Hey there familia and
friends, I hope that you guys are doing great and enjoying the Christmas
season. What ta great time of year it is and the time that we really reflect on
what this time of year is all about. So this week was just another super duper
fast week where I really don’t know where the time went. Well what do I have
for ya’ll? We had a stake conference meeting this week so everyone was working
hard so we could pack the house, and we did, so that was a success. It was all
centered on giving and what this time of year really means to so many. I am so
thankful to be serving at this time of year and where I am... This Christmas
seams so much different than my last... my area here has a lot more money and
it seems just a lot different than my last. It’s more centered on buying and
all and last year it just had a different feel, but we are doing the best to
try and help everyone understand the true meaning of Christmas. I love this
time of year and really have had such a great time during my mission finding
out what really matters in life and the things that will carry us during times
of difficulty and times of many blessings and abundance. I love this time of year
and learning more about our Savior and our Redeemer and trying to be the best
Elder Mariano Long that I can be. Christmas time is the best, familia time
together, no better thing than to be with your family.
I am so happy that I
am here with my brothers and sisters here in Honduras... I love them so much
and am going to miss them. I am making the most of it every day with them because
I just love it here and the time that I have every day with the most loving and
humble people on this earth. I want you each to give a little more this
Christmas season. Serve others. Be there for others, doing something that’s not
expected. Give it your all every day. I just want people to serve each other
this Christmas season. Serving others brings a joy that nothing else can
bring... What gift are you going to give back this year to the Lord, We cannot
buy him a gift and send it to him, but what are we going to do for ourselves to
grow closer to Him or help another person draw closer to our Savior. What gift
are you going to give this year? What are you going to change or do
better? I want to share a few things for you guys to read or watch.
Listen, read and ponder and make a change. I promise you that we each can do
something better this holiday season, what can we give back to the Lord??
I want to share this
link for all of you to take a minute and watch this great video. ENJOY!!
Getting
Ready for Christmas by President Dieter F. Uchtdorf; Second Counselor in the First Presidency
From “Seeing Christmas through
New Eyes,” 2010 First Presidency Christmas Devotional (December 5, 2010).
As
an old tradition, our family has always celebrated the Advent of Christmas.
Starting on the fourth Sunday before Christmas, we would get together on Sunday
afternoons, light wax candles on a pine Advent wreath, enjoy delicious homemade
cookies, and read passages of scriptures that center on the Christ.
We
read accounts of ancient prophets who yearned for the coming of the Messiah. We
read scriptures that proclaim the wondrous story of His birth. Each week by
singing beautiful Christmas songs and having a fun time together, our family
tried to refocus on the true meaning of the season. I must admit that delicious
hot chocolate, hot apple cider, and tasty homemade cookies helped a lot to
catch the joyful feeling of the Christmas season!
While
celebrating the Advent of Christmas is not part of all cultures around the
globe, there is something we can learn from this widespread Christian
tradition. Perhaps even this year we might carve from our busy schedules some
time to study and reflect on the true meaning of Christmas—personally and as
families.
When
we prepare for Christmas by pondering its real meaning, we prepare to
experience the Christ and His message. May I suggest three things we may want
to study, ponder, and apply in this season of preparation.
First,
rejoice in the birth of our Savior.
Second,
ponder His influence in our lives today.
Third,
look steadfastly for His coming.
I
pray that each and every one of you will have a wonderful and merry Christmas
season.
The
word Advent means “the coming of Christ.” In Germany, where President Uchtdorf
grew up, many families celebrate Advent for four weeks before Christmas.
Remembering
Christ
President
Uchtdorf’s family used a pine wreath as part of their
holiday tradition. You can make a wreath to help you remember what you learn
about Jesus Christ this Christmas season. Cut the
center out of a paper plate, turn it upside-down, and paint it green. Cut
simple candle shapes out of colored cardstock. Fold about a half inch at the
bottom of the candles. Choose some scripture stories about Jesus Christ to read
as a family throughout the month. As you read each story, glue a candle to the
wreath.
Here
are some scripture stories to get started:
Jesus
is born. (Luke 2:1–21)
Jesus
calms the storm. (Mark 4:35–39)
Jesus
feeds five thousand people. (Matthew 14:13–21)
Jesus
teaches about the good Samaritan. (Luke 10:25–37)
Jesus
heals the ten lepers. (Luke 17:11–19)
Jesus
atones for our sins in Gethsemane. (Luke 22:41–45)
Jesus
appears to the Nephites in the Americas after His Resurrection.
(3 Nephi 11:8–17)
Jesus
teaches the Nephites about the sacrament.
(3 Nephi 18:1–12)
Rejoice,
Ponder, and Look Forward
President
Uchtdorf said we should rejoice in Jesus’s birth, ponder His influence in our
lives, and look forward to His coming. How would you finish the sentences
below?
Rejoice:
“Knowing about Jesus Christ makes me happy because …”
Ponder:
“When I remember what Jesus has done for me, I know that I can …”
Look
forward: “I can look forward for the time when Jesus will come again by …”
This week we did a service project and
cleaned a local park up, we went with the zone and it was a pretty good time. Tomorrow
we have the mission Christmas party so that’s always a great time! We have a Samoan
in our zone and were going to do a traditional dance called the HAKA that’s
like super famous with the rugby players so it’s going to be sick to say the
least. Next week I’ll check and see if I can send the video. So yea, that’s
about it for that.
Asking about changes, we don’t have
like a meeting anymore we just find out where we are going and coordinate with
them, we don’t all come together anymore and all. So that’s a new change that
you had asked about mom. It’s not a big deal it just doesn’t give one the
opportunity to see everyone at changes.
Other than that we are just working
like crazy... running with our heads cut off trying to teach a lot and find
people and help them know what this time of year is all about. Thanks for all
the love and support ustedes son muy amables! Gracias por todo! no sabe how
much it means to me! Thanks for everything! Thanks for all the birthday wishes,
you guys are da bomb!!!
Aim high in all that you do and put
your best foot forward every day!
Elder Long!
enjoy the pics!!!
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