Merry Christmas to all! Last night as we read the Book of Mormon account of the first Christmas, we realized how grateful we are to live in a world and a nation where we can safely proclaim our belief that the Christ-child came to the world to be a light unto it, to walk as we should and to suffer and die that we might live eternally with our Heavenly Father and our families. Kyle's position in the military takes on greater meaning as we read the stories in the Book of Mormon of men who defended their homes and their wives and their children; men who fought to defend their lands and their freedom, only to be threatened with death if Christ did not come. We imagined the anguish of the faithful, waiting eagerly for the sign of Jesus' birth, each night disappointed as the sun fell below the horizon and darkness taunted them as did their oppressors. With what agony they must have anticipated the day the wicked had set for their executions, should the signs predicted by Samuel not come to pass, and with what joy, relief and exultation they must have witnessed a night without darkness, and a new star that shone with a declaration of the truth of the things they so firmly believed. It was the Star of Life for them, arriving perfectly in time to save the lives of their beloved families, and testifying that the baby Savior was born. Perhaps all was calm in the stable in Bethlehem, but we believe the Nephites in America must have rejoiced merrily. For that reason, we wish those we love, and all the world, a very Merry Christmas.
To those with whom we so dearly wish we could have celebrated this Holiday season:
And to everyone:
Pictures of Damien et al to come, but for now, to all, a good night.
