It's beginning to feel a lot like Christmas

That's right. its FEELING more like Christmas, cuz I tell you what it doesn't look like it when its boiling outside and there is no snow and minimal lights/snow/santas

Last year, the lack of all the traditional Christmas decorations was sort of depressing. I had just a little bit of time in the mission, still thinking a ton about home, and I didn't really feel like it was Christmas time. 

This year, its been different. I've been using the lack of Christmassy "distractions" to help myself focus on the real reason of Christmas, something that is brought up every year, but important to reiterate.

I read Mosiah 16:6-9 this week and thought it was a great Christmas scripture that helps get across the true meaning of Christmas.

6 And now if Christ had not come into the world, speaking of things to come ^aas though they had already come, there could have been no redemption.

7 And if Christ had not risen from the dead, or have broken the bands of death that the grave should have no victory, and that death should have no ^asting, there could have been no resurrection.

8 But there is a ^aresurrection, therefore the grave hath no victory, and the sting of ^bdeath is swallowed up in Christ.

9 He is the ^alight and the life of the world; yea, a light that is endless, that can never be darkened; yea, and also a life which is endless, that there can be no more death.

Everything good and that we have ever experienced is because Christ has made it possible. Not only has he given us so many opportunities for happiness in this life, but he gives us the opportunity for infinite happiness in the life to come. He came to the world to give us that wonderful opportunity. 

Love you all, go appreciate Jesus and His gift to the world. 

Elder Jenkins