Christmas Devotional Tuesday December 8: Cauayan, Roxas and Alicia Zones

We began our rounds of Christmas Devotionals in Cauayan with Alicia, Roxas and Cauayan Zones.  The morning was spent in the chapel with President Rahlf teaching in depth about the Christmas story.  He taught about the traditions of the time, about Zacharias and Elizabeth, about Joseph and Mary, about the journey to Bethlehem, about the manger and the shepherds and the star.  Sister Rahlf interspersed the morning with music and the story behind the songs: Joy to the World, Breath of Heaven, Hallelujah Chorus, Silent Night and The Innkeeper's Song. 

After the morning session, we gathered for lunch prepared by the wonderful Sister Uy.  We also celebrated birthdays and had a rousing rendition of "The Twelve Days of Christmas" with each table not only singing a verse, but acting it out.  We had some amazing--and very creative-- performances!

Then each zone drew a traditional Christmas song out of a hat, and then put on a skit based on that song.  They also had a bag of random items that had to be incorporated into the skit.  Lots of entertaining laughter followed.  You probably have no idea how talented your missionary is!

After the skits, we met again in the chapel for our closing session and testimonies.
A very memorable day.  Maligayang Pasko and Merry Christmas to all...



Missionary friends always brings smiles

Lunchtime by the wonderful Sister Uy always brings more smiles!

The Twelve Days of Christmas
Lively Missionary Version--

Five Golden Rings

Birthday Celebrants
October-December

Departure Tradition
with Elder and Sister Shorter
The Shorters complete their mission
December 14th and will return to Virginia.
Before they left, we had the traditional 
material and tie-cutting ceremony

Now let the skits begin!

We get the program going with
our own version of "Twelve Days"

"Five Wacky Wackys"

Roxas Zone 
presents "Jingle Bells"

Roxas Zone
Back:  Elders Martizo, Tabudlong, Jordan, Padilla, Brandon, Hilbun
Middle:  Elders Aguilar, Riparip, Dialino, Flores
Front:  Sisters Tupou, Talera, Martinez, Arcinas,
Visitors Sisters Hamblin and Kibaimoa

Cauayan Zone

"Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer"

Cauayan Zone
Back:  Elders Higgins, Olsen, Fernandez, Swensen, Lee, Balneg
Middle:  Elders Castillo, Frei, Monilla, Navarro, Treyes, Posadas
Front:  Sisters Heve, Porter, Ethington, Montejo, Canlapan, Mariano, Allen, Maroket

Alicia Zone

"Santa Claus is Coming to Town"

Alicia Zone
Back:  Elders Odchigue, Murdock, Gabelo, Elicay, Carrington, Bacle-an, Clarite,
 Soronda, Torio, Rotamula, Valdez, Kane
Middle:  Elders Romo, Flores, Mansor, Haacke, Oredson
Front:  Sisters Villa, Delinila, Biolena, Sutherby, Songcuan, Glick 

Singing Elders performing the Tagolog

version of "We Wish You a Merry Christmas"

Friends for eternity

And packages round out the day!

Maligayang Pasko!

We have asked each companionship to prepare a Christmas message to share with all that they meet in their areas; that all may hear the name of Jesus Christ and rejoice.

We share that message with you as well, and send our love.

"How silently, how silently, the wondrous gift is given!

So God imparts to human hearts

The blessings of his heaven.

No ear may hear his coming;

But in this world of sin,

Where meek souls will receive him, still

The dear Christ enters in."

                                                      O Little Town of Bethlehem