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Christmas day was a Sunday that year in Ephrata.  Felix and I awoke to our sparkly tree and snow.  We shared Christmas breakfast prior to heading to the ward house, I had already opened my gifts {I was just as impatient as I am now}.  When we got to the Church we found all three wards crammed tightly into the building for our joint hour meeting.  We began searching for the two families we had been teaching.  After many handshakes and hugs I spotted them.  E was standing tall for the first time since I had met him.  He had on a new shirt, tie and shoes.  His sisters at either side were grasping his hands with gloved hands.  His mother a few steps behind him stood with tears in her eyes, Christmas had come to even her surprise.  As we walked in to find our seats I could not stop looking back at E.  There was a smile on his face, a real smile.  He was genuinely happy to be worshiping with us that morning.  He sang the hymns for the first time.  He did not poke at his sisters during the quiet moments as most 14 year olds would do, he sat listening.  At one point he turned to ask for the meaning of a word shared by the speaker, he was paying attention.

As the meeting ended and we were saying our goodbyes until our visit later that afternoon I could not help but ask E what had happened, why this boy who was sullen and melancholy only a day before had become a joyful kid.  He looked at me and said this, "French, it is Christmas.  I got new stuff and that was nice but I also remembered I got Jesus and that was nicer."

So to E: Yes, that is nicer.  Thank you for reminding me of joy and the true purpose for it.  It looks good on you, joy that is.

Merry Christmas E and family!!