December 21, 2005

  • From a letter dated December 2, 2005:
    "Who can know the heartache you are feeling inside? Who can know the burdens you have carried all your life? Darkness fills the daylight, and the road is much too long. Where are heaven's answers and the strength to carry on? . . .

    "When the tears have fallen and the questions fill your heart, think of how He loves you, how he longs to bring you home. Reach out for His guidance. He has walked your path alone.

    "Let Him heal your heart. Remember every promise He has made. Reach into your soul, forsake a life of Sin, and He will shine that light inside again. Let Him help you start to live again and feel His endless love. Let Him hold and teach you, love and reach you. Let Him heal your heart . . ."

    from a letter dated December 19, 2005:
    Merry Christmas!
    I pray this Christmas Season finds you warm and happy. Surprisingly it hasn't been as warm as I would have thought- it's been in the 50's here in Tajunga.

    I hope that you will remember the true meaning of Christmas. It has an interesting history. The holiday has it's roots in the pagan religion with the birth of the god Mithra, Sol Invictus. Now we have given it the story of the birth of God, even Jesus Christ. Let's not bring it back to it's pagan roots with commercialism, rather let us celebrate our Lord through acts of service, compassion, and love. I recommend reading this month's Ensign- in it there is an article from President Hunter that talks about the history and meaning of Christmas. Please read it! (I believe you can read it at www.lds.org)

    I would also like to remind you of Joseph Smith's 200th Birthday Commemoration this Friday. Please go to a Stake Center near you to watch it or tune in via www.lds.org. This is going to be HUGE!

    I miss you all terribly and am sure so many of you will be in my thoughts this Christmas. Take care,

    Elder Embree