Pepperoni service

My brother-in-law brought a pizza to the hospital for us just after my youngest was born. It was one of the most memorable pizzas I've ever had!
 

Share your talents

This is one of my favorites ever. And it almost stayed a sketchbook!
 

No signs yet.

This started from a discussion about the Nephite story of the Nativity, and the signs and wonders. Yes, it would have been better last week to go along with our Come, Follow Me discussions about Samuel the Lamanite. 

In a semi-related note, there are those who argue that we have enough holiday lights at our house that at Christmastime it's as light as noon day when the sun goes down around here.

Still too soon

I’ll admit it. I certainly felt awkward reading the nativity story just a short time after chopping up the Christmas tree for firewood. 
 

Merry Christmas!

 

O be wise

Who hasn't had that same feeling?

Wouldn't you hate to miss out on the trip to see the newborn Messiah just because you weren't prepared for the test? Hmm. That might be deeper than I thought!
 

Light the World: Jesus is the Light of the World

Merry Christmas!

Light the World: Sharing Light

One of my favorite parts of the Nativity is watching what the shepherds do. They made haste to do what the angels told them to do — go and find the babe — and then they "made known abroad" what they had seen and heard.

The Light the World prompt for today is to share an inspirational story from your life in order that others may be uplifted. That's certainly what the shepherds did that night in Bethlehem!
 

Light the World: From Luke 2 to You

 This might be cheating, but I’m reposting from last year’s Light the World. This was so much fun to do!

Today's Light the World prompt suggests that we read a verse of Luke 2 and then pass it off to a friend. I asked a couple of my cartooning buddies to help me tell the story of the Nativity: Summer Bird and Arie Van De Graaff.*

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"And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus, that all the world should be taxed. (And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was the governor of Syria.)

"And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city. And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:) To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child."

"And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered. And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn."

"And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night."

"And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be unto all people; For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger."

"And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men."

"And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them unto heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us.

"And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger."

"And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning the child. And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds.

"But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart.

"And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them."

(Luke 2:1-20)

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*As an added bonus, the last panel includes hidden pictures for you to find! Download a printable copy!

Special thanks to Summer and Arie for joining me in this project. They are amazing people!

Second bonus: There's also a video version — take a look!

Light the World: Christmas Dinners

The suggested service for today is to provide food for someone in need. I don't know if there's much else to say — we've all been hungry. Help out where you can. 

Light the World: Showtime

Today's prompt for Light the World is to invite someone to a concert, play or program — or something. Even if they say no, the important part is making the invitation. It's always nice to be invited.
 

Light the World: Magic Memory

One of my favorite quotes from Pres. Hinckley goes something like, "If it wasn't for Easter, we wouldn't have Christmas." 

Today's Light the World is to share a Christmas memory with a friend or family member, along with a message of why they are important to you.

 

Light the World: The Christ Child

Today for Light the World, we're encouraged to watch the video The Christ Child with friends, family or both — or maybe even the pizza guy. 
 

Light the World: Light of the World

Light the World: Sharing Light

A couple of days ago I looked at an illustration of the Nativity and noticed that the shape of the beam of light emanating from the star. As it shone down on the manger in this particular depiction, the light formed the shape of a Christmas tree. I'd never thought of that concept before. Then I noticed in the illustration that the manger formed the base of the tree — the place where we put our gifts. 

Maybe that's something that everyone knows, but I just got it. And now I'm sharing it with you.

Light the World: Looping Luke 2

Today's Light the World prompt suggests that we read a verse of Luke 2 and then pass it off to a friend. I asked a couple of my cartooning buddies to help me tell the story of the Nativity: Summer Bird and Arie Van De Graaff.*

---

"And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus, that all the world should be taxed. (And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was the governor of Syria.)

"And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city. And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:) To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child."

"And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered. And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn."

"And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night."

"And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be unto all people; For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger."

"And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men."

"And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them unto heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us.

"And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger."

"And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning the child. And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds.

"But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart.

"And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them."

(Luke 2:1-20)

---

*As an added bonus, the last panel includes hidden pictures for you to find! Download a printable copy!

Special thanks to Summer and Arie for joining me in this project. They are amazing people!

Second bonus: There's also a video version — take a look!

Light the World: Treats Times Two

It's said that gold, frankincense and myrrh were not unusual gifts to give a king. We often talk about what the gifts from the Magi represent, but have you considered what the gifts allowed Jesus' family to do?

Not only would the wealth ease the financial burdens of fleeing to Egypt and back — and help to sustain them while they were there — but they would also make it easier to render service to those around them.

There was, of course, symbolism to the gifts: divinity, priesthood, healing. There was a practicality to them as well.

Those Wise Men were pretty smart guys!

 

Light the World: Signs of Christmas

I try to light the world with my Christmas lights. Or at least keep the neighborhood lit up!
 

Light the World: The Light and the Life

Merry Christmas!

Light the World: Share your talents

"Interpret how you feel about Jesus Christ by creating art, a song, a poem or some other creative outlet, and share it with a friend or a loved one," is today's #LightTheWorld suggestion.

Just don't be obnoxious about it. :)