In 1969, my missionary district consisted of eight elders and two sisters. In district meetings, we had noticed that we had some good singers who not only had pleasant voices but also could read music and sing parts as well. Rather than sitting alone, longing for home on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, we determined to find a way to serve by sharing our talent.
It was an incredible experience as we shared our love of the Savior with those who had the misfortune of spending their Christmas confined to a hospital bed. Everyone there was given to know that we represented The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
Though that touched our lives and gave us the opportunity to do missionary work as a district, what happened next was even better. We had made an appointment on Christmas Day to sing in an orphanage. With each carol that celebrated the birth of our Lord, our Savior’s love shown in the faces of those special little children. As we finished with “Silent Night,” tears flowed freely.
After they had given us hugs and thanked us for coming, they surprised us by saying they had a program for us. They said that because we were so far away from home and had given of our time to come and sing to them, they wanted to give something in return. They had practised Christmas carols. The tables had certainly been turned, and this time tears rolled down our cheeks as they performed for us.
