This special time of year always finds me reflecting on my experiences as a missionary serving in Sweden. I think it's a mixture of the cold weather, the dark evenings, and the overall feeling of love that reminds me of Christmas 2010 that I spent in a city called Norrköping. I can't believe that has already been four years ago.
Now, Sweden isn't exactly a hub for religious church goers. At least, not anymore. The Swedish Church, a Lutheran sect, has many breathtaking cathedrals and churches all over the country that were built hundreds of years ago. Unfortunately, many of the country's problems throughout history were blamed on religion, and it has become more of an old tradition than a common way of life. As a missionary, this made for an exciting challenge--how will we ever get these people interested in listening to our message about God? Bringing up the word alone was reason enough for a person on the street to laugh out loud and curse at us. Although I strived to be positive, I would sometimes find myself losing enthusiasm as my faith and endurance was put to the test.
Because Sweden is so far north on the earth, the sun set in Norrköping very early, and it was usually midnight-dark at 4 pm. It was also very snowy and very cold, and for someone who hates cold weather, these conditions didn't really help with the daunting feeling I would get walking the streets after the tenth shutdown in a row. As my attitude became to more and more pessimistic, I received a beautiful and uplifting email from my dad at a much-needed time during that Christmas season.
My dad said that as they were singing "O Little Town of Bethlehem" in church that Sunday, a specific line stuck out to him and made him think of me.
"O little town of Bethlehem,
How still we see thee lie.
Above thy deep and dreamless sleep
The silent stars go by;
Yet in thy dark streets shineth
The everlasting Light.
The hopes and fears of all the years
Are met in thee tonight."
My dad reminded me that as a missionary, I was a special light sent to those dark streets to help share the message of our Savior's birth during that Christmas season.
The words touched me, and I was reminded of what Christmas is truly about. And although it was still dark and still cold, and there were still plenty of people who were not interested in listening to our message, I had a renewed faith and strength in my purpose. I knew that I was was there to be a light and to share the gift that is our Savior.
I am reminded of this message each year when I hear this beautiful hymn. I'm no longer a full-time missionary, but I, and we, have a mission to be a light to those around us-- especially during this most wonderful time of year. We can reach out and bless others by doing simple acts of kindness and love. Christmas time has a magical way of softening hearts and allowing people to feel this love.
I hope we all take time this season to reflect on ways that we can be a light in the dark streets of our cities and towns to share with others the true meaning of Christmas, the gift of our Savior.
"How silently, how silently
The wondrous gift is giv'n!
So God imparts to human hearts
The blessings of his heav'n.
No ear may hear his coming;
But in this world of sin,
Where meek souls will receive him,
still The dear Christ enters in."
#ShareTheGift
