Chrisrmas from the MTC

So everything is going great here at the MTC. Christmas was incredible! Christmas Eve Elder Bednar spoke to the missionaries and after he let all the missionaries shake his hand. He gave an incredible talk about trees, lights, and shepherds.
      Christmas morning started off great, I opened my presents from my wonderful family (thanks for the packages and letters by the way, I really enjoyed reading them) and then we sang as a zone. We received a very nice present from the MTC, well all the means to purchase the gifts were donated by members of the church. We received a handmade tie, a scripture marking pen and a CD along with a few treats.
   Following, we went to a devotional and lo and behold, Elder Holland spoke to us, AGAIN! He also gave a wonderful talk in relation to Christmas and the Savior. He gave, or committed all of the missionaries to study the names of Christ in the scriptures and how to apply this in our lives. I would also like to extend this invitation out to anybody that would like to study about the “Names of Christ” as well.
    Elder Holland told us to do “12 Names of Christ” for the “12 Days of Christmas” that follow Christmas Day.
The 12 Days are as follows, 1) The Great Stone of Israel 2) Messenger of the Covenant 3) Christ is an advocate 4)Christ is a mediator 5)Christ is an intercessory 6) Christ is a light 7) Be a faithful witness 8) Strength and a refuge for all people 9) be a true vine 10) remember the lamb 11) Christ is the Morningstar 12) Christ is the High Priest of good things to come.
 In a couple days we begin 100% speak your language and we can only speak in Russian between tomorrow until we leave (the 20th of January). I’m excited, I know this will significantly improve and help out with the language. Well I hope all is well!

Love, Elder Ostler


S.O.T.W. –“Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproach, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ’s sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong.”
---2 Corinthians 12:10