Christmas Message

 When we sing “Silent Night,” we know the life of that Babe of Bethlehem did not begin there, nor did it end on Calvary. In a premortal realm, Jesus was foreordained by His Father to be the Messiah, the Christ, the Savior and Redeemer of all humankind. He was foreordained to atone for us. He was wounded for our transgressions and bruised for our iniquities (Isaiah 53:5). 

He came to make immortality a reality and eternal life a possibility for all who would ever live (see 1 Corinthians 15:20–22; 3 Nephi 27:13–14).

At this sacred Christmas season, we testify that our loving Heavenly Father “so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life” (John 3:16).

 

Russell M. Nelson, Dallin H. Oaks and Henry B. Eyring (November 26, 2021) First Presidency, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

 

Solemnities & Beauty

 

When we came out of the temple we were greeted with beauty that almost matched the beauty we'd witnessed while inside the temple. It was a breezy, warm, summer evening. The sky was full of the beauty of dusk. 

In the temple everything is focused on the eternal nature of our beings and lives. We are reminded who we are, why we are here, and where we are going. We are reminded that our time here on earth is temporary and that our real home is with Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ. 

"Hearken ye to these words. Behold, I am Jesus Christ, the Savior of the world. Treasure these things up in your hearts, and let the solemnities of eternity rest upon your minds." Doctrine and Covenants 43: 34

Seattle Washington Temple

 I look forward to the day when Covid restrictions are lifted 

and temples are fully open again

The House of the Lord

Temples are sacred places

for learning, for making covenants with God

places to feel peace and love

More about temples here

Merry Christmas

Memories of Christmas bring recollections of family, gifts, and service. They stem from the real reason for Christmas, that transcendent gift from our Heavenly Father. “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” (John 3:16)

We bear witness of the living reality of Jesus Christ—the Prince of Peace and Light of the World. Joy can come to all who choose to follow Him.

This Christmas, may we reflect on the life and Atonement of Jesus Christ. May we feel kinship to those who suffer and see one another as sons and daughters of God. May we gratefully acknowledge the Father’s incomparable gift to us—His Son, the Lord Jesus Christ. (First Presidency, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints)

Nativities

Bellevue Festival of The Nativity

hundreds of Nativities from all over the world

Poland

Kenya

Haiti - made from an oil drum

Amazonia 

Kyrgyzstan

Cambodia

in a matchbox

Nigeria

Malawi

Kyrzbekistan

New Mexico

Russia & Bulgaria

corn cob Nativity

Peru

Check out more posts from the end of December 2018. Click the tab to the right under Blog Archive. 

Festival of The Nativity

Bellevue Festival of The Nativity is a glorious celebration of Jesus Christ

In addition to hundreds of Nativities there is a room dedicated to the life of Christ

Art displays depict the life of Jesus Christ from His birth and ministry to His death and Resurrection.

Christ is the bread of life

The feeling in this room was awesome

The Snowflake room has Nativities geared towards children

Joe and I volunteered a number of times at the Festival. The last time, we were assigned to this room so Joe could sit and still easily interact with guests. This empty chair reminded me of our serving together. 

This room was set up with activities for children. In another room people could dress in costumes and  have their pictures taken in a stable scene