"Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men," sang the angelic choirs nearly 2,000 years ago as they announced the first Christmas. The spirit of Christmas, which is the message of the restored gospel of Jesus Christ, has not yet been realized in the earth at large, but is known and felt and lived by those who have accepted the gospel in its fulness as taught and administered by authorized servants of God in these latter days.
Last evening, by previous invitation, we spent in the home of José Delfino Barbosa (Lucia's father). For a short while Lucia, Elder Hatch, and I visited at Tania's, where Elders Weeks, Axtell, Smith, and Warner were spending the evening, to have some real live apple pie. We then returned to Lucia's place to talk, listen to music, eat, and eat some more. We finally tore ourselves away to get home and to bed by three o'clock.
This morning our dona came pounding on our door about nine o'clock to feed us food she had left over from the feast the night before. All this food is good, but there is just too much of it!
A grand Christmas party was held during the afternoon for all the elders and sisters in Rio, Niterói, and Petrópolis. More than 80 were crowded into the mission home. It was good to see old faces again and to renew friendships and to catch up on old news. I attended last year's party when only 30-some were present from as far away as Juiz de Fora and Vitória. The mission has grown a great deal since then. Even the weather this year was improved: Light rains kept the temperature decent. Last year it was swelteringly hot for the holidays.
As the program started we all joined in singing many of the favorite carols, both religious and secular. Elder Steffensen came bouncing in dressed up like Santa Claus (or Papai Noel) and passed out candy to everybody. President Johnson read the original Christmas story from Luke. Then each district, 13 were present, put on some number, ranging from skits to vocal musical numbers to instrumental musical numbers to story telling. The Ramos District sang, accompanied by Elder Cleverly, five different carols all to the tune of "Angels We Have Heard on High." Having been original, it was tremendously popular. After all the common talent, the Mormonários put on a musical program all their own. Current members of the group are Elders Brinton, Crocheron, Gibbs, and Chandler. They are here in Rio for about six weeks to make the Church known.
Refreshments of applesauce cake, real live cookies, root beer, and ice cream followed the program. About 50 of the elders went to see the premier showing of Lion in Winter in cinemascope/cinerama. It was a good Christmas show. Our entire district went.
From Elder Stewart I received a copy of Carol Lynn Pearson's book of poetry, Beginnings. That surprised me. I am really grateful for the gift. Lucia last night had given us three handkerchiefs apiece. Christmas cards and letters came from all corners of the world: Samoa, France, Brazil, Belgium, and Idaho.
Well, the day was busy and full, but even fuller is the gratitude of an overflowing heart for the blessings I enjoy. Life itself is a great privilege. It is a joy to live in this glorious dispensation of time. I count my family, my friends, and my associates in the work of the Lord as among my greatest blessings. I am a member of the Church of Jesus Christ. I hold the holy priesthood of God. I am an elder in Israel. I have knowledge of the truthfulness of this marvelous work and a wonder. Have I not every reason to rejoice, saying, "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men."
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