Today we’ll go back home to Pocatello and what seems to be a copious amount of snow. There have been a couple of serious storms since we left Pocatello to come down to North Salt Lake and I’m expecting to find some deep drifts in front of the garage door.
So, we’re packing things up after spending a fun and delightful Christmas with our daughter Heather and her family in North Salt Lake, Utah. We arrived on Christmas Eve and spent two full days here.
On Christmas Eve we did Heather’s traditional Christmas nativity program. During the program we got to sing many of the traditional Christmas carols in addition to being reminded of the story of the birth of the Christ Child. The program ends with this conclusion:
As we reflect on this Christmas story, can we see ourselves? Have we been like the prophets of old — praying for the blessing of peace that only Christ can bring? Have we been like Joseph and strengthened and protected the testimony of others while moving forward in faith ourselves? Have we rejoiced in being chosen as instruments of the Lord as Mary did? Have we hastened to boldly share our testimony of the Savior and what we have witnessed in our lives as the good shepherds did? Like Simeon have we listened to the still, small promptings of the Holy Ghost which allows us to see Christ in our own lives? Have we watched for the signs that show us where Christ lives like the wise men and have we sacrificed so that we may worship our Lord?
On Christmas Day we spent the entire day here at the house. After unwrapping presents and eating a lovely breakfast, we spent the day playing games and napping. The day after Christmas we fussed around at the house in the morning and went to the movie “Bedtime Stories” in the afternoon. The kids thought the movie was fun. I found it to be “two thumbs extended way down” and somewhat insulting to one’s intelligence. Later that evening we played three rousing hands of Mormon Bridge (a variation of a game by another name where Rook cards are used instead of the standard card deck). The best part of the game is that there is plenty of time to talk and laugh and there is plenty of talking and laughing with Heather’s family!
Tomorrow is a full day of Church meetings. I’m speaking in a ward at 9 a.m. and will be in meetings until about 4 p.m. Monday we’ll go over to Soda Springs to meet up with my favorite brother and his wife at mother and dad’s home. The holidays are rapidly coming to an end.
Happy New Year!