Joy to the World! (our Christmas card/newsletter, Dec. 2009)

"Joy to the world, the Lord is come. Let earth receive her King."

At this Christmas Season, we are thrilled to know that the King of Kings was born in Bethlehem and still lives today to bring us joy.

We hope you will feel the Savior's love daily. We know that one of the most effective ways to do this is to do something good for someone else. Our challenges seem to diminish when we lose our lives in the service to others. When we do this, we truly do find ourselves.

During a recent Family Home Evening, we made a Christmas chain out of paper. On each link of the chain, we took turns writing gifts we would give to Jesus this year for Christmas. Some gifts we came up with are: choose the right, share toys, listen to Mommy and Daddy, say our prayers, read the scriptures, do a kind deed, give more hugs to our family, and smile more. As Stephen has been taking the links off the chain (and counting down the days until Christmas), we have enjoyed feeling the Spirit of Christmas as we give our gifts to Jesus and show love for others. What gifts will you give to Him this coming year? What gifts did you give to Him this year?

Take time to reflect and ponder on your love for the Savior. Think of all that He has given you. Watch the Nativity video clip (to be posted soon) as you listen to the the "Breath of Heaven" song. You will feel the Savior's love as you do so. Your love for Him will increase as you take the time to study His life and try to be like Him. I know that our Redeemer lives. What comfort this sweet sentence gives.

I'm grateful for the silent night when Christ was born. He calms and brightens our days. May we all celebrate this Christmas season striving to bring more joy to the world.

We love you and thank you for your gifts of goodness that you give to our family.

Love,

Ray, Kary, Stephen, McKinley & Sage

MERRY CHRISTMAS!