Christmas was wonderful for us this year. There was so much more focus on Christ. The beautiful music depicting our Savior's birth, the stories shared of lives changed or touched by the love and kindness of others, Sister van Hoff and I reaching out to others who are struggling or alone. What a difference that makes during a holiday celebration.
Christmas eve we went downtown to listen to the church bells in Frankfurt.
We were blessed with the ability to video chat with almost all of our family members. That's not easy considering the time zone difference and their busy schedules. Family is truly a treasured possession. We love each family member and were grateful to have a few moments to spend with each one.
The highlight of this season was attending a baptism of young couple from China. They have two young boys - 2 and 4 years old. For weeks now they have been excitedly waiting for that day so that they could step into the waters of baptism and acknowledge to Heavenly Father their desire to covenant with Him. The Spirit bore witness of how special this family is. I have attended quite a number of baptisms and felt the Spirit strongly, but when they entered the water and as the ordinance of baptism was performed for each of them, the Spirit was so powerfully felt. I heard that others in the room felt the same way.
We are so blessed to have a wonderful relationship with Heavenly Father, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Ghost. It is edifying and so uplifting to see others start on their journey to develop their relationship with them. Still our hearts and prayers always have and always will go out to those we know who do not have that special relationship. It is by hope through the very tender mercies of the Lord that we feel strengthened to continue to pray for those we love.
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