Christmas in Old Nauvoo

Thanks to a wonderful friend, Toni McBean, we have a Christmas decoration of the Nativity. Underneath it is a beautiful crocheted doily given to us by one of our missionaries here. It provides shelter for our little Holy Family. I also brought with me a Christmas poinsettia wall hanging to help it feel like home. We celebrate with all of you the birth of our precious Savior, Jesus Christ. His surroundings were very humble at His birth, and they are humble as well in our little Nauvoo home, but the Spirit of the season is here. We will not be able to share it with any of you, at least physically. But we hope you know of our love for each of you and our wishes for your Merry Christmas time. 

A short time ago, we were given a set of hand-knitted Christmas stockings by a friend who is in our Lucy Mack Rendezvous cast. She had made a set for her and her husband, and I really admired them and I wanted her to show me how to make them. Well, all of a sudden she told me she was making me a pair. What a sweet gift--one we will treasure always. They will be used by us as long as we are . . . . See our neat litte fireplace--sealed up of course--but it is unique. Makes you want to put a log in it though on these cold nights. It may get down to -20 degrees tonight with the wind chill. Brrrrr!!

It has been a busy time for all of us missionaries. Last post I told you of our bow and wreath making in preparation for our annual "Christmas in Old Nauvoo." This took place on December 6th. LeRoy and I had an assignment in the "Printing Office"--one of our historical sites. I told the story of the origin of the Christmas Carol, "Hark! The Herald Angels Sing". LeRoy helped control the number of people who attended, because our space was limited. All along Main Street others were telling stories about Christmas Carols and we had a live Nativity performing in the Cultural Hall. Afterwards, we, along with guests who attended, gathered at the Family Living Center for refreshments. As the night progressed, and it was VERY cold, the musical missionaries brought out their instruments and we danced and danced. I finally drug LeRoy out onto the floor and he, to his amazement, began to really enjoy it. They were playing all our favorite oldies--for all us oldies. It was great fun.

A tragedy did occur that night. One of our caroling sister missionaries was standing close to a fire barrel put out to provide warmth for all those strolling the streets. A gust of wind blew her long missionary dress close to the decorative cut-out design in the barrel, and embers caught the back of her dress on fire. She was severely burned before they could get her to the ground. She and her husband were due to go home because their mission was over the following week. She is currently recovering in the burn unit of a hospital in Iowa City, Iowa. Hopefully, she will be able to fly home before Christmas. This was a very disturbing incident for all who witnessed it and heard about it. She continues to be in our prayers.

I want to share a quote with you by Howard W. Hunter when he was president of the Church. "Never did the Savior give an expectation of receiving. He gave freely and lovingly, and His gifts were of inestimable value. He gave eyes to the blind, ears to the deaf, and legs to the lame, cleanliness to the unclean, wholeness to the infirm, and breath to the lifeless. His gifts were opportunity to the downtrodden, freedom to the oppressed, forgiveness to the repentant, hope to the despairing, and light in the darkness. He gave us His love, His service, and His life.

We should strive to give as He gave. To give of oneself is a holy gift. We give as a remembrance of all the Savior has given. This Christmas, mend a quarrel. Seek out a forgotten friend. Dismiss suspicion and replace it with trust. Write a letter. Give a soft answer. Encourage youth. Manifest your loyalty in word and deed. Keep a promise. Forgo a grudge. Forgive an enemy. Apologize. Try to understand. Examine your demands on others. Think first of someone else. Be kind. Be gentle. Laugh a little more. Express your gratitude. Welcome a stranger. Gladden the heart of a child. Take pleasure in the beauty and wonder of the earth. Speak your love and then speak it again."

I hope you will take this to heart, as we have. Our Christmas, as far as gift giving, has been greatly simplified here. When we give, we try to do it anonymously, and from the heart. We challenge all of you to incorporate something from the above quote into your Christmas gift giving this year. It would be wonderful if you would then share what you did, with us. 

Geese in the winter sky

Early morning sky

Parker Lee, Ashley, new home, and winter pal

We will be very busy the next two days. LeRoy is busy snow plowing and picking up the remaining piles of leaves when the snow is not covering them. He and his good friend, Elder Hufstetler, make quite a pair. I am busy watering in the greenhouses and washing pots for next spring's plantings to start after the New Year. It is great to be inside!!

 LeRoy helped put the lights on the bare branches of this entire tree they brought inside the Visitors' Center. It is right above the large Nativity as you enter. He did such a great job--he now knows what I want him to do at our new home in Virgin next Christmas!

Speaking of new homes--ground should be broken for it the first or second week of January. We are so excited!

Visitors' Center

Visitors' Center 

 We want all of you to know of our love for you. It seems that you are with us, because you are in our hearts. Treasure this Christmas with your families. We treasure all of you!!