Christmas is Coming

We're overjoyed to have our daughters, Rachel and Lisa, stay with us for a week during this Christmas season. We took in a visit to Tikal, the massive ancient Maya ruins across the border in Guatemala.

Rachel and one of the many stone-carved stelae at Tikal. This stela, while very worn, depicts Maya warriors in the center and their calendar around the perimeter. 

Lisa stands atop one of the highest temples, with another protruding from the rainforest canopy beyond.

Fortunately, we didn't need to climb the face of the temples as the ancients did. But, we did climb a lot of stairs that have been erected behind some to get the views.

Tikal was one of the largest of the Maya cities, and consists of temples that tower skyward, as well as remains of large royal palaces, residences, pyramids and stone monuments. It was a privilege to visit this center of a Central American civilization. Most of our neighbors in our village of Succotz are proud descendants of this people.

The foliage in this part of the world is different than anything that we've seen at home in the United States.  

This could be used as a Christmas wreath.

As only a few can visit the architectural reminders of the ancient Americans, everyone can and should read the religious history and the prophecies of Jesus Christ as recorded by their ancestors of the Western Hemisphere in The Book of Mormon. President Russell M. Nelson invited the women of the Church in October:

...to read the Book of Mormon between now and the end of the year....If you will accept this invitation with full purpose of heart, the Lord will help you find a way to achieve it. And, as you prayerfully study, I promise that the heavens will open for you. The Lord will bless you with increased inspiration and revelation.

As you read, I would encourage you to mark each verse that speaks of or refers to the Savior. Then, be intentional about talking of Christ, rejoicing in Christ, and preaching of Christ with your families and friends. You and they will be drawn closer to the Savior through this process. And changes, even miracles, will begin to happen.

I am happy to say that I accepted President Nelson's challenge and I finished reading the Book of Mormon on December 22nd.  One of my favorite verses is Helaman 5:12:

12 And now, my sons, remember, remember that it is upon the rock of our Redeemer, who is Christ, the Son of God, that ye must build your foundation; that when the devil shall send forth his mighty winds, yea, his shafts in the whirlwind, yea, when all his hail and his mighty storm shall beat upon you, it shall have no power over you to drag you down to the gulf of misery and endless wo, because of the rock upon which ye are built, which is a sure foundation, a foundation whereon if men build they cannot fall.

In the Church throughout the world, the children of Primary present an annual program in Sacrament Meeting. This year's theme was "I Am A Child of God". The Primary in Succotz made a very special presentation last Sunday, with many of the children having memorized their scriptures and talks.

Anyone who knows me, knows that I love children.  As you watch this video, you will learn the meaning of Christmas taught though the eyes of children.

You can also see the video by clicking here.

Our church's youth Youtube page says this about this next Christmas video song:  Do you have childhood memories of Christmas? Did you hear the story of Christ’s birth in a far-off land? Have you asked yourself, like the Wise Men, “What can I bring?” This season, share the story of the Savior’s birth with younger generations. As you do, the meaning of Christmas will shine through every tradition of the season. Old and young will feel closer to Him. 

You can also see the video by clicking here