Jeffrey R. Holland (1940–2025)

A wonderful offering of hope and comfort to mothers (particularly young mothers in the thick of raising children). I especially liked how Elder Holland recognizes the contradictions that often come with mothering in this world - we know what we're doing is important, but the world often demeans or belittles the work of mothers.

I heard most of these as BYU speeches. I love Pat Holland's talks and find it interesting, as I look at her talks and his, to see the softening or maybe molding that has taken place over the years. As he became a general authority he became more closed about his private life but here, as they both speak and try to convey their love for the students, you get a more personal touch. You see the influence that they have had on each other and the way that continues today.

I picked this book up on a whim last week and the "times of trouble" spoken of came, as you may have observed.

This was a book full of lovely thoughts, easily read and short enough to fit in to the nooks and crannies of your time. But my favorite part was the last chapter.

I'm glad I had this book for these times. Troubled or not, it reminded me of a peace that I don't often take time to feel.

A spectacular read. Elder Holland reminds us what the true meaning of Christmas is without completely obliterating the commercialism that, as humans, we have grown accustomed to in many places. He reminds us that Christ is truly the center of Christmas and always should be, regardless of what else is going on and that, "You can't separate Bethlehem from Gethsemane or the hasty flight into Egypt from the slow journey to the summit of Calvary". Everything that we have to be grateful for show more surrounding Jesus Christ and his life can be seen and remembered and bring about a Joyful Christmas Season. show less