It's Beginning to look a lot like CHRISTMAS!

"Seek Ye first the Kingdom of Heaven, and his righteousness; and all things shall be added unto you."

Matthew 6:33

These words, spoken by Jesus of Nazareth, have never been more true and more significant than in this age of Facebook and Twitter, bond markets, and shopping malls, stealth missiles  and terrorist targets. At this Christmas Season let us raise our sights and turn our hearts back to the story of His birth, when Shepherds from the fields and Wise Men from the East sought to find Him in Bethlehem. Let us go with them and "Seek this Jesus of whom the prophets and apostles have written. . ." Ether 12;41

JOY to the WORLD is sung by choirs across Christendom to celebrate Christ's First Coming. However, the words of this favorite hymn more accurately celebrate the Second Coming of the Lord, when 'sin and sorrow will no more grow, nor thorns invest the ground.' To prepare for this future event, we as Christians should seek Him even more diligently so that we, at His Second Coming, can rejoice in the Most High and ever worship God.

We know not how many wise men there were, but we know that they were affluent enough to have an audience with King Herod and to bring the costliest gifts of god, frankincense, and myrrh to the rightful King of the Jews. Who better than these wise men and wealthy witnesses to bear testimony to the wise and wealthy of the world that 'the star which they saw in the east, went before them, till it came and stood over where the young child was. When they saw the star (and found the child) they rejoiced with exceeding great joy.' Matthew 2:9-10

The symbols of Christmas

THE PRESENTS are given to remind us of God's gift to the world.

THE STAR was placed in the sky for the wise men to follow.

THE TREE points to heaven, and reminds us that God is eternal.

THE WREATH is a circle without any end, the same as God's love for us.

THE CANDLES shine brightly to tell us that Jesus is the light of the world.

THE BABY in the manger shows the birth of Jesus, the savior of the world.

The Poinsettia is also known as the Christmas Star and Christmas Flower, It's said that this winter flower's association with Christmas comes from a Mexican legend. The story goes that a child, with no means for a grander gift gathered humble weeds from the side of the road to place at the church alter on Christmas Eve. As the congregation witnessed a Christmas miracle, the weeds turned into brilliant red and green flowers.
Named after Joel Roberts Poinsett, first US ambassador to Mexico and the amateur botanist who introduced the plant to the US in 1825. While considered by the ancient Aztecs to be symbols of purity, in today's language of flowers, red, white or pink poinsettias, the December birth flower, symbolize good cheer and success and are said to bring wishes of mirth and celebration.

When you find HIM, you will never be the same. And the Joy of His countenance will gladden your heart and you too will sing...We Wish YOU a Merry Christmas.

Thank you, Elder Ladle for these beautiful words.