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12/10/2001
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12/10/2001
Dear Missionaries,
All of us have tried to answer the question, What is Christmas? Each one
has formulated answers which try to describe "Christmas" in terms of
"action," such as:
Christmas is the Christ Child: The Son of the King of
the Universe and of a humble, virgin mother, who was heralded by angels
singing from on high and yet lay in a manger. Creator of heaven and earth
and everything therein. He came to heal and save all of Father's children.
At His trial before the prelate of Rome He said, "To this end was I born,
and for this cause came I into the world, that I should bear witness unto
the truth. Everyone that is of the truth heareth my voice."
Christmas is Giving. The Father loved us enough that He gave His Only
Begotten Son. The Son loved us and gave His life. Without the spirit of giving
there would be no Christmas, for giving implies sacrifice to bless another.
Christmas giving is much more than neckties, or earrings, clothing, toys, etc.
True giving is giving the gift of self, for "the gift without the giver is
bare." It means giving of heart and mind and strength and substance to
assist others to find and receive of the gift of His eternal truth.
Christmas is loving. Loving enough to leave houses, father, mother,
brother, sister, friends, wife, children, school, work, etc., to carry a
message of hope and salvation to a people, who for the most part, thought
that they were too busy to take the time to listen. Of these the Savior
said, "shall receive an hundredfold, and shall inherit everlasting
life."
Christmas is Eternity: Jesus came into this world, lived a life of
service among men, laid down his life, became the first fruits of the
resurrection, and by this atonement broke the bands of death and of sin that
fetter all who enter this mortal sphere. Through Him, within the grasp of
our obedience to the laws and ordinances of the gospel, eternal life becomes
a possibility.
Christmas is Compassion and Forgiveness: Emulation of these attributes of
the Savior brings the light of the gospel into life and hope into the heart
for a better life.
Christmas is Peace: Being at peace within one's heart with God replaces the
torment and tribulation of a troubled world.
At this season, we remember the dedication of your service to the good people of
Scotland and your joy in sharing the spirit of Christmas each day of the year.
Thank you for wonderful memories.
With love,
Norman & Phyllis Clyde
May the Spirit of Christmas bring you Peace,
The Gladness of Christmas give you Hope,
The Warmth of Christmas grant you Love.
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