Presidency Message

December Relief Society Newsletter Message-

                        From Sister Kay Sampson

To Latter-day Saints the Christmas story from Bethlehem to Calvary should take precedence over the tinsel and the toys, for the Savior is the center of Christmas.

Christmas gifts should be in memory of the divine gift, the life of Jesus Christ. His gift gave us eternal life; our gifts should be gifts that will bring joy to those who receive. His gift was the sacrifice of his earthly life; our gifts should represent personal sacrifices on our part.

How can we give to the Lord? What shall we give Him? Every kind word to our own, every help given them, is a gift to God, whose chief concern is the welfare of His children. Every gentle deed to our neighbor, every kindness to the poor and suffering, is a gift to the Lord, before whom all mankind are equal. Every conformity to the Lord’s plan of salvation – and this is of first importance – is a direct gift to God, for thereby we fit ourselves more nearly for our divinely planned destiny.

Would it not be well this Christmas to give first to the Lord, directly through obedience, sacrifice, and love, and then to give to Him indirectly through gifts to friends and those in need as well as to our own? Should we do this, perhaps many of us would discover a new Christmas joy.

We would hope we can try to open our hearts a little more each day and not wait for the Christmas season. A gift given or an expression of kindness may be more unexpected and appreciated in July than in December.

President Faust said, “The angel who heralded the Savior’s birth stated that His coming was to bring great joy to all people. The blessings which flow from the Atonement and the Resurrection are available to us each day and throughout all eternity. At this Christmas season I believe there is much reason for hope for greater days ahead. Despite our personal challenges or difficulties or worldwide problems, we can take comfort in the knowledge that the Savior is leading this Church.

May the Lord bless each of you this Christmas Season with love and gratitude for your families and those you serve.

Merry Christmas,

Sister Kay Sampson