December 24/2013

This is a poem that we got from a sister in our ward.  She sent this to Carson and then also forwarded it to me and told me that it helped her when she was on a mission to Samoa with her husband and for the first time had to be away from her family on Christmas.

A Christmas Prayer

Tonight is Christmas Eve and my home lies miles away

Several mixed emotions crossed my heart as I knelt to pray.

I felt it was an honor to serve my mission here,

But tonight, how I missed my loved ones, the family I hold so dear.

In my mind I could see their faces, in my heart I could hear them sing,

The songs and carols of yesteryear, to treasured memories I did cling.

And my soul was filled with love for each face I hold so dear

First my mother, then my father, then my sisters came in clear.

The tears began to flow and the memories began to glee

And in that quiet moment a vision appeared to me.

I pictured a quiet field with angels singing above

Praising the baby Jesus, with their glorious songs of love.

Then from amongst the angels, came one to speak to me.

Her message was pure and simple and plain for me to see.

"How far would you travel dear, to see that Heavenly King?"

"Would you follow the star in the East?"  Her voice to me did speak.

A new feeling came from within and I felt my soul grow weak

"For that was your call," she continued, "in this sweet and humble place."

"I promise you will glance the Christ Child in each new contacts face."

"For you are one of His angels on earth to carry His good news on.

And your message of truth and Peace, is the sweetest Christmas song.

Never regret a moment of your labor of love for Him.

Though He's taken you from your home, your family, your friends and kin

For His gift in return for your service, comes from Heaven above.

His gift, my dear Elder Williams, is an eternal gift of love."

My angel softly slipped away and a warm peace filled my heart.

Tonight - more than ever before, I came to realize my sacred part.

Just then, His spirit entered, where He found me on bended knee.

My dear precious Savior had come to spend Christmas Eve with me!

And the feeling of His glorious presence, was worth the hours that had slipped away.

As I raised my head from the side of the bed, I saw the sun's golden ray.

The night had been a long one, but a sweeter lesson could ne'r be learned

For the Savior had touched my soul and His love within me burned.

Christmas Eves shall come and go, and all the years shall pass away,

But never, no, never, will I awake to a more sacred Christmas Day!