Spain 33rd Week 1-6 Dec 08

Spain 33rd Week 1-6 Dec 2008

We started this week off with a temple missionaries home evening. Dad and I were in charge of it this time. We used two stories, “I believe in Santa Claus” and “The True Meaning of Christmas.” The first story I read in Spanish and Dad read it in English. The second story Dad read in Spanish and I read in English. In the meaning of Christmas it tells about all of the different symbols which have a special meaning. On the Monday that we had our Thanksgiving dinner, Tom had taken pictures of the temple missionary couples and single sisters. He then made the symbols and attached one to each picture.

As I read the story in English he put the symbol with picture [of the missionaries] on the Christmas tree that the missionaries have out in our hall.

The first symbol was a Fir Tree. The fir tree remains green all year round depicting the everlasting hope of mankind. All the needles point heavenward, making it a symbol of man’s thoughts turning to heaven.

The Red Ornament - the first color of Christmas was next. The color red symbolizes the Savior’s sacrifice for all mankind.

The brilliant Star. The star was the heavenly sign of promises long ago. God promised a Savior for the world and the star was the sign of fulfillllment of the promise.

The Candle symbolizes that Christ is the light of the world and when we see this great light we are reminded of He who displaces the darkness.

The Holly Plant represents immortality. It represents the crown of thorns worn by our Savior. The red holly berries represent blood shed by Him.

The Wreath symbolizes the eternal nature of love. Real love never ceases. Love is one continuous round of affection.

The Gift, God so loved the world that He gave his only begotten Son. Thanks be to God for His unspeakable gift. The wise men bowed before the holy babe and presented Him with gold frankincense, and myrrh. We should give gifts in the same spirit as the wise men.

The Candy Cane represents the shepherd’s crook. The crook on the shepherd’s staff helps bring back strayed sheep from the flock. The candy cane is the symbol that we are our brother’s keepers.

I was the Angels that heralded in the glorious news of the Savior’s birth. The angels sang “Glory to God in the highest, on earth, peace and good will.”

The Bell as the lost sheep are found by the sound of a Bell it should bring people to the fold, it symbolizes guidance and return.

Santa looked at the tree and was pleased, He said, “Remember, teach the children the true meaning of Christmas, and not to put me in the center, for I am but a humble servant of the One who is, and I bow down and worship Him, our Lord, our God.” Everyone seemed quite touched by the stories. We then had refreshments and finished decorating the tree.

By the way Malia, I made the mint brownies and they were great. Thanks for the ingredients to make them.

We were going to a Mall on Tuesday and ran in to a Mission President and his wife who were going to the metro as well. They were the Everett’s. They preside over the Vladestock Russia Mission. They ended up going to the Mall with us. It was interesting listening to their experiences. They were here to get their visas , they were fun to talk to. Their were quite a few couples here from Russia this past week, including our friends the Bowden’s. They were able to go and see a lot of sights while they were here. We took three couples to our favorite Chinese restaurant, which they all seemed to enjoy.

Little Phoebe’s blessing was on Sunday.

Thanks to all of you family members who supported them by attending. As we see her on the blog she has grown so much already. And yes, we have also heard the set of lungs she has on the webcam. She looked like a little angel and wore the same blessing dress that Jenacee wore. We love you little Phoebe Lu Rae Jensen. Her middle name is after Grandma Pearson I’m sure she is very honored.

The Lights on the Temple grounds were turned on Sunday evening.

The Temple President gave a Christmas message and then they turned them on. They were beautiful. Even though it was raining cats and dogs it was neat to be there. The MTC Missionaries sang Christmas songs and it brought the Christmas spirit the grounds and to all who ventured out to enjoy the sights and sounds. This is such a wonderful holiday one we have enjoyed spending with all of you through the years. We have many special memories of those in the past that we are recalling as we are not with you this year. It seems we always take things for granted until we are apart. We know that this will also be a memorable Christmas being in Spain. A few different customs and traditions are fun.

In our Sunday School class today, Sister Thomas gave us this saying by Elder Bruce R. McConkie, “All men are the spirit children of the Eternal Father; all dwelt in His presence, awaiting the day of their mortal probation; all have come or will come to earth at an appointed time, in a specified place, to live among a designated people. In all of this there is no chance. A divine providence rules over the nations and governs in the affairs of men. Birth and death and mortal kinship are the Lord’s doings. He alone determines where and when and among what people His spirit children shall undergo their mortal probation.” What a beautiful and comforting statement to know that He knows each and everyone of us and that he has put us in places where we have a chance to grow and develop and learn those Godly attributes.

We love our Heavenly Father for his greatest gift to the world his son Jesus Christ. He is our Redeemer and our Savior. We know that if we follow his example that we can have eternal life. What greater gift can we long for. He gives us hope and faith to endure till the end. We know that his spirit can dwell with us when we invite it into our homes. We pray that you will feel of His love always and know how He feels about you. We love you all with all of our hearts and pray our Father’s choicest blessings upon you. Love Mom and Dad / Nana and Papa