This week was wonderful. We had the opportunity to sing in three different areas. On Friday we had a Zone Conference in Santos, and they rented a bus for us to go to the choir presentation. About two hours into our drive, the bus caught the Christmas spirit... yes... it caught on fire! ha ha So we pulled over and left the bus, we didn't have much to do... So we began to sing Christmas songs for those passing by our burning bus. I am sure it was quite the sight to see. But no worries, we got everything fixed up and we were on our way again.
We had the opportunity to watch the First Presidency's Christmas Conference. What an excellent opportunity to feel the Christmas Spirit. I learned a lot about the birth of our savior. Think of the simple yet dignified way our Heavenly Father chose to honor the birth of His Son. On that holy night, angels appeared not to the rich but to shepherds. The Christ child was born not in a mansion but in a manger. He was wrapped not in silk but in swaddling clothes.
The simplicity of that first Christmas foreshadowed the life of the Savior. Though He had created the earth, walked in realms of majesty and glory, and stood at the right hand of the Father, He came to earth as a helpless child. His life was a model of modest nobility, and He walked among the poor, the sick, the downcast, and the heavy laden.
Though He was a king, He cared neither for the honors nor the riches of men. His life, His words, and His daily activities were monuments of simple yet profound dignity.
Jesus the Christ, who knew perfectly how to give, set for us the pattern for giving. To those whose hearts are heavy with loneliness and sorrow, He brings compassion and comfort. To those whose bodies and minds are afflicted with illness and suffering, He brings love and healing. To those whose souls are burdened with sin, He offers hope, forgiveness, and redemption.
If the Savior were among us today, we would find Him where He always was—ministering to the meek, the downcast, the humble, the distressed, and the poor in spirit. During this Christmas season and always, may we give to Him by loving as He loves. May we remember the humble dignity of His birth, gifts, and life. And may we, through simple acts of kindness, charity, and compassion, fill the world with the light of His love and healing power.
I hope that you all can learn of the Gift that Christ gives us everyday. http://www.mormon.org/christmas Discover the Gift and then Share the Gift! Also, if you didn't get the chance, I highly recommend watching the Christmas Conference online at LDS.org.
I am so grateful to experience the gift of my saviors love for me everyday. I pray that we can each feel of His healing love this Christmas season.
I love you all and hope you have a great week.
Love, Sister Culley