Christmas Letter (12/23/12)

Dear Friends and Family,

 

Merry Christmas. Now that it finally is almost Christmas. Here in the Philippines it is Christmas Eve, though I suppose that in the States it is still the 23rd. It is very weird not having a cold Christmas season. I've never had a December that I can remember when I was not wearing a jacket and gloves. Maybe during our three years in California, but I don't remember those years very well. It has actually been hotter here over the past week than in any other week so far. And when you are walking across rice fields from one barangay to another and there is no breeze and no shade it is HOT and that is an understatement. It is definitely not the same as Christmas in the US in the temporal things, but the Spirit is still the same. Since Christ is the center of Christmas that is one thing that will never change for me, the Spirit of Christmas. I have decided to study the New Testament and the Book of Mormon about the birth of Christ for the next few days. It is amazing to think that he came to Earth for us and that this season that we celebrate is only the beginning of the life of the greatest man who ever lived, our Savior and Redeemer, Jesus Christ. I am so grateful that he came to Earth and did all that he did for us, healing the sick, establishing his church and especially the Atonement. There is no greater gift that we can celebrate and receive than the Gift of Jesus Christ from our Heavenly Father.

 

I love walking past municipal hall here in Bacarra at night. there are lights, 3 nativity scenes, christmas music and it just feels ands is so bright and cheerful. After a long hard day it really lifts me up to walk past it and think about past Christmases and have my thoughts drawn to Christ. We had Christmas Mission Conference on Tuesday and Wednesday and it was great. WE had half of the mission during our sessions. I am including some pictures from it. I really felt the Spirit of Chtist strong as we did service at the Hospital and then went caroling and had a program and dinner. It was such a great experience. Tomorrow is the Ward Christmas activity and it is going to be quite the event.

 

Yesterday, Sunday, S, one of our investigators came to Church for the first time. He is the first person that we started teaching and while he has been a bit hesitant he is really starting to feel that this is the path that God would have him take. His brother is a member and really wants his family to be with him for eternity. S is very humble though he is a bit afraid of what the people in his church will think of him if he is baptized. But he is over coming those fears and he is definitely feeling the Spirit each time we teach and he wants to follow Christ. Our other investigators are doing well also and we are hoping to have a big week this week.

 

Thank you all for your prayers and your faith. I know that the Lord is pleased with all that you do as you are striving to follow Him. I encourage you to take the time this Christmas season and think about what Christ means to you and give to others. THere really is no greater gift htat what Heavenly Father has given us in His Son, Jesus Christ. Merry Christmas! Mahal Kita!

 

Elder RWood