Blog #30
Kevin V. Hunt
This is an unusual Christmas for Sister Hunt and me. Typically, we are in our home and are surrounded by family who all gravitate to be with us and celebrate the special time with Grandpa and Grandma. This year, however, we are celebrating Christmas on a holy ground – away and kind of in our own little world. We are blessed to be able serve the Lord on a couple mission and we are in the beautiful and sacred grounds and sites of Old Nauvoo, Illinois. This has been a great blessing and opportunity.
Full Mission photo of “Winter Missionaries 2024” in the Illinois Historic Sites Mission
We are many miles from our children and grandchildren this year, but we feel their love, support, and prayers. They have sacrificed to send us many gifts and we are grateful for those. More importantly, however, are the gifts of themselves – and the lives that they are living.
As has been my custom for 35 plus years (see the link down at the end of this article), I took some time at this Christmas season to contemplate the Lord Jesus and his birth, his life, his mission and all that He has done for me and us. I prayed for direction and the inspiration came. These are my thoughts of the day:
2024: JESUS, OUR LORD, ON HOLY GROUND
In Heavenly realms, before our birth,
Our Father chose Jehovah, Son.
Planned holy ground for him on earth,
For Jesus said, “God’s will be done.”
God’s Son, with Mary here on Earth,
Born in a stable, oh so lowly.
In a manger, Jesus had birth,
That quiet place became one holy.
Shepherds in fields did keep their sheep,
As Father’s Glory shown around.
Long a promise, our God did keep,
His son, now born on holy ground.
Chorus:
God’s shown His love on holy grounds,
In special times in days gone by,
Gods show themselves, on holy grounds,
They want us to remember why.
Atonement made Gethsemane,
His precious blood, He freely gave.
On Calvary’s cross, for you for me,
On holy grounds, His sheep to save.
That Easter morn, He brought new life,
The tomb became our holy ground.
As Jesus once again did live,
His sacred love, then knew no bound.’
To Nephites and to other sheep,
The resurrected Lord did come.
With them on holy ground did weep,
From God’s own presence he did come.
Chorus Repeats
Palmyra too was sacred ground
As Father, Son, Joseph did see.
In modern day, their love abound,
For their new prophet, he would be.
To Kirtland, Christ made holy ground,
In His Temple, he did appear.
Again, that day his glory round,
In open vision, came to His seer.
A holy ground is Nauvoo, too,
As Jesus with His Saints does walk.
His Temple on the hill in view,
Cov’nants with Him their Zion’s walk.
Chorus Repeats
By Kevin V. Hunt – Christmas 2024 – While serving a mission in Nauvoo
Serving on this mission has been a sacred and beautiful experience. We are grateful for this opportunity.
As I prepared this blog article, I felt a desire to share some of my Christmas poems/songs from previous years. Here are a couple of my favorites:
2023: JOSEPH, GUARDIAN OF OUR LORD
Joseph, Guardian of our Lord,
Was born in David’s royal line.
The earthly father of our Lord,
A chosen man, and godly, fine.
To Mary he had pledged his heart,
Espoused to take her as his bride.
Then he heard news, ripped him apart,
As he learned Mary was with child.
Then in vision, an angel came,
‘Twas Gabriel who had come from God.
Spoke to Joseph, called his name,
Mary, mother, Son of God!
Joseph believed, and from that day,
Became the guardian, father too.
Mary, now in family way,
As her, protector, helper, too.
Then Joseph got a tax decree,
To go to Judea from Galilee.
Though big with child, his wife, Mary,
On donkey’s back, he led the way.
Joseph was told, “No room the inn”,
Helped Mary lay down on the hay.
He delivered baby, welcomed him,
The first to hold the precious boy.
Joseph welcomed humble shepherds,
And proudly led to mother, child.
He saw the star, their message heard,
With them rejoiced in Holy child.
Joseph took Mary and newborn son,
For circumcision on eighth day,
To Temple to present God’s Son,
“His name is Jesus,” he did say.
He marveled as Simeon praised,
And Anna as a Prophetess,
Both in thanks, their voices raised,
By Spirit, chosen Son did bless.
Joseph amazed, as wise men shared,
Their special gifts for Royal Son.
Then angel’s voice again he heard,
“Go to Egypt, Take thou, my Son.”
In Nazareth, Joseph opened shop,
And there became a carpenter.
Jesus learned art of woods in shop,
Joseph, teacher, and his mentor.
Joseph was pleased as he saw his son,
Grow in wisdom, in God’s grace.
Always he, the obedient one,
Subject to Joseph in his place.
Then to the Temple Jesus “strayed”,
And at twelve, he listened, taught.
Joseph and Mary, worried, prayed,
“On Father’s Business”, Jesus taught.
Joseph, guardian of the Christ,
Stood looking on, but always there.
He heard the angel’s voice for Christ,
And helped His mission to prepare.
Joseph, a holy man of God,
Heard angels, and then heeded voice.
He knew his role for Son of God,
Chosen step-father, he was choice.
2003: THE GLORY OF THE LORD SHONE ‘ROUND
The Glory of the Lord shone ‘round,
As God our Father came to Earth,
And shepherds bowed on holy ground,
And heard the news of Jesus’ birth.
In radiant glory, Father came,
To herald news of His Son’s birth,
To shepherds, not to kings, he came,
Transcendent tidings to the earth.
Chorus:
Glory to God for His Son’s birth,
And peace, Good will to all on earth.
The shepherds saw, with ears they heard,
As God proclaimed the royal birth.
And by the Spirit, their hearts burned,
As Father testified on Earth.
The hosts of heaven, with Him came,
In loud acclaim their voices rang.
“Glory to God! – they praised his name,
“Good will and peace to men,” they sang.
Chorus: Glory to God for His Son’s birth,
And peace, Good will to all on earth.
God’s brightness, glory filled night sky,
With backdrop of a great new star.
And humble shepherds wondered why,
In fear they stood with hearts ajar.
“Fear not!” Said God, “For now behold,
I bring good tidings of great joy.
For born this day, is Christ the Lord,
And to all people, he’ll bring joy.”
(Chorus) Glory to God for His Son’s birth,
And peace, Good will to all on earth
“In David’s City, he is laid,
In swaddling clothes on manger hay.
To men a Savior, Christ the Lord!
Born my Begotten Son today.”
In haste, the shepherds went to see,
And found the babe as God had said.
By Spirit’s whisper, knew ‘twas He,
The Son of God in manger laid.
(Chorus) Glory to God for His Son’s birth,
And peace, Good will to all on earth.
By Father’s love, he sent His Son,
His own Begotten, born that day.
‘Twas sent to die, that death be won,
And sin be gone in Father’s way.
He came, according to God’s plan,
That all mankind might get to choose.
Thus Heavenly Father came to man,
Announcing Jesus – joyful news!
(Chorus) Glory to God for His Son’s birth,
And peace, Good will to all on earth.
–Written by Kevin V. Hunt
Annual Christmas Hymn 2003
(For scriptural background, see LUKE 2: 9-15, Bible Dictionary: “Glory to God”; Topical Guide: “Angel of the Lord”, “God, Presence of”, “God, Glory of”, Ezek. 1:27-28: 10:4, Acts 26:13; D&C 110:3; and Joseph Smith History 1:16-17)
2007: OUR GOD BELIEVES IN FAMILIES
Our God believes in families,
That’s why He gives us Christmas times.
Our God gave us, our families,
For Christmas joys throughout our lives.
That first of Christmas nights began,
In a stable, with family.
Joseph and Mary were there when,
God sent His Son to a family.
As a family, we often go
To parties, dinners, special things,
Its all part of the holiday glow,
Such fun to families, Christmas brings.
We hustle round, go to and fro,
So much to do, so much to see.
But it’s with family we do go,
And gather round the Christmas tree.
We buy our gifts, we do so much
And in traditions we do boast.
We give, we share, the Christmas rush,
It’s family time that means the most.
It’s Christmas and with family,
We celebrate the special days.
We do so many things with glee,
And sometimes don’t give God the praise.
When home for Christmas we enjoy
Times together and having fun.
God gave us Christmas for our joy,
Together, family, every one.
Christmas is special ‘cause we’re home,
It’s special with our families.
Rejoice at Christmas, love at home,
For God gave us our families.
(Chorus after each verse)
With family, the bells do chime,
It’s Christmas Day, give thanks to thee.
We celebrate at Christmas time
Because it all is family.
— Kevin V. Hunt © 2007
CHRISTMAS 2007
2011: THE GIFTS I CAN GIVE
Gifts I’ll give Jesus this Christmas,
Are gifts that I give of my heart.
I will give my gifts to Jesus
With “Grateful Heart”, my list will start.
I’ll give my thanks for all He’s done.
For family, life and time to live.
I’ll give my life to serve the one,
As Jesus gave, I too, will give.
I’ll serve as true under-shepherd;
Giving love to all in my care.
In joy, I’ll share God’s holy word,
His Gospel truths with all I’ll share.
With others, I will share my faith,
My testimony that He lives.
I’ll teach that as we live by faith,
Our God will help us, all He gives.
To Jesus, I will give my gifts,
Of love and service – from my heart.
The wealth of earth, I may not have,
But what I do have, I will share.
I’ll share with those who may not have,
That they may feel God’s love, His care.
I’ll help as needed, night and day,
In little ways, as so I can.
Through smile and deeds, I’ll show the way,
God shows His love to every man.
I will help others hope and feel,
That life is good, that God is here.
And He provides with love so real,
For all, His children, everywhere.
I’ll sing and dance, and live with joy,
Each day I’m blessed to be on earth.
I’ll share my talents and enjoy,
The friends He’s given me from birth.
To Jesus, I will give my gifts,
Of love and service – from my heart.
I’ll strive to be at peace each day,
I’ll trust in Him, and give Him praise.
For all He gives me, come what may,
And for His goodness all my days.
I’ll rejoice in Heaven’s Glory,
For Jesus came as God’s own son.
Thank Jesus for His blood He’s given,
Atonement made for everyone.
Christmas is Jesus, so I’ll give,
My all in service to my King.
I’ll follow Him, help others live,
In faith and hope through love I bring.
I will think of Him this Christmas,
And I will strive to do my part.
Yes, this year, I’ll give to Jesus,
My might, my soul, I’ll give my heart.
To Jesus, I will give my gifts,
Of love and service – from my heart!
— Kevin V. Hunt
Christmas 2011
I have often made reference to my “young mission”. For Christmas 1974 (exactly 50 years ago), I found myself serving in the secluded town of Cullman, Alabama. I was serving with Elder Wessman. On that occasion I was pensive about Christmas – away from home – but able to really ponder the meaning of Christmas and what it was to me. I penned the following lines of prose:
WHAT IS CHRISTMAS
Christmas Time is a very special time of the year.
Christmas is different things to different people.
Christmas should have great meaning for all of us.
Christmas – What is it to you?
CHRISTMAS is giving to others as God gave his only Begotten Son to redeem us. (John 3:16)
CHRISTMAS is loving our family and friends as Christ showed his love for all that he met. (John 13:34)
CHRISTMAS is singing beautiful songs and carols and remembering the angels singing and praising God at Christ’s birth. (Luke 2:13)
CHRISTMAS is joy and happiness and realizing that “unto us a child is born; unto us a Son is given.” (Isaiah 9:6)
CHRISTMAS is family togetherness and remembering the togetherness of Mary, Joseph and the babe on that first Christmas night. (Luke 2:16)
CHRISTMAS is keeping secrets and thinking of Mary who “kept all these things in her heart.” (Luke 2:19)
CHRISTMAS is kindness to others and living the golden rule which Jesus gave to us. (Matt. 7:12)
CHRISTMAS is a tree with a star on top reminding us of the star long ago which shone above the Bethlehem manger. (3 Nephi 1:21 and Matt. 2:2)
CHRISTMAS is generosity as Christ generously gave His life that we might live. (3 Nephi 11:9-14)
CHRISTMAS is a decorated tree with lights reminding us that Christ created the earth and the heavens for us. (John 1:1-3)
CHRISTMAS is busy people and crowded stores reminding us that “there was no room … in the inn” for the Son of God to be born. (Luke 2:7)
CHRISTMAS is seeing the smiles of parents of children and remembering the smiles of Mary as “she brought forth her firstborn son.” (Luke 2:7)
CHRISTMAS is fancy packages and gifts just as the wisemen gave Christ gifts of “Gold, and frankincense and myrhh.” (Matt. 2:11)
CHRISTMAS is a little girl with a new little doll in a blanket – reminding us of Mary wrapping her child in swaddling clothes lying him in a manager. (Luke 2:7)
CHRISTMAS is special prayers and praising God just as the angel and heavenly hosts praised God for the birth of Jesus. (Luke 2:12-14)
CHRISTMAS is sending cards wishing good cheer and great joy to friends and family as Jesus said to Nephi, “Be of good cheer for … on this night come I into the world.” (3 Nephi 1:13) and angels saying, “for unto you is born … Christ the Lord.” (Luke 2:10)
CHRISTMAS is traditions as prophets foretold the birth of Jesus for many generations. (3 Nephi 1:18)
CHRISTMAS is giving gifts as Christ gave each of us the gift of eternal life – “The greatest of all the gifts of God.” (D&C 14:7)
CHRISTMAS, then is remembering the Savior – even Jesus the Christ. CHRISTMAS is remembering who Jesus is and all that he has done for us.
CHRISTMAS is remembering Christ’s birth, life and example he set for us.
CHRISTMAS … What is it to you?
Kevin V. Hunt
Mission Christmas 1974
I have published my 30 years of Christmas messages in a book – now published on lulu.com. I invite you to read and enjoy the poems of the past years. Here is the link to the book:
And here is the “free” link where you can access the PDF file of the many songs/poems: (Copy and paste)
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Np3vQJbvmi376NodwJR44xqT0dVA7VW8/view?usp=sharing
I would like to share with you our own Merry Christmas message:
I am grateful for the Gospel of Jesus Christ in my life and I am grateful for the Lord Jesus Christ at this special Christmas time.
We wish you all a Merry Christmas! We love you all and are grateful for you. May you find joy and peace on your Christmas trail.
Elder Kevin and Sister Lou Hunt
On the Nauvoo Trail 