Story time

Somehow I ended up writing the Relief Society message for our ward newsletter this month. Hmmm…the pressure was totally on not only because it’s the Christmas message but also because things are supposed sound better in December, right? So after many hours staring at the computer, I finally came up with this. I thought I’d post it because it has an experience very special to us that I have never journalled before. I am so glad I did have this opportunity so I could put that story into words. Enjoy!

It truly is the most wonderful time of the year! I’m sure it’s not just coincidence that two meaningful holidays are so close together. Have you ever thought about the significance of Thanksgiving occurring just before Christmas? A season of Thanksgiving provides us a great opportunity to stop and ponder all of the blessings we receive and give thanks for the happiness in our lives. Then immediately following, we enter into a season of giving where we can share that gratitude by serving and blessing the lives of others.

As our thoughts turn increasingly toward Christ at this time of year, I am reminded of the Savior’s reply to his parents, Joseph and Mary, when they found him teaching in the temple at the young age of twelve. His mother was concerned that he had been gone for three days. She questioned him, saying, “Son, why hast thou thus dealt with us? Behold, thy father and I have sought thee sorrowing.” Jesus answered: “How is it that ye sought me? Wist ye not that I must be about my Father’s business?” (Luke 2:48-49).

Can we receive any greater joy and happiness than knowing that we are truly about our Father’s business?

Most of us can recall the most memorable Christmas in our lives. For many of us, that Christmas was not one of lavish gifts or vacations to distant places. It was a time that someone gave us something of themselves or a time when we gave something of ourselves. The Christmas I continue to hold most dear was years ago when a struggling single mother moved into our neighborhood with her son and two daughters. She had left Argentina with hopes of finding a better life for her young family. With what money they had, they were able to find a small apartment, but that was all. I remember seeing her son sleeping on the floor using his coat for a blanket. My heart ached for their situation. But how could we help this little family on our own? It wasn’t possible. With Christmas quickly approaching, we decided to call family, neighbors, and friends and ask for their support. I was amazed as I watched selfless acts of service occur, even children deciding they would give up a holiday trip to Disneyland to buy furnishings for this family.

On Christmas morning, I recall standing on their doorstep with a pancake breakfast and bags of dishes, clothing, and toys. As the day continued on, kind-hearted people continued to drive up unloading couches, beds, tables, and food until the small apartment was near overflowing. I will never forget the tears of joy and gratitude that were shed by all who were about their Father’s business on this day.

During this special time, may we be reminded of him whose birth we celebrate, Jesus Christ. For without Christ there would be no Christmas, and without Christ there can be no fulness of joy. The peace of the gospel does not come from material wealth but from a testimony of his mission and divinity. And to be about our Father’s business is the greatest gift we can share this Christmas season.