In Search of the Christmas Spirit Using his beloved mix of artfully told stories, poetry, and other recollections, President Monson conveys a moving message about the true spirit of Christmas.
Christmas Gifts, Christmas Blessings
President Thomas S. Monson shared the story "Christmas Gifts, Christmas Blessings" as a powerful reminder that it is more important to give than to receive. As we remember this insight during our Christmas season, we will find that Christmas gifts we share truly do become blessings in our lives as well.
Christmas Dress for Ellen
President Thomas S. Monson told the story "A Christmas Dress for Ellen" at the First Presidency Christmas Devotional in 1997, and an adaption of his address was published as a Christmas booklet in 1998. The story was related to President Monson by Marian Jeppson Walker (now deceased) , a daughter of Mary Jeppson, the mother in the story. Sister Walker and her husband, William, also exchanged correspondence about the story with President Monson over the years. Additional details were obtained through correspondence with descendants of George Schow, the mailman who delivered the long-looked-for packages to the Jeppson family on Christmas Eve. In addition to other family members, those descendants include Mark Schow (now deceased) and Gayla Woolf Holt. The help and information from all these family members is acknowledged and appreciated.
The Search for Jesus
In The Search for Jesus President Monson refers to favorite scriptural accounts of those who have sought to know Christ. "The formula for finding Jesus has always been the same: earnest and sincere prayer of a humble and pure heart," he says. He urges all to "undertake a personal search for Jesus," to "prepare time for him in our lives and room for him in our hearts."
