We had two wonderful Christmas Zone Conferences with the missionaries on Thursday and Friday this week.
The first part of the day we played a gift exchange game, gift wrapped pass-along cards (those offering a free copy of the Book of Mormon) and went Christmas caroling.
The experiences caroling and giving out pass-along cards were each different and each a great experience. In Berlin (50 from Berlin and Neubrandenburg Zones) some of the missionaries went caroling at a major plaza in front of the historic Gedaechtniskirche. They talked to people and got referrals. The other group sang at a couple of embassies and political offices located close to the Tiergarten church building. In the rotunda of one building people from four stories up could look down and applaud the missionaries singing. They were well received and invited to return.
In Leipzig (70 missionaries from Erfurt, Leipzig & Dresden Zones) half went to one streetcar stop and the other half went to another streetcar stop. It was freezing cold and snowing and they returned with rosy cheeks. They shared stories about the people they gave their "gift cards" to and the people who wanted them to continue singing.
After our caroling experiences we all had a meal with hot ham followed by a special program. In both cities we sat together in the chapel and could see the snow falling lightly outside through windows. We watched portions of the Mormon Tabernacle Choir's Live Concert "Silent Night, Holy Night" followed by a slide presentation of the Holy Land by Elder Christian. He and his wife are new to the mission having come with vast experience working with CES in Boston and Jerusalem. It was terrific.
A Pimentel tradition was followed as we brought out the hand bells to play and sing together."Joy to the World and "Silent Night" were favorites. President Pimentel gave the closing Christmas message reminding the missionaries to think about what we, individually will give to the Savior this Christmas.
Finally, Christmas packages from family and friends that were sent to the office were distributed.
At the close of these two wonderful days I had to remind myself, "Don't cry because it's over - smile because it happened." (Dr. Seuss) The Spirit of Christmas was with us.
