman
3:35
I keep reminding myself and our investigators: it's always a process, a beautiful, grueling, thrilling process to come unto Him, the source of light and life.
Pray for Aaliyah, Patrice, Toni and Alex Sweeney! Their family is struggling to come to church.
Know how great the Lord's love is for you this Christmas season, and remember the greatest gift of all! The Atonement of Jesus Christ. John
3:16
Go to the temple, remember and live your covenants, and read the Book of Mormon every day! He will bless you as you do so with His precious children to care for and uplift.
I feel His love through you! Thank you forever!
Love,
Sister B
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