There isn't a day that goes by here in the Philippines without some awesome Christmas
caroling. After every song, you just yell out, "Advance Christmas!" Haha it's like, "Merry Christmas in advance." I love it. That's mostly what I want to talk about today! Christmas!!!
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| Helping our little friend make a Christmas instrument! |
Before we get to that, though, I wanted to give you an update on the work! Ludy is doing great. We met with her last night and something really changed inside of her. She understands how important it if for us to ACT. Because we all know that Faith, without works, is... anyone? DEAD. Next, we have these other two amazing investigators - Devine and Jenny Viv. They are amazing. Yesterday, we invited them to be baptized. They said they wanted to pray about it before they answered. GOOD. I wish everyone was like that. We always need to remember to counsel with our Father in Heaven in everything we do. I know that they will decide to be baptized. I know it.
Sige, padayon ta. (Okay, let's continue)
Christmas is awesome. We had the opportunity to go to the Mission Home in Lahug on Monday for our annual Mission Christmas Conference.
We got to hear from President and Sister Schmutz, then ate some lunch, and then had a talent show! (Yes, I may have told The Muffin Joke to all in attendance...) But it really was an amazing day!
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| Mission President…President Schmutz! |
I want to share what I have been thinking and studying about lately!
President Schmutz said one thing that just made me think and ponder about what Christmas really means. A lot of the time, people either forget the meaning of Christmas, or just de-emphasize it drastically. "Christmas time is the time we are all reminded to KNOW Christ." So it got me thinking, what does it truly mean to "know" Jesus Christ. I was studying this morning in John 17 and in verse 3, it says that Life Eternal is to know God and Jesus Christ. Okay, so we understand this whole concept of "knowing" has to be important - if it's Eternal Life we're talking about. But what does it mean?? In 1 John 4:8 it says, "He that loveth not, knoweth not God; for God is Love." Okay here we go... So that's what it means. In order to know our Savior, we need to love! Isn't that what Christmas is all about?! Loving everyone? Exactly! Showing people Jesus Christ's love through our actions!
If you think about it, the "Christmas Spirit" is nothing more than the Spirit of Christ! As missionaries, we try to share this Christmas Spirit every single day of our missions, not just the month of December or the week of Christmas! We need to ALWAYS be showing people Christ's love. But how?? ……Service!!!!!. It's not hard. Forget yourself and make someone happy! That is what I'm asking from you all for my Christmas present! How can you serve someone this Christmas? Let me know how it goes:) I promise you that as you forget yourself, and just go to work, there are eternal blessings waiting for you.
I finished my studies in Mosiah 26:24 where it says, "If they know me they shall come forth, and shall have a place eternally at my right hand." What more could you possibly want, than to be at the right hand of Jesus Christ, our Savior! There are so many times throughout Christ's teachings where he says, "I know my sheep, and they are numbered." Christ knows each and every one of us personally. He only asks us that we strive to know Him.
I am so grateful for this time of year, but I just want us to understand that it should be like this always. As we come to understand and know Jesus Christ, we will understand that there is NO OTHER focus in life. Christ needs to be the focus of our lives. I love this work that I have been called to do. Elder Ferris and I walked around yesterday just wishing everyone a Merry Christmas. It is a perfect way to talk about Christ and how important He really is. President Schumtz said one other thing that I loved. He said, "Your children must see your testimony. They must see your treasure. That it is a permanent treasure - not in the world." It is so important that we gain a testimony of Jesus Christ and share it with EVERYONE!! Just remember, the message and Spirit of Christmas is Missionary Work.
I love you all so much and I am doing great here! So many new things every day haha. The Filipino culture is an example for all of us. I am constantly thinking and praying about all of you. Love you!!!
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| I love you all so much!! |
Love,
Elder James Ryan Jacobs
P.S. I'm totally serious when I tell you all that I want you to report on your service this next week! Email me and let me know how it went. If you do not have my email, contact my mom!! billjacobs5@gmail.com
P.P.S. Merry Christmas in Advance;)
