The New Year is a time for both reflecting on the past and looking forward with hope. Canadian leaders of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints begin 2023 by sharing messages of hope.
Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles reminds us that, “There may be some among you who feel darkness encroaching upon you. You may feel burdened by worry, fear or doubt. To you and to all of us, I repeat a wonderful and certain truth: God’s light is real. It is available to all! It gives life to all things. It has the power to soften the sting of the deepest wound. It can be a healing balm for the loneliness and sickness of our souls. In the furrows of despair, it can plant the seeds of a brighter hope. It can enlighten the deepest valleys of sorrow. It can illuminate the path before us and lead us through the darkest night into the promise of a new dawn” (“The Hope of God's Light,” April 2013 general conference).
Hope Through Connection
Elder David C. Stewart, North America Central Area Seventy
DOWNLOAD“Any and all positive connections that we feel with others provide a glimpse of the pure love of Christ and hope for the perfect connection we can have through Him. President Russell M. Nelson has encouraged us to ‘end conflicts that are raging’ in our lives (‘The Power of Spiritual Momentum,’ April 2022 general conference). As we follow his call, we will be able to claim the blessings he has promised, which include the strength to resist temptation, have peace of mind, experience freedom from fear and find unity in our families. Jesus Christ wants these blessings for all of us and is the path to each of them.”
Hope Through Community Engagement
Sandra Pallin, National Communication Director
DOWNLOAD“Jesus taught the two great commandments: to love God with all your heart, soul and mind, and to love your neighbour as yourself (see Matthew 22:36–29). He also taught, through the parable of the good Samaritan, that all God’s children are our neighbours (see Luke 10:25–37). We have much in common with our neighbours of different faith traditions. Our belief that we are all children of God both commits and obligates us to each other. To speak on behalf of Church Communication directors nationwide, we find great hope in the collaborative, inspired, important work of the interfaith, where we are privileged to serve, learn, receive, love and be loved.”
Hope Through Outreach
Elder Richard S. Hutchins, North America Central Area Seventy
DOWNLOAD“How do we increase our hope? Exercise faith in Christ and strive to follow His example. It was written of Him that He ‘went about doing good’ (Acts 10:38). As we go and do likewise, reaching out to others around us in need, we will not only bless them but also have our own hope increased and be filled with joy. As Christ taught, ‘Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these, … ye have done it unto me’ (see Matthew 25:40).”
Hope in Caring for the Environment
Elder Michel J. Carter, North America Northeast Area Seventy
DOWNLOAD“We want life on Earth to be joyous and sustainable. In his October 2022 general conference address, Bishop Gérald Caussé mentioned that ‘our interactions with the beauties of nature around us can produce some of the most inspiring and delightful experiences in life’ (‘Our Earthly Stewardship’). President Russell M. Nelson has mentioned ‘as beneficiaries of the divine Creation, what shall we do? We should care for the Earth, be wise stewards over it and preserve it for future generations’ (‘The Creation,’ April 2000 general conference). My hope for the environment is that each one of us will do something in 2023 to care for the Earth so that we and all future generations will enjoy this beautiful creation of God.”
Hope Through Acts of Service
Elder David G. LaFrance, North America Northeast Area Seventy
DOWNLOAD“The simple but profound message of joy and hope through Jesus Christ is widely celebrated at this time of the year. His message to love God and our neighbour as ourselves (see Matthew 22:36–40) is a foundational principle to His followers. The ancient prophet King Benjamin taught ‘when [you] are in the service of your fellow beings [you] are only in the service of your God’ (Mosiah 2:17). Loving service does not need to be complicated. One kind word of encouragement can uplift and strengthen in meaningful ways, bringing the light of Jesus Christ to others. It is in these small and simple acts of service that we become more like our Father in Heaven, bringing hope and peace to all mankind.”
Hope Is a Choice
Catherine Jarvis, Canada Newsroom Manager
“Chieko N. Okazaki, former first counsellor in the Relief Society< general presidency, described hope ‘as a modest but very tough everyday virtue, an ordinary but resilient virtue that is both gentle and beautiful. It is an unassuming but powerful force for good that will greatly increase our ability to do good and to be good’ (‘Raised in Hope>,’ October 1996 general conference). One of the most amazing things about hope is that we can choose it. We develop this virtue when we choose to see light in the darkness and growth in our most difficult challenges. As we choose hope, we increase our ability to reflect the Saviour’s light and His perfect ‘brightness of hope’ (2 Nephi 31:20).”
Hope in Christ
Elder M. Travis Wolsey, North America West Area Seventy
DOWNLOAD“When prophets describe hope in Christ, they are speaking of something much more than wishful thinking. Hope in Christ is a very real expectation in His divine power to act in our lives and is essential for us to face the troubling and temporary obstacles of mortality. I add my witness to prophets throughout time that ‘there is hope in the Lord Jesus Christ. There is hope for all in this life. There is hope to overcome our mistakes, our sorrows, our struggles and our trials and troubles. There is hope in repentance and being forgiven and in forgiving others’ (M. Russell Ballard, “Follow Jesus Christ With Footsteps in Faith,” October 2022 general conference). May we hope in Christ and let God prevail in our lives.”