Merry Christmas, Missionaries

--Sorry to post a letter to the missionaries instead of something for the non-missionary types, but things are a bit pressed for time around here.  Merry Christmas!

Dearest Missionaries,

            Merry Christmas!  President Hall and I truly pray that this Christmas season will be one of deep personal meaning to you in your full-time service of the Lord Jesus Christ. 

            As we follow Elder Holland’s counsel to understand Christmas instead of merely enjoying Christmas, our focus shifts. It shifts away from us and towards the baby in the manger.  Instead of wondering what we will get, we wonder how it is that Christ was born, lived, atoned and opened the doors to exaltation to all of us. 

            As we understand Christmas we understand those shepherds who first heard the news from the angels--

Luke 2:15 And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us.

16 And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger.

17 And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child.

18 And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds.

                We have heard the Good News, we come in haste to Christ to learn of Him, to do His will and to make it known unto those who have not yet heard. 

            Take some time this Christmas to read the story of our Savior’s birth with your companion.  Sing a Christmas hymn.  Ponder and keep in your heart the feelings you have as a representative of Jesus Christ.  May your most precious gift be that of the Holy Ghost testifying that it is all true--that mankind has a way back to our Father in Heaven, because of Christ.  Because of Christmas.

We Love You, Merry Christmas

President and Sister Hall