Heather, Ty, and family left a few minutes ago to drive back to Orem. We’ve had a very lovely Christmas Eve visit with them. Heather and Ty arrived yesterday late afternoon and spent the night. Mom and dad drove over from Soda Springs this afternoon and will stay until tomorrow. We’ve had a very nice Christmas Eve and it isn’t over, yet. Right now we’re watching a previously recorded edition of Music and the Spoken Word. Earlier we had a small Family Home Evening to read the Christmas story and sing some Christmas carols. That was followed by our traditional Christmas Eve dinner. Our practice has been to have the big dinner on Christmas Eve and then everyone fends for themselves on Christmas Day so Nina doesn’t have to do any food preparation. I think this is a nice practice.
Jared just called to let us know that he’s arrived safely to Dawnmarie’s house. He’s on a fairly far-ranging road trip and it’s good to know that he’s arrived safely at his next destination.
The world has largely discounted the idea of a Savior, even amongst the Christian world. Each year the idea of religious underpinnings to this holiday is further eroded. Some cities hold Christmas parades, and ban religious floats. The commercialization increases. The movies on TV are centered on Santa Claus with little reference to the real reason for this holiday. The newspaper recently ran a long article on the pagan origins of Christmas and how the Catholic Church incorporated them as a way to appease non-Christians.
There has never been a more urgent need to understand the real reason for celebrating this holiday. The eternal perspective has been lost. The decisions we make in this life have eternal consequences. Values have meaning and importance in our lives (which for some reason was surprising to the political pundits after the last election). But more importantly, we do have a Savior in Jesus Christ. He has prepared the way for us to be together as families and live for eternity. There is a reason for us to be here at this time in the history of the world. I’m very thankful to have this testimony and perspective on life. At this Christmas season, it is my personal prayer that my family will enjoy peace and joy in their lives as they celebrate the birth of the Savior of the World!