December 25, 2012

This is a email from Sister Stowell's branch president to her that she forwarded us. 

Hey all, here is a picture of my zone.  I am going to write more emails later today.
Maligayan Pasko!!! (Merry Christmas)  Mahal Ko Kayo!! (I love you!)  :)

Love Sister Stowell



Elder and Sisters,

Last week we promised to send a copy of the branch photo that was included in your Christmas card to you "myldsmail" account.  We hope you all receive this email.

You can forward this photo to your family or keep it in your list of emails until you get to the Philippines then go to an Internet shop and save it to your camera's memory card because you probably have no way of saving it or printing it while you are here at the MTC.

This is also an opportunity to wish you Mailgyon Pasko (Merry Christmas) one more time.  We hope you are receiving this email along with messages and emails from those you love back home.  Some of you may not have received a letter from your family today.  If that is the case we wish you a special Christmas wish today.

The Christmas story started long before tow thousand years ago at the birth of Jesus Christ as a baby in Bethlehem.  The story of Christmas started when the first prophet prophesied of his coming.  Perhaps it started even before that when you and I along with the other hosts of heaven were given to understand Heavenly Father's plan that called for the birth and death of a Redeemer.  On Christmas I love to listen to the songs of the Messiah.  I relish those powerful words of the prophet Isaiah;

-  For unto us a son is given, unto us a child is born!

- And the government shall be upon his shoulders!

- And his name shall be called, Wonderful!  Counselor!  The Might God, the Everlasting father!  The Prince of Peace.

- And with his stripes, we are healed.

The Birth of Jesus Christ, His life, His Example, His Character, His Atonement, His Death, His Resurrection, His Assention back to His Father all give us the bright hope of a glorious gift.  It is the greatest of all gifts.  It is the gift of Eternal Life.  That is the gift we as missionaries have the wonderful privilege of carrying to the world.

You will soon be finished with your preparations at the Missionary Training Center and on your way to the Philippines to deliver that message to the wonderful, deserving families of your mission.  We love you.  We pray for you.  We know you will have a glorious Christmas.

May the Lord bless you and keep you.

President Cordon C. Smith - MTC Branch 15