A Visit From Jultomten

Jultomten is Santa Claus in Sweden! And this week Aldste Haddon got to meet him! They were able to attend two Christmas Celebrations this week. The first was to celebrate St. Lucia in the largest cathedral in Northern Europe: (Here's Aldste Haddon's version)

A little background on the Holiday St. Lucia

St Lucia was a young Christian girl who was martyred, killed for her faith, in 304AD. The most common story told about St Lucia is that she would secretly bring food to the persecuted Christians in Rome, who lived in hiding in the catacombs under the city. She would wear candles on her head so she had both her hands free to carry things. Lucy means 'light' so this is a very appropriate name.

A great video to watch about this ”A Lucia for Dummies Guide” http://vimeo.com/55253944"

 

Later in the week was the 37th Annual Ward Christmas Party, in the past the largest turnout they had ever had was about 60 ward members with one or two friends scattered amongst the crowd. This year was a lot different! They had over 100 people because of the huge turnout of people who had not been attending church or who are now being taught by the missionaries. It was incredible, but unfortunately they ran out of food!

 (Lets not forget this is the same area that there was a full out fight in during Thanksgiving so it really is saying something!)

 

It's amazing to see what a lot of hard work and the spirit of the Lord can do. This is an area that has been struggling in ways we don't experience here in the US usually and now, their attendance is doubling and the work of the Lord is spreading. There's really nothing more amazing than that. There is no better gift to give someone than the gift of Jesus Christ for Christmas. We challenge you to find someone who you can share the Light of Christ with.

Share your testimony of Him and His divinity and mission this Holiday Season both through your loving actions and the words you speak!

 

Thanks again for helping us support Aldste Haddon as he serves the people of Sweden a world away!

Click HERE for the Nativity Video to get into the Christmas Spirit!

 

 These pictures were emailed to us by a Senior Couple serving with Aldste Haddon, they said he and his companion are always quick to help them, even checking out their car before a trip to the district meeting!