MERRY CHRISTMAS!! (episode 6)

CHRISTMAS IN A NUTSHELL

Sister Smith made this simple and powerful Christmas Tree ornament, that declares the meaning of Christmas in four words.

Using a few objects that are natural to the environment here, that didn’t require a hurried last minute trip to the store, a list of things people they know might want or need, and a distribution plan, she cleverly crafted this object lesson.

She managed her time to make a statement about the meaning of Christmas that can be remembered this year and many more for all to whom she had the opportunity to give.

We were so impressed.  The message hit home with gentle power and had a warm reception deep in our hearts.

Yes, the baby Jesus is the reason for a celebration.  He is the sum of what Christmas is about.  The figure of a baby Jesus lying in a nutshell is about as direct a statement as could be made.  It is Christmas in a nutshell.  

While we did take advantage of a weekend day off from our daily service.  There is still nothing like the joy we feel as we consider and ponder this small ornament and its message.  Jesus Christ was really born.  He really lived.  He really atoned for our sins, the ultimate act of mercy to meet the demands of justice.  He really loves us that much.

We testify that His life and love for us are real; and He really is, in a nutshell, what Christmas is about.

PS -

On Tuesday evening we got together with all the Senior Missionaries here in Guam.  Those assigned here combined with those assigned to Japan and the Mission President assigned to Vietnam, who are all here waiting for visas.  Additionally, the new Guam Temple President and Matron, the Guam Area 70, the Barrigada Guam Stake President and the Guam/Micronesia Mission Leaders also joined.

Sister Doxey was in charge of the games for the night and did a white elephant activity that kept this large crowd engaged with all participating. It was also fun to watch Sister Doxey own the room and keep everyone entertained, she is gifted that way.  It was fun to get better acquainted with them all.

For example, the new Temple President and Matron, President and Sister Lopez, live in the 17th Ward in Salt Lake, which is the ward our condo is in, and the ward the Nickels returned home to last week.  Very fun to get acquainted with them, it is such a small world.

On Thursday evening Bishop Tison and his family invited us downtown to have dinner in the park with the Christmas lights.  We joined them with Elder and Sister Barkdull and Sister Hill.

On Christmas Eve Elder and Sister Denny hosted a small group of us at their apartment for a Christmas Eve lunch reminiscent of traditional Christmas dinners with roast beef, potatoes and gravy, and of course we brought the salad.

 

On Christmas we joined 7 other families to experience the beauties of  Guam.  We jet skied, swam, snorkeled, rode behind jet skis on inflatable water toys, etc.  Guam is a beautiful place, a less disturbed garden in God’s creations.