Tuesday, December 30, 2008

Temple Square








Yesterday was what we in Utah call a beautiful winter day. The sky was blue. The high was a pleasant 38 degrees (Farenheit). There was a wonderful layer of snow--that started melting because it was so warm. We had planned to visit Temple Square to see the Christmas lights in the evening. I came up with the brilliant idea to get up there a little early (4:00 or so), visit some Church stuff (i.e. museums, Tabernacle, visitors centers, etc.) and then we would be there when the lights turned on. The reason it was brilliant was because it gets so cold in the evening. If we wait until after dinner to go up, it is chilly. But this way, it would be pleasant. My brilliant idea worked! It was beautiful! The only flaw was that we were soooo hungry!
I love the Christmas lights on Temple Square. I enjoy Christmas lights everywhere. I've been to some places where you have to pay to see the fancy lights. They are all kinds of fun. But there is something different about the lights at the temple. It is sacred and holy and beautiful. We stood on Main Street Plaza and looked out from Church-owned land to the city street. The street was also decorated with Christmas lights. But there was such a difference. It was in one sense tasteful and festive, but also somewhat garish. I can't really explain the difference. But it reinforced to me the sacred nature of the dedicated and holy temple grounds.
I included some photos for your viewing enjoyment. I tried to include more, but the computer is slow. Maybe later.

4 comments:

Laura said...

We're going to miss the lights again this year. Thanks for sharing so we could get a little bit of them. And good planning!

Rachel said...

What great pictures. We took pictures with our film camera, so we haven't seen them yet. Fun stuff. And I totally know what you mean about the Christmas lights at the temple.

Kathryn said...

And we missed the lights this year too. I was so hoping to go. I'm glad you had a good time.

Cami said...

Very nice photo's.