Christmas of Gratitude (from Andrew's mission president)

“One of the things we can give at Christmas time, that no one else can give, is our thanks."

(Spencer W. Kimball, A Gift of Gratitude, Ensign, Dec 1977)

ã MERRY CHRISTMAS! ã

To our wonderful, dedicated, faithful, beloved, magnificent missionaries!

“The best Christmas gifts are those that come from the heart and build our faith.”

We have pondered what might be a blessing to you missionaries at this Christmastime.  We decided to do “12 days of Christmas gratitude.”  As a mission, we hope to learn about the true spirit of gratitude.  Please give some thought and prayer to your efforts to bless others by expressing gratitude this season.  Learn to be gracious. The Brethren are excellent examples of this!  It is a trait that will bless your life forever.  We hope that as a mission, this “season of gratitude” will help us be more Christlike in expressing love and appreciation to others.

Enjoy yourselves, and remember how very much we LOVE each of you!!!

 With love, Y

President & Sister Glazier

DAY 1, December 14 (Saturday)

Cut some papers to make a chain of gratitude to hang in your clean J apartment!

Every night, for the next 12 days, each of you write something you are grateful for on one of the papers and

add it to the chain. Count your many blessings.

DAY 2, December 15 (Sunday)

“The Lord wants you to have the spirit of gratitude in all you do and say?” (For the Strength of Youth, 18).

In all your conversations with the members today, try to express gratitude and appreciation for the good they do and the lives they live, and the service they give.

DAY 3, December 16 (Monday)

Take a minute on this p-day and write a note œ of appreciation to your family

for all the sacrifices they have made in your behalf.

DAY 4, December 17 (Tuesday)

Make all your prayers today prayers of gratitude. Only thank God and ask nothing.

Until Christmas, try to offer more gratitude in your prayers and ask for less.

DAY 5, December 18 (Wednesday)

Do something nice for your cocinera ä today and

express sincere gratitude for all her hard work to feed you.

Try to develop the ability to notice the many ways others serve you daily

DAY 6, December 19 (thursday

Do something for your bishop today. ‚

Write a note of appreciation, decorate his door at home or at church, carol to his family

DAY 7, December 20 (Friday)

On the inside page of a Book of Mormon, & write your testimony.  Express your gratitude for this book of scripture in your life. Wrap it in wrapping paper and give it as a gift to someone special today. 

In your District Meetings this week, take some time for testimonies of Christ and His atonement.

DAY 8, December 21 (Saturday)

Buy candies to put in your pockets and pass out to the little kids

at the places you visit today.

Bend down to look them in the eye NN and wish them a Merry Christmas!

Jesus ministered to the little ones.

DAY 9, December 22 (Sunday)

Today try to share happiness with everyone you see. Smile.– Be a light. '

Speak positively; words of gratitude, kindness, and praise for others.

Jesus was kind, even when other mistreated him.

DAY 10, December 23 (Monday)

Make some Christmas ’ coupons and put in an envelope to give your€companionon Christmas day (This is a Glazier tradition.  These service coupons are to redeem in the future, and we put them in an envelope and put them on the

Christmas tree.)  Put some thought and prayer into your gift of service, and the Lord will help you bless in a meaningful way.  President Monson is a wonderful example of that kind of inspired service.

DAY 11, December 24 (Tuesday)

¯Deliver “live Christmas cards” to a less active family or investigator. ¯

(Sing a Christmas carol with your companion and share a scripture about that theme.)

DAY 12, CHRISTMAS DAY!! (Wednesday)

Today, take some extra time in prayer

to thank your Heavenly Father for all your blessings. e

( Call your family.  They are anxiously waiting.

Remember that we LOVE YOU!!  You are magnificent and we thank Heavenly Father for you every day.

We hope you had a wonderful 12 days of gratitude, and that you have learned a little bit more about Christlike kindness.

**********

“Gracias, danke, merci—whatever language is spoken, “thank you” frequently expressed will cheer your spirit,

broaden your friendships, and lift your lives to a higher pathway as you journey toward perfection.

There is a simplicity—even a sincerity—when “thank you” is spoken.”

(President Monson, Ensign, Sept 2005, The Profound Power of Gratitude)