So this is Christmas...

My last roommate just left for home. Here I am. In Provo Utar. Not at home, celebrating Christmas. Oh no. Secular Orem is making me teach tomorrow and Tuesday. The kids don't want to be there. I don't want to be there. 

Well here we are. 

This photo is of my olive wood nativity set I bought in Jerusalem. The alpaca is a nice addition. One of my roommates did the strategic placing of it.

Here are a few Christmas musings I have had as I have read the Bible and Book of Mormon refocusing again on Jesus Christ and His infinite sacrifice. And what He can do. 

Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf:

"I promise that if we unclutter our lives a little bit and in sincerity and humility seek the pure and gentle Christ with our hearts, we will see Him, we will find Him—on Christmas and throughout the year.

It is all too easy to get too busy to think about the spiritual aspects of ourselves. As we seek Christ, we will become more whole. Modern life is trying to teach us to keep our spiritual and secular lives very separate, very compartmentalized. But that is not what will make us most happy. Yes, we may feel more in control. Yet that is not what it is all about. 

I keep remembering again and again, Christ is about love. He teaches how to treat and love others. How to forgive. Give the gift of forgiveness this Christmastime. Reevaluate where you stand with your Heavenly Father as well as those around you. Give and accept service; that is how I am coming to Christ and understanding how to love others. Through trusting and loving others.

Isaiah 9:6

“For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder; and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counselor, The Mighty God, The everlasting Father, the Prince of Peace.”

Merry Christmas.