May we all seek to have more charity in our hearts, especially during this Christmas season.

Christmas has always been a joyful, magical, loving holiday throughout my life.  Never a season has passed that I haven’t felt truly loved.  I’ll never forget my parents’ selfless sacrifices, our neighbor’s thoughtful services, or the magical surprises from generous ‘Secret Santa’s.’  All of these people touched my heart and taught me meaningful lessons of what it means to give with a loving heart.  And as much as it was wonderful to be the receiver, it also planted in my heart a desire to become the giver—to adopt the same virtue of Charity that had been shown to me.  Therefore, every year my ‘Christmas Resolution’ is to become more charitable, to give as the Savior did: with pure love for all mankind.  I know this will remain a lifelong goal, since I am far from perfect, but I’ve gathered some wise advice from a few faithful servants of our Lord that help me in my quest.  May these humble words give you inspiration and hope, as they have for me. 

“Be the living expression of God’s kindness: kindness in your face, kindness in your eyes, kindness in your smile, kindness in your warm greeting.” –Mother Teresa 

“We often equate charity with visiting the sick, taking in casseroles to those in need, or sharing our excess with those who are less fortunate.  But really, true charity is much, much more. 

Real charity is not something you give away; it is something that you acquire and make a part of yourself.  And when the virtue of charity becomes implanted in your heart, you are never the same again….

Perhaps the greatest charity comes when we are kind to each other, when we don’t judge or categorize someone else, when we simply give each other the benefit of the doubt or remain quiet.  Charity is accepting someone’s differences, weaknesses, and shortcomings; having patience with someone who has let us down; or resisting the impulse to become offended….

Charity is refusing to take advantage of another’s weakness and being willing to forgive someone who has hurt us.

Charity is expecting the best of each other.” –Elder Marvin J. Ashton 

“This Christmas, mend a quarrel.  Seek out a forgotten friend.  Dismiss suspicion and replace it with trust.  Write a letter.  Give a soft answer.  Encourage youth.  Manifest your loyalty in word and deed.  Keep a promise.  Forgo a grudge.  Forgive an enemy.  Apologize.  Try to understand.  Examine your demands on others.  Think first of someone else.  Be kind.  Be gentle.  Laugh a little more.  Express your gratitude.  Welcome a stranger.  Gladden the heart of a child.  Take pleasure in the beauty and wonder of the earth.  Speak your love and then speak it again.” –former LDS President Howard W. Hunter 

Merry Christmas!

Love, Shilowe Martin