Monthly RS Presidency Message - December

Dear Sisters,

Here we are in ‘the most wonderful time of the year.' A time of frantic shopping, baking, planning a perfect holiday meal, picking the perfect holiday gifts, staying up late wrapping presents and taking children to visit Santa. I hope as we are doing all of those things, we stop and take a few moments to think about what we are celebrating this time of the year – the birth of our Savior Jesus Christ.

I remember as a little girl being very excited as the holidays approached. We would always go to my
grandmother and grandfather’s farm where all the family would gather. My cousins, my sister, and I would put on our snowsuits, scarves, mittens, and boots and lug the toboggan to the hill where we would spend hours playing in the snow. We would come back home only to take turns turning the crank on the ice cream maker. We all sat around a big table and ate until we couldn’t move. Then the kids would put on a holiday show for our parents and grandparents. What a great time we had! I wouldn’t trade those memories for anything. However, I don’t remember going to church or even discussing the real reason for Christmas. It was just a holiday and a time to give and receive presents.

My holiday wish for you is that we take time to share with our children the story of the birth of Jesus Christ. Let them know that this is not just a time for gift giving, but for remembering our Savior. Let’s teach them of the journey that Joseph and Mary made to Bethlehem, how He was born in a stable, how an angel told of the news that the Savior was born. Let’s teach them to keep this in their hearts not just at Christmas time, but all year. Remember what the angel proclaimed, “For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, which is Christ the Lord. “

Sisters, I wish you and your families love, happiness and a very Merry Christmas.

Love,
Maxine Hoff (Relief Society 1st Counselor)