Testimony I Wish To Share

     I want to testify as to the spirit that has been with me these last several days. Being deployed here in Afghanistan I have been so busy that I barely knew that December had come. Although some decorations had been put up out here the over saturation of music and marketers trying to get you to buy is non-existent. But as the Spirit would, I have been inspired to read in The Book of Mormon. And as in many things I have found the timing to be impeccable. The part of this wonderful book that I have found myself in speaks of the birth, and latter the appearance and words, of Jesus Christ. And to add to that I have finally been able to download a copy of the First Presidency Christmas Devotional in which most of what I have just read was reflected. This wonderful Spirit has swelled inside me as I hope it does in you during this season. Rejoice and love, care for each other. Love not only those who we find closest to our hearts but also those strangers out there who we know not. Even spread that love to our enemies. Give of ourselves to those who have not. For we may bring presents to those we love and joy in their smiles but yet a greater joy can we receive by giving to those less fortunate. And make a promise here to keep this spirit of love throughout the entire year. This is the spirit of God’s Beloved Son, our savior Jesus Christ. We should seek Him not only here in December but throughout the year. This is the spirit that is in me and I say this in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.

My Thoughts on Santa Clause

     In this particular blog I want to cover two things. One is the existence of Santa Claus and the other is his place along that of Jesus Christ. Before you turn away from what I say here I encourage you to read it all. You may find that as I begin to speak you will be strongly opposed to what I say but, if you continue, you should find this thought provoking and inspired.

     I have seen many things lately where people will say of how Old Saint Nick cannot exist (it is a physical impossibility) and why lie to our children anyways. The image of Santa Claus is one that inspires greed. Children are encouraged to write letters or sit in his lap at a mall asking for all kinds of things. Parents are then urged to buy those things from fear of letting that child down or not having the “perfect” Christmas. And if this was all there was to say I would tell you that he is dead, oh he did exist, but we have murdered him. Santa Clause comes from a Norse Folk tale where a young man who as a young child was taken in by the fair folk of the forest and raised by them. A nearby village was run by a mean king who didn’t like the carrying on and laughter of children so he had outlawed toys and laughter. Well out of the kindness of this young man he built toys and left them as presents for those children who had none. Well this story had grown to a tradition of caring and giving. Not all of us have corrupted this image but many have. Through those of us that do carry on that sprit Santa Claus still lives. And it is possible for him to do so much because we keep his spirit alive. I say tell our children his true story, inspire them to keep his true spirit alive.

     So now to my second point, Christmas is a celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ. Yet many now celebrate instead that corrupted version of Santa Clause and leave Jesus all but forgotten. Saint Nickolas is a good figure his original spirit was in line with that of Jesus. I encourage those of us who have chosen our paths as Christians to not forget our Savior. Glorify him this season, show love for our brothers and sisters and give as you can to those who have not. For those of you who have chosen other paths my words to you truly are not that different. Glorify the spirit of good, show love for our brothers and sisters and give as you can to those who have not. Give freely of yourselves not for recognition, but for the love of giving. This is the spirit that I would want all of us to have. This I say in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.