Hi everybody,
It's starting to get close, and we are
getting in the Christmas mood. Sat. we had our branch Christmas party. We
had about 40 there, which is wonderful for our branch. We did the Polar
Express, had them all sit in the hallway lined up like seats on a train, served
them hot chocolate, took them in the R.S.room and did a lot of singing time. (I was so surprised that not very many people knew a lot of Christmas
songs), showed the new church sight on Christmas. Some at the party even
said they don't celebrate Christmas. Mainly because they don't have an extra
dime to spare. We then made our little chapel, rec room, into the diner
of the train and served them Chicken Parmesan, salad, rolls and bread pudding
(a must from Sister Burno) cookies and juice. It was a success and everyone
seemed to enjoy. Some of the people asked if we had gifts for them. I
guess that would have been nice but it didn't happen. The grandson of one
member found a small, partially decorated tree that had been thrown away, and
was so proud, he now had a Christmas tree. If we don' help, he won't get
anything for Christmas.
We are trying to reach out to some of the less
fortunate, which pretty much covers the entire branch. It's like feeding 5000
with two loaves of bread but then we don't know how to increase that to
100 loaves. These little band aids we put on things doesn't go to far.
Karl is in charge of the Christmas Sacrament Meeting. It goes for two hours, I don't know who made that rule up but Brother Storm
says if Sister Burno says to do it we will. We are using a lot of music
from the 5 member choir. Yesterday we had a practice after church and two
missionaries showed up. It will all be off the cuff. Dad has written the
script and has done a super job. We will hand out the parts as they come into
church, since most won't show up if they have to speak. A lot of these
people don't read so we have to be careful. The primary is doing one song, and
we have three other special numbers. Hope it will take up the two hours.
We miss everyone, mainly because it is that
time of year when we all want to be with our families. We pray for Harrison,
his first Christmas away too but, he has the true Spirit and a wonderful
attitude so he will do fine. Do you know what time he will call?
The very most important reason we celebrate is
our dear Savior, let's have Him a bigger part of our lives this year. A
quote from Pres. Uchtdorf: This is the season of rejoicing! A season of
celebration! A wonderful time when we acknowledge that out Almighty God
sent His Only Begotten Son, Jesus Christ, to redeem the world! To redeem
us!
It is the season of charitable acts of kindness
and brotherly love. It is the season of being more about our own lives
and about the many blessings that are ours. It is a season of forgiving and
being forgiving.
Perhaps most of all, let it be a season of seeking
the Lamb of God, the King of Glory, the Everlasting Light of the World, the
Great Hope of Mankind, the Savior and Redeemer of our soul.
I promise that if we uncluttered our lives a
little bit and in sincerity and humility seek the pure gentle Christ with all
our hearts, we will see Him, we will find Him, on Christmas and
throughout the year.
This would be the most wonderful thing we can
do. Let's have Him closer to us this year! Thank you for your
prayers and love!
Elder & Sister Armstrong and all other
titles!
Big hugs and
kisses to all!
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