There's no snow!

FELIZ NAVIDAD!! 

For the first time, I wished for snow and it didn't come.  It was so freaking sunny! yeah, I found myself hating the sunshine in Christmas time haha!! I wanted a white Christmas so my sister Estela could have something a little different to see.  I have always been used to white Christmases too but no luck this year.  We spent this Christmas in Provo.  My uncle Orlando, Wilo, Estela, my husband and I were together and we loved it.  To keep building up the Christmas spirit, we went to a special program for the Music and the Spoken Word in the conference center.  They decorated it so comfy and the Choir sang beautiful hymns and Christmas songs.

Beautiful Christmas lights in Temple Square!!!

After the program, we took some pictures with the Christmas Tree in the Conference Center.  It was beautifully decorated in white with immense snow flakes! Alyson was there with us too... as always... she's practically our sister!!

Alyson, Estela and Wilo

Our noses were so red, our lips were chapped, our hands and ears were freezing... our faces were so rigid... we couldn't even say the words "mom" or "dad" Estela was getting used to this cold winter.

After retuning to the car to go home, we were delighted but nativities from around the world in Temple Square.  Each of us posed with a nativity...

Christmas tree made out of lights

 
Dinner time!!
While cooking our meal, we listened to the Forgotten Carols.  After eating our meal, we sang Christmas hymns, then we read Jesus' birth in the Bible.  We spent quality family time talking about Jesus and how important his birth was.  We asked questions like, "Why were those shepherds chosen? why not others?" "How did those wise men came to be interested in Jesus birth? and how did they prepare themselves to see Him?" I am going to share something that I read from the Church magazine:


Many people believe that it’s the thought that counts when it comes to gift giving. Maybe that’s because the thought behind the gift makes it more than just a useful or interesting object—it makes the gift a symbol of the gift-giver’s love or consideration for the recipient. Some gifts also mean more than the thought behind the gift; these kinds of gifts have a widely accepted symbolism that adds even more significance. When a gift has all three—practical utility, personal value, and symbolic meaning—it may be the most thoughtful and appreciated gift of all.

Consider the thought behind the gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh that the Wise Men gave to the Christ child (see Matthew 2:11). The Bible doesn’t say why the Wise Men brought these particular gifts, but all three gifts had practical value and perhaps symbolic meaning for the Son of God and His earthly parents.

Gold

Practical use: For a young couple who would soon have the expense of traveling to Egypt to avoid the wrath of Herod, the gold would be an invaluable gift. Symbolic meaning: Gold is the typical gift for kings (see 1 Kings 9:14, 28) because it symbolizes kingship and royalty—a fitting gift for the “King of kings” (1 Timothy 6:15).

Frankincense

Practical use: Aside from its considerable monetary value, frankincense was used as a sweet-smelling incense and perfume.

Symbolic meaning: Frankincense comes from a sweet tree resin and was used in priesthood ordinances, in burnt offerings (see Leviticus 2:1), and in oil for anointing priests. Thus, it can represent the Lord’s priesthood and His role as the Lamb of God to be sacrificed on our behalf (see John 1:29).

Myrrh

Practical use: Myrrh, a bitter oil from a tree resin, was also economically valuable but probably more beneficial to Mary and Joseph for its medicinal uses.
Symbolic meaning: In the New Testament, myrrh is usually associated with embalming and burial because of its preservative qualities (see John 19:39–40). Myrrh’s medicinal uses can symbolize Christ’s role as the Master Healer, and its use in burials can symbolize “the bitter cup” He would drink when He suffered for our sins (see D&C 19:18–19).


I am so happy for Christmas time, I hope we always remember why Jesus came to Earth: It was to save us.  i feel so grateful for His sacrifice.