NOT REALLY. But, I feel like it is worth noting that Christmas Eve
will be my 18 month mark. What an extraordinary thought. In a mission
conference that we had last week, we had a powerful testimony from a
member of the seventy, saying that when you are on a mission, you
count your time. I don't want to, but it might be a good idea.
I love Christmastime. I remember in my later high school years that
was thoroughly disenchanted with this time of year, but when we turn
our thoughts to the savior, there is no reason to not love the spirit
of Christmas. This week has been filled with many Christmas miracles
and joys. We have contacted more referrals this week than I have at
any point in my mission ever before. I tied my personal record for new
investigators found in a week, and the members of the congregation
here have been so charitable to us as we have been away from our
families.
Everyone has a Christmas tradition. Even if it is as simple as singing
Christmas carols on Sunday, or reading Luke 2, we all have something
that our family does together for Christmas. Of the many holiday
videos my family watches perennially, one of my personal favorites is
Mr. Krueger's Christmas. Back home, I love watching an old but lively
Jimmy Stewart run around with the Mormon Tabernacle Choir and finding
out that the little girl put all the animals around baby Jesus in the
nativity. As a missionary, there are three things that I want to point
out to add to the beauty of this great Christmas specials.
For all of you that haven't watched this video, please do so. Not only
will it help with understanding the rest of this email, but it also is
a beautiful show.
1. Service pays itself. When Mr. Krueger is unexpectedly given some
money in his hat- money which he could definitely use- he gives it
almost immediately to the salvation army band. Sacrifice is needed to
be obedient to the lord and to receive his blessings. If it wasn't
hard, it wouldn't be sacrifice. Even in our times of need, there is
something that we can sacrifice to the lord.
2. Inclusion is more important than Perfection. The group of Carolers
that invited Mr. Krueger to sing with them didn't need him, instead,
they wanted him to feel the love and joy that comes with singing
carols. When we are invited to act, we should trust that they want us,
they we are qualified for what we are called. Perhaps we are not as
good as others, but it is still our place to answer the call to
action. Besides, the cat does sleep a long time.
3. The crowning sign of love is always loyalty. As Mr. Krueger, the
most humble man you'll meet, bows down and wishes he had something to
give to the Savior at his birth, he is reassured that his love for him
is enough. And then, after all of the glimmers of happiness that he
had- almost buying a new suit, buying the smallest of Christmas trees,
having his only visitors leave after so short a time, reminiscing of
his wife with only a picture- he receives a fulness of joy from
worshipping Christ. And then, the tender mercies of the Lord fell upon
him.
Love the gospel. Live the gospel. What great feelings. And I can tell
you, Mr. Krueger's Christmas really isn't that great of a production.
Thank goodness that it is Christmastime. I hope that you enjoy it with
your families, and that you enjoy the spirit of Christ.
will be my 18 month mark. What an extraordinary thought. In a mission
conference that we had last week, we had a powerful testimony from a
member of the seventy, saying that when you are on a mission, you
count your time. I don't want to, but it might be a good idea.
I love Christmastime. I remember in my later high school years that
was thoroughly disenchanted with this time of year, but when we turn
our thoughts to the savior, there is no reason to not love the spirit
of Christmas. This week has been filled with many Christmas miracles
and joys. We have contacted more referrals this week than I have at
any point in my mission ever before. I tied my personal record for new
investigators found in a week, and the members of the congregation
here have been so charitable to us as we have been away from our
families.
Everyone has a Christmas tradition. Even if it is as simple as singing
Christmas carols on Sunday, or reading Luke 2, we all have something
that our family does together for Christmas. Of the many holiday
videos my family watches perennially, one of my personal favorites is
Mr. Krueger's Christmas. Back home, I love watching an old but lively
Jimmy Stewart run around with the Mormon Tabernacle Choir and finding
out that the little girl put all the animals around baby Jesus in the
nativity. As a missionary, there are three things that I want to point
out to add to the beauty of this great Christmas specials.
For all of you that haven't watched this video, please do so. Not only
will it help with understanding the rest of this email, but it also is
a beautiful show.
1. Service pays itself. When Mr. Krueger is unexpectedly given some
money in his hat- money which he could definitely use- he gives it
almost immediately to the salvation army band. Sacrifice is needed to
be obedient to the lord and to receive his blessings. If it wasn't
hard, it wouldn't be sacrifice. Even in our times of need, there is
something that we can sacrifice to the lord.
2. Inclusion is more important than Perfection. The group of Carolers
that invited Mr. Krueger to sing with them didn't need him, instead,
they wanted him to feel the love and joy that comes with singing
carols. When we are invited to act, we should trust that they want us,
they we are qualified for what we are called. Perhaps we are not as
good as others, but it is still our place to answer the call to
action. Besides, the cat does sleep a long time.
3. The crowning sign of love is always loyalty. As Mr. Krueger, the
most humble man you'll meet, bows down and wishes he had something to
give to the Savior at his birth, he is reassured that his love for him
is enough. And then, after all of the glimmers of happiness that he
had- almost buying a new suit, buying the smallest of Christmas trees,
having his only visitors leave after so short a time, reminiscing of
his wife with only a picture- he receives a fulness of joy from
worshipping Christ. And then, the tender mercies of the Lord fell upon
him.
Love the gospel. Live the gospel. What great feelings. And I can tell
you, Mr. Krueger's Christmas really isn't that great of a production.
Thank goodness that it is Christmastime. I hope that you enjoy it with
your families, and that you enjoy the spirit of Christ.
A late merry Christmas, Elder Hall. Love your attitude and heart. Have a Happy and fruitful New Year. May the Lord bless you.
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