We come to understand that the Savior has taken upon himself our pains and our sins and replaced them with gifts of well being, forgiveness, and life everlasting. His gifts outlast the short days of the holiday season. Contra Costa Times Members of the Catholic and LDS churches in Oakley, Calif. are working together to put on a Christmas pageant. The unity in hosting the non-denominational pageant stemmed from some LDS missionaries who also helped organize a Family Home Evening lesson with members of the Catholic church. Also, it's an opportunity to do service together.
Nothing can bring people closer together than having a service together.
With the purchase of St. Mary's Academy in Nauvoo in the spring of 1999, BYU is offering a complete fall semester study abroad program in the building that is now officially called the Joseph Smith Academy. A limited study program has been offered there before, but students are completing the first full Fall Semester in the building where they've been living in dorm-style rooms, had a cafeteria to eat in and a gym to play sports in. There is also a library and two computer labs. The program is not limited to BYU students, and organizers say they are searching for more volunteer faculty who have advanced degrees in American literature and history. Reflecting on the year and what he has done with his family and life, he is grateful for his decision to quit coaching and spend more time with his wife and six children.