Feliz Natal!

 Oi pessoal!

I know it isn't quite Christmas, but it's almost here. It's so crazy that it's already my second Christmas as a missionary! Time has flown by, although I'll admit it doesn't always feel like that.

Christmas is probably my favorite time of year, being with family and friends, and focusing on Jesus Christ and serving others as he would. This Christmas is different for me, because it actually feels like Christmas! Angolan summers happen during this time of year, so shoveling snow for people feels new and amazing. I'm lucky to be around so many amazing missionaries and other people who show me how we can follow Christ's example to serve others. My companion, Elder Thompson, has been trying to reach out to his family with messages of the gospel, and is always ready to serve anyone. 

 

Since it's snowed a few times, we decided to use our sled a bit. Elder Thompson used a shovel to make a ramp on a hill near our apartment. Somehow, I managed to mess my back up making a jump off the ramp, yes I'm still 20, not 80, no matter how much it may feel like that. Luckily, a member of our church is a chiropractor nearby, and he hooked us up. I'm doing a whole lot better now, getting your back aligned is quite the experience.

 

In this Christmas season, especially as a missionary, I get to focus on Jesus Christ; his mission, his birth, all he has done for us. Nephi, a prophet in the Book of Mormon, was shown Jesus Christ's birth and life on earth. His father had seen visions, and Nephi wanted to see the same things, when he was showed them by and angel, he said:

"22 And I answered him, saying: Yea, it is the love of God, which sheddeth itself abroad in the hearts of the children of men; wherefore, it is the most desirable above all things.

23 And he spake unto me, saying: Yea, and the most joyous to the soul." 

Jesus Christ was the greatest gift that God has ever given us, by letting his son come to earth and suffer for each of us. This gift showed God's love for us. As we focus on Jesus Christ and becoming like him this Christmas season, we can feel of God's love for all of his children that is joyous to the soul. I know that as each of you strive to serve and love your friends and neighbors, that you will feel this love. 

 

I challenge you all to read the accounts of Christ's birth in 1Nephi 11:13-23 in the Book of Mormon and Luke chapter 2 in the New testament. I know it will help you to feel God's love in your life!

 

Ate mais!

Eu amo cada um de vocês!

 

Elder Madsen

 My mission put together a medley of songs that really bring the spirit. 

https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=680429405976368

Here is a link to light the world, a wonderful daily reminder of ways to brings the light of Christ into our lives and the lives of others.

https://comeuntochrist.org/light-the-world-2020






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