“For my soul delighteth in the song of the heart; yea, the song of the righteous is a prayer unto me, and it shall be answered with a blessing upon their heads. Wherefore, lift up thy heart and rejoice, and cleave unto the covenants which thou hast made.” -D&C 25:12-13

It has been an extraordinary past 7 days! There are always so many note-worthy experiences while serving a mission, but I will just briefly share a few expenses that brought the spirit to my heart!

In a lesson with Garth, I noticed a little boy crying on the couch. I got up and went over to him, noticing that very violent, pornographic material was on the television. I quickly turned the TV off and sat the boy, Kyle up. I asked him how old he was. He held up 5 fingers. I pulled out a picture of Jesus with the children. I asked him if he knew how to pray. He shook his head so I took a few minutes and taught him how. Soon he had dried his tears and prayed. I made sure he knew to pray anytime he wanted, especially when he was sad or scared. Then I put on mickeys Christmas for him! It sickens me how much profanity and wickedness is in the world-especially how much evil is being thrown at kids. It was amazing how a simple prayer changed the whole atmosphere. It brought the spirit in the room and such a peace!

Later that week sister DeGolyer and I went caroling! It was loads of fun! Neither of us can sing, but we got over ourselves and did it anyway. One house we caroled at was very tender. This family opened the door with smiles on their faces. Scott, a man with special needs in his early 20s, started getting SOOO excited and started singing along, so beautifully, to Silent Night with us. The spirit hit me and I just started bawling. His mother started crying too and his brother teared up. I could literally feel the Savior standing with us. It was a deeply moving experience, one I will always hold sacred. Scott’s absolute favorite time of year is Christmas. He loves the hymns and he has always wanted carolers to come to the door! We continued to sing some of his favorite carols, singing and laughing and crying. We then gave them hugs and gave them the gift of a Book of Mormon. I specifically shared 3 Nephi 17 with her. The chapter when Christ comes to the people in the Americas, praying for, crying over and blessing each of the children. She was so thrilled to read it! It was a sweet experience.

Yesterday, we had the privilege of witnessing Nelson receive the gift of the Holy Ghost! It reminded me of the great gift God has given me. I sometimes get used to always having the spirit with me, but it is so incredible! It is such a comfort in my life, made possible through the atonement of Christ the Lord!

This week, I challenge you to sing. Sing praises to God in any form you please! There are many ways to praise God! You might read the scriptures with your family (Highly recommend 3 Nephi 17 or Luke 2), you might go caroling or sing around the piano or a fire. You might express your love to Him through writing in your journal or sharing your testimony of Christ with a friend. There are many forms of praise! As we sing praises to Him, we become more full of life, light, hope, strength, gratitude and love! As we sing praises to Him, we can fill others with those same gifts! Merry Christmas to all! I love you!

 

The Living Christ: The Testimony of the Apostles, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

As we commemorate the birth of Jesus Christ two millennia ago, we offer our testimony of the reality of His matchless life and the infinite virtue of His great atoning sacrifice. None other has had so profound an influence upon all who have lived and will yet live upon the earth.He was the Great Jehovah of the Old Testament, the Messiah of the New. Under the direction of His Father, He was the creator of the earth. “All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made” (John 1:3). Though sinless, He was baptized to fulfill all righteousness. He “went about doing good” (Acts 10:38), yet was despised for it. His gospel was a message of peace and goodwill. He entreated all to follow His example. He walked the roads of Palestine, healing the sick, causing the blind to see, and raising the dead. He taught the truths of eternity, the reality of our premortal existence, the purpose of our life on earth, and the potential for the sons and daughters of God in the life to come.He instituted the sacrament as a reminder of His great atoning sacrifice. He was arrested and condemned on spurious charges, convicted to satisfy a mob, and sentenced to die on Calvary’s cross. He gave His life to atone for the sins of all mankind. His was a great vicarious gift in behalf of all who would ever live upon the earth.We solemnly testify that His life, which is central to all human history, neither began in Bethlehem nor concluded on Calvary. He was the Firstborn of the Father, the Only Begotten Son in the flesh, the Redeemerof the world.He rose from the grave to “become the firstfruits of them that slept” (1 Cor. 15:20). As Risen Lord, He visited among those He had loved in life. He also ministered among His “other sheep” (John 10:16) in ancient America. In the modern world, He and His Father appeared to the boy Joseph Smith, ushering in the long-promised “dispensation of the fulness of times” (Eph. 1:10).Of the Living Christ, the Prophet Joseph wrote: “His eyes were as a flame of fire; the hair of his head was white like the pure snow; his countenance shone above the brightness of the sun; and his voice was as the sound of the rushing of great waters, even the voice of Jehovah, saying:“I am the first and the last; I am he who liveth, I am he who was slain; I am your advocate with the Father” (D&C 110:3–4).Of Him the Prophet also declared: “And now, after the many testimonies which have been given of him, this is the testimony, last of all, which we give of him: That he lives!“For we saw him, even on the right hand of God; and we heard the voice bearing record that he is the Only Begotten of the Father—“That by him, and through him, and of him, the worlds are and were created, and the inhabitants thereof are begotten sons and daughters unto God” (D&C 76:22–24).We declare in words of solemnity that His priesthood and His Church have been restored upon the earth—“built upon the foundation of … apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone” (Eph. 2:20).We testify that He will someday return to earth. “And the glory of the Lord shall be revealed, and all flesh shall see it together” (Isa. 40:5). He will rule as King of Kings and reign as Lord of Lords, and every knee shall bend and every tongue shall speak in worship before Him. Each of us will stand to be judged of Him according to our works and the desires of our hearts.We bear testimony, as His duly ordained Apostles—that Jesus is the Living Christ, the immortal Son of God. He is the great King Immanuel, who stands today on the right hand of His Father. He is the light, the life, and the hope of the world. His way is the path that leads to happiness in this life and eternal life in the world to come. God be thanked for the matchless gift of His divine Son.