The Season's initial scenes

The Season began with the lighting of the Nativity in Layton Park. The ceremony was attended by over a hundred faithful Christians. It was beautiful with light passed by candle and smile until the Nativity lights broke the evenings darkness. This year we completed the Nativity set with the addition of Wise Men and Camels. And through the generosity of the community we have them all paid for.

On the Saturday following Thanksgiving the Christmas group (Shades) Mary Ann and I belong to had our official season opener at the Garland City Community Christmas dinner. Each year Garland holds a dinner and an auction to raise funds for a deserving family in the community. It is a wonderful event attended by about 150 Garland faithful. Each year for the last 10 or so, Shades has performed, it is our dress rehearsal. It is a wonderful time

Shades has had a mild season this year. We have sung for five sacrament meetings, and five or six party groups. The Sacrament Meeting performances are the best. Our program has evolved into a wonderful spirit filled presentation. I like it because it emphasizes the Savior and the wonder of His Birth. Our first performance was the Sunday after Thanksgiving in a wonderful ward in Clearfield.

This ward looked like any other humble LDS ward in Utah. Immediately a couple of things stood out. In the back a young girl was lying in a wheel chair wrapped in an electric blanket. She appeared to be about nine. I saw her father plug the blanket in. Her stare was blank and her mouth hung open. I wondered as I gazed upon her, what had happened.

As the Sacrament was passed an interesting occurance happened that I had not seen before. One of the Deacons was blind and he was assisted by an older Aaronic Prieshood holder. He was lead from Sacrament table to a row of ward members. He held his arm out and the Sacrament was administered. It was a touching scene. On they went from row to row blessing the lives of the members by performing that sacred service. And a young man was able to serve those who loved him.

My eye returned to the young girl in the wheel chair. I tried not to stare but wanted to observe. Soon the water was passed to her father and he carefully poured a few drops onto her lips. She swallowed with minimal expression and some effort. Immediately after her father leaned over and spoke to her. I am not a good lip reader, especially from 35 or so feet. But whatever was spoken, it was with obivious love and kindness. He spoke for several moments interspersed with kisses and longing looks of love.

As our presentation moved forward in the off moments I like to look around the congregation and study the effect of the song and spoken word upon those present. Another face caught my attention, this one was a beautiful mature woman who was paying rapt attention to the service. She appeared to be one of the most totally honest and beautiful women in the congregation. As the meeting concluded and we were leaving this woman stood an revealed a humped back the likes of which I had not seen in many a year. My mind quickly sped through the trials that she has had to endure.

These thoughts were joined by others of the trials of the blind Deacon and the handicapped young girl. Each was had a challenge they were dealing with, one that affected their families and the Ward as well. Then the realization hit me as to why the Spirit had been so strong in the meeting.

Here was a Ward of loving, caring, serving Christians that obviously cared for and loved their fellow Ward members. Every where I had looked people were filled with love and compassion for those who had seen and unseen challenges and trials. And the Spirit of Christmas was present that day and most assuredly through out the entire year. My heart sang - Glory be to God, His Love is spoken here.

Such was the start of the Christmas Season. It was a wonderful to behold.