Relief Socieity

The Gift of Hope
by Angela Jorgensen

I am writing this Relief Society Christmas message while visiting my sister in Illinois, and holding my newborn niece. The chill in the air here and the precious rush of emotion one feels when welcoming a newborn to the family - overwhelming love, gratitude, peace and hope for the future - have brought the sweet spirit of Christmas into my heart. We are so blessed as followers of Jesus Christ to feel a renewal of optimism and joy this season as we focus on the wondrous birth of the Christ Child. During the busyness of the holidays which are now upon us, "May you have the gladness of Christmas which is Hope; The spirit of Christmas which is Peace; The heart of Christmas which is Love." (Ada V. Hendricks)

President Dieter F. Uchtdorf spoke on "The Infinite Power of Hope" during October conference and reminded us that "Hope has the power to fill our lives with happiness...In times of distress, we can hold tightly to the hope that things will 'work together for our good' as we follow the counsel of God's prophets." I am so grateful for the peace that can come to our hearts as we place our trust in the Lord and his chosen representatives and as we love others despite our many differences. These feelings of hope, peace, and love are symbols of what takes place in our heart when we remember the birth of our Savior Jesus Christ, and soak up all that is good about this time of year.

Helen Keller said, "Blessed by the Christmas sunshine, our natures, perhaps long leafless, bring forth new love, new kindness, new mercy, new compassion." In an address at our most recent General Relief Society Meeting held in September, Barbara Thompson, second counselor in the Relief Society General Presidency said, "We hear of calamities, storms, or personal tragedy in the lives of our sisters everywhere. We need not rush about trying to find things to do or causes to take up. Remember, most often the help needed is in our own homes, neighborhoods, and communities. A kind word of encouragement, a note of thanks, a phone call, a loving smile, a helpful deed, and a reminder that God loves us are often what is needed most. We can lift and bless others in so many ways." Thank you all for the many ways you serve each other, not only during the holidays, but all year long. As we lift others, we rise a little higher ourselves and emulate the Savior. We have been counseled that our gifts to one another need not cost money, or even take much of our time, but our sincere effort to serve one another will enlarge our souls and give us the opportunity to act as angels of heavenly comfort.

In the days we have now leading up to Christmas, treat yourself to a gift of ten minutes each day, to nurture your own spirit by rereading the Nativity story from the Bible or the words of General Conference from the November Ensign. This will surely bring the Savior's love into your heart and the peace we all seek in these turbulent times. The words of an old English carol sing out, "December, month of holly, pine, and balsam, Of berries red, of candles' mellow light, Of home and fireside, laughter, happy faces, Of peace that comes upon the holy night." From the Relief Society Presidency to each one of you wonderful Silva Valley sisters, we wish you a most joyous and peaceful Christmas!!

To see the pictures from the Relief Society Progressive Dinner click here.