Christmas is a wonderful time of year.  It is a time to reach out beyond ourselves to touch the lives of others.  It could be an estranged family member, a long-lost friend, or just reconnecting with our neighbors.  Might we share a message of Hope to all.

Here are some descriptions of true HOPE.

“Hope embodies happy feelings, anticipation of good things, the best of the gospel, and zest for life.  In this church, we celebrate “a perfect brightness of hope.” (2 Ne. 31:20.)  What a light, ebullient phrase that is. I’ve stood on a mountaintop at sunrise and thought of that phrase.  Hope—what it does to my soul when I feel it! Hope—what it does for the world when we act on it!” – Elaine L. Jack, Relief Society General President – 12 April 1991. 

“Hope is not a lottery ticket you can sit on the sofa and clutch feeling lucky.  Hope is an axe that you break down doors with in an emergency.  Hope should shove you out the door because it will take everything you have to steer the future away from endless” hardship – Rebecca Solnit book; Hope in the Dark

The prophet Moroni taught, “Whoso believeth in God might with surety hope for a better world, yea, even a place at the right hand of God, which hope cometh of faith, maketh an anchor to the souls of men, which would make them sure and steadfast, always abounding in good works, being led to glorify God” (Ether 12:4).

As this world seams progressively worse, year after year, let us remember the message of hope promised to us by our living Prophet who leads the Lord’s church:

“I bring a message of hope. Regardless of how desperate things may seem, remember, we can always have hope. Always! The Lord’s promise to us is certain: “He that endureth in faith and doeth my will, the same shall overcome” (D&C 63:20). I repeat, there is always hope!” – President Russell M. Nelson – January 8, 1995.

May we all enjoy this Christmas season with our families and loved ones, while looking for a way to lighten the load of those that meet along the way.  Merry Christmas.

Love,

• Bishop Jeff Anderson
• Highland 28th Ward
• 801-372-2072
• [email protected]
• “Stay Humble, Work Hard, & Be Kind”
• Ward Blog: www.highland28th.org