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| One of our Christmas Market acquisitions |
We are spending a quiet Christmas day at home. Jeff went to a brunch for all of the area senior couples at the church building (five minute walk). He sang "Far, Far Away On Judea's Plain" with a quartet during the program. The food, the program, and the company were great. He brought Elder and Sister Jarrard and President and Sister Stoddard and a plate of food back with him.
Janet is feeling 100% better and the visit with friends was a boost. Jeff and Elder Jarrard really get along well, and Sister Jarrard and Janet have hit it off. We feel blessed to work with these wonderful couples who are completely dedicated to the Savior and to service. Elder Jarrard was an advertiser and had his own business. He worked every major Republican political campaign in Utah for years. Sister Jarrard was a teacher and specialized in working with children with reading problems and learning disabilities. She actually uses her skill to help an elder in our mission who really struggles because of some disabilities he has. We had many expectations of missionary service, but making such wonderful new friends of other missionaries wasn't really one of them.
On this quiet Christmas day in Germany, we have had time to ponder its meaning. The Christian world celebrates the birth of this baby in a humble stable more than 2,000 years ago. You have to ask why. The power of this one life has changed so much. The teachings of Jesus Christ, when truly lived, bless lives and bring hope and peace. We are grateful this Christmas to be here in this beautiful country and serve the Lord as we serve the residents of Germany.
If you have not seen the short video used by the Church in its Christmas initiative, we invite you to do that and to explore the website at the following link:
A Savior Is Born
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| A fun paper decoration given us by our friends Werner and Anna Fingerle |
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| Our little Advent display |
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| Our Advent calendar -- good chocolate behind every door |
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| Handiwork of Toni Sauer Holzschneiderei - we bought some of these wood carvings and sent the home. |
That's a beautiful nativity. Hand carved probably.
ReplyDeleteYour holiday sounds very special :)
That's a beautiful nativity. Hand carved probably.
ReplyDeleteYour holiday sounds very special :)
We went to a woodcarver's place back in October or November. It was full of beautiful work.
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