Merry Christmas!

Merry Christmas to all! We have had a busy Christmas holiday, but we were able to spend time with family and friends. I was grateful to hear the bell ring on Friday, December 21st at 12:11 p.m., releasing the students and myself for the winter break! After a week of finals and other activities I was needing a break. We got some snow on Saturday (mostly icky ice rain mixed with snow) but it was enough to give us a semi-white Christmas here in Kansas City.

I felt that we were able to focus on the true meaning of Christmas by remembering why we celebrate during this season. I am grateful for the birth and life of Jesus Christ. I am grateful for His example of love and charity to all. I am grateful for his atonement and sacrifice for me and
all. I am grateful for the gospel of Jesus Christ and the truths that I am learning day by day and for His example that I am trying to emulate. I am grateful for Christmas because the majority of people are focused on giving, sharing and caring. We need more of this in our world today.

Sometimes I question, why do we decorate a tree and eat candy canes at this time of year? This is a nice reminder of WHY we do what we do and what it all means.
"Teach the children the true meaning of Christmas"
The Star: a heavenly sign of prophecy fulfulled long, long ago--the shining hope of mankind.
Red: the first color of Christmas symbolizing the Savior's sacrifice for all.
Fir tree: Evergreen--the second color of Christmas shows everlasting life. The needles point heavenward.
The Bell: Rings out to guide lost sheep back to the fold...signifying that all are precious in the eyes of the Lord.
The Candle: A mirror of starlight reflecting our thanks for the Star of Bethlehem.
Gift bow: Tied as we should all be tied together in bonds of goodwill forever.
Candy Cane: The shepard's crook used to bring lambs back into the fold...a reminder that we are all our brother's keeper.
The Wreath: A symbol of the never ending eternal nature of love...having no beginning and no end.
It is my hope that we will all be able to remember the true meaning of Christmas and let this spirit continue throughout 2008.