"...On the Morrow Come I into the World..."

It wasn't until Christmas, the very end of my 18 month mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, that I really read and caught the spirit of the account of the Savior's birth in the Book of Mormon. I discovered it that particular year in large part due to a re-enactment that we did as a mission for our Christmas Party. At that time I had already read the Book of Mormon several times but I think it took a little longer for the account of His birth in the Book of Mormon to reach me because traditionally my family, as does most every other, focuses all of our traditions on the account in Luke. I am so thankful for that detailed and beautiful account in Luke as well as the bits and pieces I receive from the other gospels but now that I have a family of my own I want my children to have the benefit of both beautiful faith promoting accounts of the birth of our Lord and Savior.

In the Spirit of this endeavor we are having our first "Book of Mormon Birth of the Savior Pageant"this year. I think they have arrived at an age of some understanding and of course are excited to dress-up and act out the parts. It will include the prophesy by the prophet "Samuel the Lamanite" (Helaman 14) as well as the great trial of faith that Nephi and "the believers faced on the prophesied day of the Savior's birth (3 Nephi 1). We are going to invite another family over as well so we have plenty of actors for each part. I will be sure to post pictures of the finished production.

I am beyond grateful for the faith of "Samuel the Lamanite" who had the courage to teach the very unpopular truth at the peril of his own life and for Nephi and "the believers", who even unto near death, never wavered in their testimony of the fulfillment of the prophesies and signs of the birth of the Savior. I feel that it is their story that I can now most relate to as we like they watch for the signs of His coming. I hope to be able to always look to that day, as did they, with hope, faith and peace.