Abby was away from home this year serving a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the California Spanish Speaking mission. I've been thinking about what Christmas would have been like for her as a missionary away from home. She probably got up at 6:30 a.m. on Christmas morning, just like she does every other day. But instead of jumping out of bed to see what Santa left, she quietly knelt next to her bed to give thanks for God's gift of His Son. Instead of opening presents and celebrating a new clothes or other wanted items, she probably open the scriptures to receive the gift of God's word. Instead of spending the day surrounded by family and friends, she probably spent a few hours with some kind family she and her companion had recently met. Knowing Annie, Abby had a few presents from home to open, but nothing like she would be used to. Abby and her companion will probably spend at least some of Christmas day doing what they do every day - offering people the greatest gift of all, an invitation to come unto Christ, receive His word, and enter the covenant path that leads to eternal life. For most, it is the first time in their lives the focus of the season really is more on Jesus Christ than on presents, food, or even family. God's missionaries are one of His greatest gifts to the world. I totally missed my little namesake missionary this year, and I know her mom, dad and siblings did as well, but it's okay - as long as Abby knows that her decision to set aside time in her life to serve Jesus Christ is the greatest gift she could have given her parents, siblings and Gam, and Pa and the world!
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