Apparently, it doesn't snow in a ton of places, so I'm grateful I can see snow during the Holiday season. Though Christmas is largely a western holiday, Koreans do recognize it, and so there's lots of Christmas music coming out of the shops. In addition, the church, be it American, Korean, or Chekhovian, always celebrates Christmas!
Last Saturday was the Gangso Stake Christmas Party. If you remember, I was brought on-board to sing (and teach our zone to sing) several weeks ago, before I moved from Gimpo, to Sanbon, in an entirely different city. I guess you could say that it was a Christmas miracle that I received permission from our mission president to come back for it! It was a wonderful night. Seeing old members was a special privilege -- I don't think there was a single one who didn't do a double-take and gasp when they saw me. The song itself was a highlight of the night, with the crowd really enjoying our enthusiasm, even if it wasn't exactly the finest musical presentation. I have a video of part of it that I'll try to send. We'll see how long dropbox takes!
In case anybody's wondering, I had a great birthday. We spent most of it in a bookstore just looking around, then ate out with the other Elders. It wasn't fancy, but it was a good way to spend P-Day.
This week I wanted to mention a song lyric that has really captivated my heart. It comes from the musical Les Miserables, in the track "Epilogue:" "To love another person is to see the face of God."
How succinct, how accurate! It reminds me of John the Beloved's writings to the primitive church. I won't quote them here, but he dwells extensively on love. I especially recommend 1 John 4, found in the New Testament. Wonderful writings on love.
I truly believe that the central trait of God's character is love. As we learn to love as He does -- as Christ does -- we will come to understand more and more of God's character. In essence, we see His face. We see it reflected in others as we reach out in charity and love, and others will see His image in our countenance, as we answer prayers and perform miracles. As President Monson stated in April, "Love is the essence of the gospel."
I truly believe that the central trait of God's character is love. As we learn to love as He does -- as Christ does -- we will come to understand more and more of God's character. In essence, we see His face. We see it reflected in others as we reach out in charity and love, and others will see His image in our countenance, as we answer prayers and perform miracles. As President Monson stated in April, "Love is the essence of the gospel."
I testify of that -- Jesus Christ's earthly ministry consisted of one long expression of love. As He ministered to the downcast and broken hearted, He loved them in a way that would lead them to grow, to become more, and to love others. That's one way we can define Charity -- the pure love of Christ, which will lead people to share that love. It's a possession so valuable that we can't help but want to share it with others. That's why I'm in Seoul, Korea, "sharing the gift" of charity -- the gift of the savior -- the gift of Jesus Christ.
Merry Christmas!
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