Ilumina el Mundo/ Light the World

#LightTheWorld
#ILUMINAelMUNDO

If Elder Scott had to choose a favorite time of the year, I'm pretty confident he'd choose the Christmas season. He's always loved the weeks leading up to December 25th, and this year is no different. In fact, it's probably more true this year than any previous year because he is a missionary and his focus is solely on the Savior and on spreading His gospel message to the people in Perú that he has grown to love like dear family members. 

Whether you're near your family or far away, or you have to work long, grueling hours and hardly have time to breathe, let alone find time to enjoy the festivities that surround you this time of year; the spirit of the season can be the same no matter where you are. It's not about the presents under a tree or the shining lights hanging from the rooftops. It's not even about the hot cocoa, peppermint sticks and singing carols around a Christmas Tree. All of these things are fun, and many are seeped in traditions that we love, but the real reason for the season is to remind us of the miracle of Christ's birth. For without his birth there would be no atonement and without the atonement there would be no purpose for us being here on earth. "We are here to gain a physical body, to be tested to see if we are willing to follow God's commandments, to prepare to have an eternal family, to bless God's children and to become more like our Heavenly Father."

Each morning Elder Scott and Elder Parra begin their day with a mini Christmas devotional. They start by singing an opening hymn and then read the scripture verses listed on 2 different count-down chains they have. They finish their mini devotional by placing the next advent piece of a small wooden nativity we sent them. It's coming together so nicely, and Elder Scott loves that he can continue this family tradition in Perú and start his day by focusing on the Savior.

We can all honor the birth of the Savior by giving of ourselves more. If you haven't seen this cute 4 minute video I highly recommend it as a way of remembering this truth. 
https://www.lds.org/media-library/video/2013-11-018-the-reason-behind-christmas?lang=eng

Even in chaotic moments, one of the most powerful ways to turn your mind towards the Savior is through hymns. The next time you're singing a Christmas hymn, ponder the words you are singing. The words are like prayers, and when sung that way the spirit will testify to you of the truthfulness of the words. Whether that be Silent Night, Away in a Manger, or dozens of other songs, if it testifies of our Savior, it will make you feel good. It will remind you of the reason for the season and help you focus your time and energy on the things that matter most. Merry Christmas Everyone!

A few photos Elder Scott sent home from the past couple of weeks in Trujillo.

Trujillo, Perú LDS temple

The spirit radiates through all of these incredible Elders.

The grounds are gorgeous.

The temple grounds

Enjoying Christmas activities at one of the members homes.

Elder Scott has always loved the decorations
that surround the season.

The Elder's simple decorations this year in their apartment.

Elder Scott loved helping a family decorate
their tree. He was tall enough to put on the star.

First broken shoelace casualty.
There will be others.

The before picture:
Look at how happy he is at the thought
of American chocolate chip cookies.

The result made them all laugh.
No worries, the Elder's found plenty
of non-burned portions to eat anyway.

Elder Scott made grilled cheese sandwiches for
everyone and was in cheesy heaven.

The reason for the season can be found here.

Beach day where they
#ILUMINAelMUNDO
and managed to get a little too much sun.

#ILUMINAelMUNDO

Merry Christmas from Trujillo