Ward Christmas Party Celebrates the Birth of Christ

     All of the organizations in the ward contributed to a Christmas celebration that was beautiful, timely, and touched the hearts of the large group who attended. Visitors began their experience by exploring a room of nativities contributed by various families, enhanced by lights and decorations.  Some of the nativities were created by hand from Christ-loving people around the world.

   Next we are in Bethlehem where the Inn Keeper lets us know that that is NO room for Mary and Joseph.  They will have to look elsewhere.  Next we see a stable where Mary and Joseph welcome the newborn Christ child.  (Editor's note: This is a VERY beautiful stable!)

   The decorations for dinner were lovely and many walked around the hall to see them all before choosing a seat.  A young pianist played music while the crowd made their way through a delicious assortment of salad, potatoes, meat, bread, vegetables, and dessert. (Contributed by almost everyone who came!) Our fulltime Sister Missionaries (lower center pix) enjoyed the evening.

   To end the evening our new bishop, Bishop Adam Sroufe led us in singing Christmas carols. Everyone had a sheet of paper with the words on it and it sounded like a heavenly choir.

    As a final act of kindness these girls made sure each family had an ornament to take home and hang on their Christmas tree. It displayed the theme of the occasion: "Each of us is an innkeeper who decides if there is room for Jesus."