Sunday, December 11, 2011

12-11-2011



If you really want to have a great Christmas, have a baby!!! Abbie is the cutest thing ever and we love her way too much!!

I don't think there is anything quite like the Christmas season in Nauvoo. For me, some years it feels as if the Christmas season is pushed or forced upon me when I am not quite ready. Well, here in Nauvoo, it does come in like a bang, but you can't wait for it to begin. On December 3rd, there were a host of activities: There was the Christmas breakfast in town, the 5K Christmas run, the Christmas lunch/dinner for the missionaries, the lighting of the tree at the Visitor's Center (which by the way had already been lit right after Thanksgiving), the lighting of the Christmas tree on Mullholland St, Soup at the fire station, appetizers at the Family Living Center, the Creche display at the church, the "Christmas Walk" and the live Nativity performed in the historic Cultural Hall. We were fortunate to attend all of these activities on the same day. In fact, Sarah took second place in the candy making contest for her candy snowmen and Emily took second place in the Christmas coloring contest. It was a day to remember. There is always something happening here.

After the lighting of the tree, horse drawn wagons took anyone who wanted to go on rides down to historic main street where senior couple missionaries were dressed up as pioneers in the various historic site homes. In these homes, Christmas stories were told and then all were invited over to the Family Living Center for refreshments. This activity is what is referred to as the Christmas Walk. Every 20 minutes during this time there was a live nativity running where the story of Christ's birth was told and Christmas carols were sung. This year, for me, at the live nativity is where I truly felt that Christmas was upon us. As I sat there and listened to the Angel Choir sing around the manger scene, I was truly touched by the spirit of Christ. This time of year when we celebrate His birth is magical.

Snow has fallen here and continues to blanket everything in white. At times as I look down Main St. Nauvoo, or see the snow falling through the street lights around the Willard Richards Inn., I marvel that my family and I are in the very place where Joseph, Emma, Hyrum, Brigham, Wilford, Heber and others lived. It is a blessing in my life. They celebrated Christmas here long ago and the same spirit they felt is being felt by us here today.

Merry Christmas


1 comment:

  1. Dear Cluff family. We miss you but as I read your blog it is apparent that you are where the Lord needs you to be. What a marvelous experience for you all. The girls seem so happy. I wish I could meet Abbie in person but isn't modern technology wonderful? I can see her and almost imagine how sweet she is just by turning on my computer. Scott and I want to wish you all a very Merry Christmas! Hugs and Kisses to all. xo Sheryl Newton

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