THIS IS THE SEASON FOR REFLECTION

We have missionary training this next week, so Jill and I got out the decorations we could find and decorated the mission office the best we could. We are early.....but I'm in the mood.

I guess the best way for me to get into the Christmas spirit is to write some of my thoughts of the season each week in this Blog.  There will be no gifts from Jill and I this year to the family as we celebrate Christmas here in Ghana.  It is just too difficult to do so, and Jill does not like to just give out money.  So sorry, family. But we are putting together a nice Christmas package for each of our missionaries so we will be very busy with that.  We can’t do much, but after a very nice dinner and some games at two Multi-Zone Conferences, here are some of the things our missionaries will receive:  sandals, socks, ties, necklaces, consecrated oil vials, pillow cases, journals, pens, temple cards, snickers, tooth brushes, toothpaste, floss, fruit snacks, hand sanitizer, candy canes, microwave popcorn, Milo, and cookies. The money to buy these items came from families in Utah through Venmo to Sister Campbell.  We are not supposed to ask for donations…..but this money just happened to come…..and we put it to use so that our missionaries will have something to open for Christmas…..which is not much.  I think they will like the ties, necklaces, sandals, and journals.  And who doesn’t like treats.  If anyone is on this Blog who donated some money…..thank you very much !!!  Keep in mind that some of these missionaries have never really had much of a Christmas as far as gifts.  They come from circumstances where there was not the money to give out anything….but food…..each day just to eat.  Many of them will be very pleased and happy that they have something in a couple of gift bags to open. 

During this time of year, our thoughts turn to the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ.  Christmas has a way of slowing us down…..sometimes only for a moment…..sometimes for a day…..to remind us of the things that truly matter.  As we have gathered this season during Thanksgiving, and now as we get closer to Christmas, I hope that we will pause, breathe, and look around at the people who bring meaning to our lives.  Christmas reminds us that even in a busy, unpredictable world, there is still light, still hope, and still kindness.  The season is more than gifts, or the lights, or the familiar songs…..beautiful as they are.  Christmas at its heart, is about connection and reflection.   It’s about remembering that we are not meant to walk through life alone.  As I read recently, “The story of Christmas is one of God reaching out to humanity through humility, wrapped not in royalty or grandeur, but in a child born in a quiet, ordinary place.  That child, born in a manger, became a symbol of peace to a weary world and a reminder that hope often arrives in the simplest of forms.  Christmas teaches us that light shines brightest in darkness…..and many of us know what darkness feels like…..whether it’s the loss of someone dear, the stress of daily life or challenges that feel too heavy to carry.  Christmas reminds us that even the smallest glimmer of hope can guide us forward. Christmas invites us to reflect with gratitude…..not because everything is perfect, but because gratitude helps us see the blessings hidden within everyday moments…..the warmth of a shared meal, the sound of laughter, a message from a friend, or the simple gift of knowing someone cares”.

The prophet Nephi saw in vision, “a virgin most beautiful and fair above all other virgins” and he beheld her holding the Son of God.  This was 590 years before Christ was born..... long before the star shone over Bethlehem. The people of the Americas knew that the Redeemer would come.  His birth was a promise kept – a sign that God fulfills His covenants and promises. 

Another beautiful teaching from the Book of Mormon about Christmas comes from Alma.  He taught that Christ would come “to take upon him the pains and the sicknesses of his people” and that He would “loose the bands of death”.  Christmas is not only the celebration of His birth…..it is the celebration of why He was born.  Every gift we give, every carol we sing, and every act of kindness we offer is meant to help us remember the greatest gift ever given…..the Father’s gift of His Son. 

As President Monson reminded us, “to catch the real meaning of the spirit of Christmas, we need only drop the last syllable, and it becomes the Spirit of Christ.” My prayer is that this season, we not only celebrate the Savior’s birth but also strive to come unto Him, to follow Him, and to reflect on His love that He gives to each one of us….. individually.  Please take the time to pause and reflect about all that has been good in your life.....and especially about the greatest gifts that have been given to us all..... the gift of the Atonement and the gift of the Resurrection. Our Heavenly Father loves each of us.....unconditionally.....as does our Savior. They want to be a part of our lives....let Them in. If we do, Christmas will not just be a day…..it will become a way of living throughout the year.

Jesus Loves Everyone.....and they Love Him.

This is where we spent our Thanksgiving.....for lunch. You saw the video of dinner last week....so we did get some Turkey and Mashed Potatoes and Gravy. That's all I care about. And some homemade rolls.....and some pumpkin pie. And then I'm happy !!!

Love my Coke Zero.

The French Fries are very good over here. The sandwich was a chicken fettuccine.....very good.

I do like this pool and the temperature of the water is always very comforting.

This Policeman watches the corner intersection by our home. He looked very mean.....so I asked Him if I could take his picture and his face lit up.....and a nice smile appeared.

We will never get over some of the things we see in Ghana. "I have a load.....I need to move it".

Check out the Chorister.....He was really getting into this music....almost infectious for the rest of us.

And of course those in the audience have to get into it also, if they are feeling it. Love it. it was a nice Christmas Program at the Temple Grounds.

Santa Claus comes in all sizes and shapes and colors.....this was going on the floor below the concert. It was a very nice (and long) Christmas program before they turned on the Christmas lights at the temple. I'll share some video of the Temple grounds with their lights next week.

This is our office and Me trying to get into the Christmas spirit. No presents or gathering of gifts for the kids and grandkids this year. We will be busy with putting some things together for the missionaries, but it will be a different Christmas for Jill and I. I love Christmas and my kids know how much it will "hurt" me not to be there seeing everyone and spending more money than I should.....but I don't have too many Christmas's left.....so next year will be a "doozy". I hope you will all enjoy the month of December and the change of heart that seems to take place....at least for a short period of time. It is all about Christ !!!