Dec 24, 1973

Once again we commemorate the birth of the Savior – what amazing changes have occurred in this world in the past year. We now find ourselves in the midst of tremendous shortages in fuel, commodities, food, etc. Somehow, I have a strong feeling that evil men are manipulating things and pulling strings which make us dance like marionettas. And so I personally long and pray to live all the Lord’s laws that we may become a true Zion people – that we might call off any dependence we now have upon the world – its economic and political system.

If we could only see what the Lord has in store for us if we will but listen to the prophet and search and study the scriptures. I have resolved to reread the scriptures in a way – a systematic way – that will perhaps allow me to become a true scriptorian in the Kingdom of God.

Our family has gathered together again for Christmas. There is now truly a Spirit of gathering which brings great joy to just be in the company and enjoy the sociality of one another – Jane has returned from Spain and below is a letter which depicts her Spirit and indicates what a strength she is to the family. [card enclosed from Jane to the family]

All the children have grown – I can see that we live in the midst of tremendous people who are Spirits held back to the very latter days in order to assume leadership roles and be tremendous influences in the kingdom of God. Last night Eric blessed his baby girl Christrina. The following stood in the circle – Kirk James, Tom, Leland, myself and Bro. Don Duffy. I begin to see how powerful the Priesthood can and will be in our family.

I was asked to give the Christmas message to the University Ward and our ward regarding the Savior. It was well received, but the assignment was so important to me because first I was asked by very critical, discerning young people who had prepared an outstanding musical program built around the talks and because it was pertaining to the personality of the Savior what right do I have to address my self to the life of the Savior unless it is done with considerable prayer and fasting to create a true sacred mood and capture some of the real truths of his life.

I don’t know what lies ahead for me and this wonderful family this year but I do know that we have been blessed enormously this past year. The Lord has indeed been very close to us and he helped this family in a way that no man ever could. He has helped to change some of the traditions of the fathers that I thought could never be altered. Truly all things are spiritual!! If we but make God the central figure in our lives and seek the spiritual things first – then the temporal things will be altered and problems will be solved to help us sanctify and purify ourselves.

My heart and mind are constantly concerned with a “family business” – A means of livelihood that will help this entire Anderson, Farmer family live close together in a spiritual bond. I feel that we, as a family, can and will live the Law of Consecration. I also feel that this gnawing feeling in my heart and mind regarding this matter is of a spiritual origin and has been put there by the Lord. Surely we will be successful in bringing this to fruition – but only through the guidance and help of the Lord.

I love the Lord, Jesus Christ, with all of my soul. I feel His great love for me and all my brothers and sisters here upon the earth. I need Him every moment of my life – I desire to make my election made sure while still a mortal, if possible. But first, I desire to have this great gift for others – those in my family, and those for whom I am responsible in my church calling that I may lose myself in caring about others over and above myself. I desire that my light may shine so bright that it will bring joy unto the lives of others who are seeking for truth. As an example, one in the last few days while scrubbing for surgery, one of the surgical technicians asked me “If the golden plates of the Book of Mormon were held in the Salt Lake Temple”. In the brief 10 minutes we were scrubbing I was able to tell him something about the Book – the history of the Nephites, and Lamanites, and also speak to him about the relevancy of the great truths as brought forth in the Book of Mormon. I bore my testimony to him of these things and later gave him the Book of Mormon.

Chris has given birth to a beautiful baby girl (Christrina Teresa Anderson) and Shirli has given birth to a beautiful baby boy (Leland Anderson III). Both of them had the babies by natural childbirth and their husbands – Eric and Leland – helped them and were with them throughout labor and the delivery. I have such admiration for them – What a contrast to the method of anesthesia that our generation has utilized in childbirth. Truthfully, I look back with regret and some shame that I was not near when Norma gave birth to our children.

May the Spirit of the Lord be with us this special Christmas season that we might cement our relationships with the Lord even firmer and commit ourselves to lives His laws and way of life even better and in a more dedicated manner.