I don't know why it did not occur to me when I wrote my papers or even when
I stepped out of the car and into the MTC, or even when I came off the plane in
Nagoya airport, or even when I arrived at my appartment in Komatsu, but this
week it has finally hit me: Christmas is not going to be the same.
I have always felt that there were two different Christmases - one full of
gift-giving and being with family and the other being centered on Jesus Christ.
Both are celebrated, both are loved, but the one I adore is the one where I am
with family. That's what Christmas is to me, and that's why it is my favorite
holiday. If you know me well, then you know I start counting down the days as
soon as the weather begins to cool or sometimes before. My companion was shocked
to hear that I even esteem Christmas over my birthday. But I have finally
realized that this year, Christmas will not be the same.
I hear Christmas songs over and over again, and the line "I'll be home for
Christmas, if only in my dreams" hits me so hard, that sometimes I feel like
telling my companion that I cannot work that day. "A dream is a wish your heart
makes, when you're fast asleep. In dreams you will lose your heartache -
whatever you wish for you keep." But how am I to keep Christmas with me this
year? My family is of number one importance to me, and being without them this
year seems almost impossible.
Almost.
I am reminded of the other kind of Christmas, the other kind that I CAN
celebrate this year.
"For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given... His name shall be
called, Wonderful Counselor, the Mighty God, the Everlasting Father, the Prince
of Peace." (2 Nephi 19:6)
The Prince of Peace - how often do we recognize the different names of
Christ and the reasons behind them? This year I have come to know and love the
name "Prince of Peace".
"Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you; not as the world giveth,
give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid."
(John 14:27)
There is a peace that follows, when we take upon us his yoke, and learn of
him. With him, we can find rest for our souls, "for [his] yoke is easy, and
[his] burden light."
My purpose in writing to you this week is not to add to your heavy workload
this time of year, but rather to take away from it. I invite you all to listen
to the Prince of Peace's invitation:
"Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you
rest." (Matt. 11:28-30)
I know that this year I am far from home, far from the Christmas I love and
adore, but instead I have found a new Christmas. I wish to share this Christmas
with all of you. Listen to the Savior's invitation and come unto him, the Prince
of Peace.
