Inspired Words--Truly Seeing the Prince of Peace

"Sometimes the most difficult things to see are those that have been right in front of us all along. . .     UAdd a Note 

"We who have heard the glorious message of the coming of the Son of God, we who have taken upon us His name and have covenanted to walk in His path as His disciples—we must not fail to open our hearts and minds and truly see Him.

"The Christmas season is wonderful in many ways. It is a season of charitable acts of kindness and brotherly love. It is a season of being more reflective about our own lives and about the many blessings that are ours. It is a season of forgiving and being forgiven. It is a season to enjoy the music and lights, parties and presents. But the glitter of the season should never dim our sight and prevent us from truly seeing the Prince of Peace in His majesty."

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From "Can We See the Christ?", by Elder Dieter F. Uctdorf, 
Second Counselor in the First Presidency of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints

All photos are from our quick trip to the Washington D.C. Temple's Festival of Lights which I had never heard about before this move to Virginia. 

I love how there are no Christmas lights immediately around the Temple itself.  It is grand enough.

One million (!) lights decorate the beautiful trees and shrubs of the temple grounds.  Inside the Visitors' Center we paused at the Christus statue, we admired the beautifully decorated trees, and we attended a handbell choir concert.  Just outside the Center, we strolled along the sidewalks and visited the lifesize nativity scene.  All of that at 9:00 p.m.  Our kids held it together.  For all of you in the area, the nightly concerts and stunning lights are worth the trip.