Dec 23

Dear family and friends

 I know that this church is true and i am so greatful for what our savior has done for us. During this time of the year i hope we can remember the reason for all of the christmas decorations and for all the love and joy in the air. This joy does not come from us but it comes form the true Chirst and Lord. A scripture that i really love helps me rember the reason for this time of year is in Matthew 1

It says:

 1 The book of the generation of Jesus Christ, the son of ^aDavid, the son of Abraham.

 2 ^aAbraham begat Isaac; and Isaac begat Jacob; and Jacob begat ^bJudas and his brethren;

 3 And Judas begat ^aPhares and ^bZara of Thamar; and Phares begat ^cEsrom; and Esrom begat Aram;

 4 And Aram begat Aminadab; and Aminadab begat Naasson; and ^aNaasson begat Salmon;

 5 And Salmon begat ^aBooz of Rachab; and Booz begat Obed of Ruth; and Obed begat Jesse;

 6 And Jesse begat David the king; and David the king begat ^aSolomon of her that had been the wife of Urias;

 7 And Solomon begat Roboam; and Roboam begat Abia; and Abia begat Asa;

 8 And Asa begat Josaphat; and Josaphat begat Joram; and Joram begat Ozias;

 9 And Ozias begat Joatham; and Joatham begat Achaz; and Achaz begat Ezekias;

 10 And Ezekias begat Manasses; and Manasses begat Amon; and Amon begat Josias;

 11 And Josias begat Jechonias and his brethren, about the time they were carried away to ^aBabylon:

 12 And after they were brought to Babylon, Jechonias begat Salathiel; and Salathiel begat ^aZorobabel;

 13 And Zorobabel begat Abiud; and Abiud begat Eliakim; and Eliakim begat Azor;

 14 And Azor begat Sadoc; and Sadoc begat Achim; and Achim begat Eliud;

 15 And Eliud begat Eleazar; and Eleazar begat Matthan; and Matthan begat Jacob;

 16 And Jacob begat ^aJoseph the husband of ^bMary, of whom was born ^cJesus, ^dwho is called ^eChrist.

 17 So all the generations from Abraham to David are fourteen generations; and from David until the carrying away into Babylon are fourteen generations; and from the carrying away into Babylon unto Christ are fourteen ^agenerations.

 18 ¶^aNow the ^bbirth of Jesus Christ was ^con this wise: When as his mother Mary was espoused to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Ghost.

 19 Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not willing to make her a publick ^aexample, ^bwas minded to ^cput her away privily.

 20 But while he thought on these things, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a ^adream, saying, Joseph, thou son of ^bDavid, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the ^cHoly Ghost.

 21 And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his ^aname ^bJesus: for he shall ^csave his people from their sins.

 22 Now all this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying,

 23 ^aBehold, a ^bvirgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his ^cname ^dEmmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us.

 24 Then Joseph being raised from sleep did as the angel of the Lord had bidden him, and took unto him his ^awife:

 25 And knew her not till she had brought forth her ^afirstborn son: and he called his name JESUS.

When i read the last verse i feel the love that the savior has for each one of us.

This scripture helps me rember the reason behind Christmas, that Christ our saviour our example and our redeemer was born. it is to help us remeber his birth. I know he is our saviour and as his representative, I know his atonement changes us and helps us to be BETTER, without a doubt i know this church is true and IT really is his church. 

I am so excited to be able to talk to you mom and dad and makenna and brennan this wednesday. Keep chirst in your hearts and remember who we all represent as believers in him.

Love,

Elder Hicks

P.s. i love you all so much