There is Peace in Christ

The season has changed.  The first day of winter was just a few short days ago and this morning we woke up to a most beautiful winter scene.  Is there anything better than snow on Christmas Eve?  To me it feels like a gift from a loving Father in Heaven.  I can’t help but feel peaceful as I take in the quiet, white, pure beauty of it all.  It reminds me of the temple, of baby blessings, of baptism, even of the white cloths that cover the sacrament each Sunday, which in turn reminds me of our Savior.  
Like the seasons, change is a constant in our lives.  It can be difficult. The most difficult changes are those that alter family relationships and circumstances.  They can tear at our hearts and make us question the wisdom of our God. Remember this... our circles never shrink, they expand.  The unity we have experienced has been a beautiful thing, but like all spiritual gifts, this gift is meant to be shared. 
 I need you to know that I know that Jesus Christ is our Savior.  The Atonement is real.  We can have peace, we can have joy, we have the power to choose these things and we choose them by our actions.  My biggest wish is to see each of you receive the ordinances of the temple and enjoy the blessings of exaltation.  My wish for you this week is that you will have a merry Christmas. Be safe, and breathe in deeply the peace of Christ.