Today Sis. Jacque Dana taught the Relief Society lesson. It revolved around the Christmas Season and our ward goal this month to be more charitable and give service. Sis. Dana began the lesson by sharing a story that Pres. Monson shared in a Christmas Devotional a few years back. I could not find the story, but I believe it is now in a story/pamphlet form entitled "A Christmas Dress for Ellen". In the story, President Monson talks about a little family, the Jeppsons, of five children who lived in Canada. All their crops had froze and they had no food, money or really much of anything for Christmas. Mary Jeppson's sisters had written her a letter asking about their Christmas situation. Mary had asked just for the basic necessities of food and clothing. Nothing had come, and then around 3:00 in the morning on Christmas Day, the postman knocked on their door having 10 crates of things being pulled on sleds. Relief Society and members from Mary's sisters' ward had all come together to help their little family. It truly was a Christmas Miracle.
Sis. Dana then asked what some of our Christmas traditions were and what service maybe we had given or received. Many sisters shared stories of their families doing "Sub for Santa" for needy families. Others shared experiences where they shared their talents such as playing music at a hospital or nursing home, or making blankets, or dolls. Some traditions included doing a "Secret Santa" for a family, or the 12 days of Christmas where you leave a present or package for a neighbor or friend. Some families did a "Christmas star of service" that was passed around the home. Finally, some stories were shared of charity received by strangers when there was a need in the home and someone, knowing or not knowing, blessed that family.
As a Relief Society we read the story of the Good Samaritan as accounted in Luke (Luke 10:25-37). Sis. Dana challenged us to remember that everyone is our neighbor and that we should love everyone as Christ loves them.
I am grateful that Christ gave us the Perfect example to follow. The true spirit of Christmas is the Spirit of Christ.
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