Great big hello to
everyone!! Hope your weeks have been dandy and that the start of the Christmas season
has brought peace and happiness to your hearts and homes. I know for me as
things have started picking up speed and the hustle and bustle have arrived,
one thing is for certain: the Spirit of Christmas (especially Christ)
can be felt everywhere I go. I think even more so than normal because so many
hearts are being softened, by even the toughest of toughies!! :P
Sunday was probably my
favorite day this week just because of all the miracles I was able to witness.
So I'll mention a few..
- First, the lady we
are teaching, Merve, was excited to come to church and fast for an answer to her
prayers. She came wearing her nice skirt and the first words out of her mouth
were "Sisters! I'm going to try to sing the hymns today!" And as I
heard her sing and get gradually louder with each verse my heart couldn't help
but overflow with gratitude. To see people on their journey of progression is
the coolest thing and I have come to gain so much love for these people!!
- Second, as
missionaries we got to be in charge of making sure the nativity displays that
were set up at the main chapel ran smoothly. It was a fantastic display with
nativities from all around the world! It touched my heart to see people ranging
from older couples to young families come and take a few minutes to remember
the true reason we celebrate the season
- Third, we were able
to watch a Christmas music thing at the church which included different people
from different religions in the hand-bell choir and the middle-school choir and many
others. As the whole congregation was closing the evening singing Angels We
Have Heard on High I couldn't help but look around and feel an overwhelming
sense of happiness that this season brings us all together regardless of faith,
background or wherever we may be in the world. We are all praising the Lord and
our hearts are full of love for Him!
- Fourth, the First Presidency Christmas devotional was AMAZING!!! I always love watching it because it always
puts you in the right spirit of Christmas. If you haven't had a chance to watch
it you should!! The messages of spreading peace and gratitude and coming to the
one true source of "light" were much needed to me personally!
My challenge to you
all is to take time to slow down this Christmas season and show your love for
our Savior by pausing to help and serve those around you just as the Savior
would. I will be trying extra hard to go out of my way to do this right along
side with you! :) I received this sweet Christmas card from a dear sister in the
ward back home and she said something that has really stuck with me: "Experience
is greater than knowledge because it is something you feel and not necessarily
know." I know that as we "experience" the true spirit of
Christmas by turning outward in service to others we will be blessed to come
closer to our Lord, Savior, Brother and Friend Jesus Christ. May we make this
season the happiest one yet!! :)
Much Love,
~Sister McDonald.
Ponderize: "Glory
to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men" Luke 2:14
Quote: "The
healing and strengthening power of Jesus Christ and His Atonement is for all of
us who will ask." (Elder Oaks, Saturday Afternoon)
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