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Christmas Jars

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I was asked to help with our ward Relief Society Christmas program this year. The Relief Society Presidency asked me back in August if I would tell the story from the book "Christmas Jars" by Jason F. Wright. The story is about a journalist named Hope Jensen who goes through some sweet and hard experience that change her life. Its a sweet story about service and how much a simple act can truly bless someone. I know thats pretty broad. Haha. Just go read the book, its really good. :) 

They wanted me to summarize the story from the main character's point of view and use parts from the book to make a script. I read through the book twice and the second time I read it I put sticky notes down to help me mark sections that would help me put the script together. I REALLY like sticky notes and REALLY liked a lot of parts in the book...as you can see in the pictures below...haha:)
It was a sweet experience for me to put the script together. I really enjoyed reading the book so it was fun putting together a script for the program I thought would help tell the message of the story to the ladies in the ward. The Relief Society presidency gave me feedback and Arianna helped me to figure out an ending. I'm so grateful for their guidance and encouragement in making the script. I have to give a shout out thank you to Arianna and Kevin for listening to me practice the script over and over and over again! :) 

The sisters in the ward that were in charge of putting the party together did an AMAZING job. The decorations were beautiful! There was a very sweet, Christmas spirit in the room. :)
They set up this area for me to sit at while I sat and did my part of the program...
I'm grateful I was able to be a part of this special night for the ward. 

This was the ending and main message I was trying to convey through my script...

Because of the sacrifice our Savior, Jesus Christ, we are given opportunities to serve and love those around us and help perform miracles.
Giving and showing service is not about receiving recognition. It’s about the sacrifice we put forth and the love we show to those around us. It doesn’t matter what you fill in your jar or how much you put in it. It’s about the love you feel in your heart and the sacrifice you make to serve someone in need.
I hope that I can strive to serve those around me more and truly see others as my Heavenly Father sees them. I'm so grateful for the acts of service I have received throughout my life (and continue to receive) and for the love others have shown me. 

-Holly-

P.S. GO READ THE BOOK! (Christmas Jars by Jason F. Wright)


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