Brothers and Sisters,
As we enter this sacred Christmas season and bring this year to a close, I am filled with gratitude for the Savior and for each of you. The Lord has been extraordinarily kind to us. We welcomed record numbers of new converts into the covenant path. Even while our Orlando Temple was closed, you continued to go to the temple, honor your covenants, and keep the spirit of the temple in your homes. Your sacrifices have kept this stake spiritually strong.
This was also a historic and holy moment in the Church. We mourn the passing of President Russell M. Nelson, and rejoice in the calling of President Dallin H. Oaks, and we testify that the heavens are still open and that the Lord directs His Church today. We sent missionaries from our stake into the world in record numbers, and with young women now able to serve at age 18, the gathering of Israel will only grow stronger.
We look forward to Stake Conference on December 13–14, when Elder Ulisses Soares of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles will preside. In 2026, we will rejoice in the reopening of our Orlando Temple—as well as the Salt Lake Temple in 2027. Truly, these are days when prophecy is being fulfilled. We are the servants described in Jacob 5, laboring to prepare the world for the Second Coming of Jesus Christ.
As we celebrate the birth of the Savior, may we remember that His life and His Atonement are the source of every blessing we have witnessed this year. He is the Light of the World, the Prince of Peace, and the reason we press forward with faith and hope in the future.
Brothers and Sisters, thank you for your faith, your ministering, and your willingness to serve in the Lord’s kingdom. You have done marvelous work this year! My heart is full of gratitude for you! May your homes be filled with the joy of the season, the warmth of family, and the peace of the Savior.
With love and gratitude, we wish you a Merry Christmas and a blessed New Year.
D. Fuller Haring
President
Lake Mary Florida Stake
Note: If you need information about any of the Wards or Branches in the Lake Mary Stake, please visit the Wards page: https://www.lakemarystake.org/wards
Light The World Giving Machine
At the Altamonte Springs Mall through December 14
December 6: Stake Christmas Music • Handel's Messiah Sing-Along
December 13 & 14: Stake Conference
December 20: Christmas in the City (Donation boxes in Chapels now)
Christmas Parties
Artesia: Dec 6 at 6 pm
Chuluota: Dec 6 at 10 am
Lake Emma: Dec 5 at 6 pm
Oviedo: Dec 5 at 6 pm
Sanford: Dec 6 at 10 am
Seminola: Dec 20 at 4 pm
Tuskawilla: Dec 12 at 6 pm
Wekiva Springs: Dec 20 at 11 am
The final sentence in The Living Christ reads, “Jesus is the Living Christ, the immortal Son of God….He is the light, the life, and the hope of the world. His way is the path that leads to happiness in this life and eternal life in the world to come. God be thanked for the matchless gift of His divine Son.”
God has given us the best gift of all with our Savior. Jesus is better than any gift on any list. He is the one that makes our repentance, our covenants, our resurrection, and so much more possible in our lives. May we each thank God always for this matchless gift of His Only Begotten Son, our Savior, Jesus Christ.
Your Sisters in Christ,
Lynn Whitcomb, Lidia Zayas, Lacey Williams, Carole Chevrier
The Stake Relief Society Presidency
At this Christmas season, and as a stepfather, I’m reminded of Joseph, who lovingly and willingly became the earthly father of Jesus even though He was not His son by birth. Joseph’s ministry, sacrifice, and protection of our Savior in His youth show how deeply he embraced the sacred calling God placed upon him.
In that same spirit, I express gratitude for youth leaders, stepparents, grandparents, teachers, coaches, and anyone who ministers with love, faith, and devotion—lifting and guiding young people who may not be their own.
This Christmas, may our hearts be drawn to the Savior—whose coming brought joy to the world and whose life shows us how to lift and love. Joseph ministered to Him with devotion; may we minister to others with that same Christlike love.
Dave Nielsen
Stake Young Men's President
As we celebrate the Christmas season, may your hearts be filled with the light, peace, and love of our Savior, Jesus Christ. Remember that you are beloved daughters of a Heavenly Father who knows you personally and has placed unique gifts within each of you.
Christmas reminds us that even the smallest acts of kindness can shine brightly, just as the humble birth of the Savior brought light to the world. As you serve, smile, and lift others, you carry His light with you.
May you feel His love this season and always.
Love,
Angie Hoggard, Jenny Yates, Brinley Shumway, Stephanie Winterton
Have a Very Merry Christmas!
Scatter gladness ev’rywhere!
Sing the carols of the Christ child:
Let your neighbors know you care.
Have a most exciting Christmas!
Ring a bell and trim a tree;
Stuff a stocking for a loved one;
Hang the holly joyously.
Have a happy fam’ly Christmas!
Gather all your loved ones near;
Talk about the baby Jesus;
Wrap your hearts in love this year.
Children’s Song Book #51
Best Wishes for a Joyous Christmas Season!
With Love,
Your Stake Primary Presidency
As I hang lights with my son this holiday season, I am reminded of the love of Christ for our Father. He said, “I do nothing of myself; but as my Father hath taught me.” (John 8:28) In all of our struggles, I know that hope comes through Christ—the Light of the World. Let us transform into His children by feasting upon His word and sharing His glory with others.
Chris Ingalls
Stake Sunday School President
With all the hustle and bustle this time of the year, let's not forget those that have gone on before us and the gifts they gave us. We are not here by chance. There are many through the generations that have given the gift of life to you and to me. Let's give our calendar a look to see where we can give the gift of Temple work for our dearly departed before the end of the year. Not only will you feel loved by them, but they will be waiting for your return and embrace you with gratitude for helping them where they can't.
Stake Temple and Family History
Donation boxes in all chapel foyers until December 3rd
A temple recommend is a symbol of your worthiness and readiness to enter the house of the Lord. If your recommend is expired or soon to expire, please schedule an interview with a member of the bishopric and then the stake presidency. Let us prepare to worship and serve in the temple regularly.
Once you have finished your interview with a member of your bishopric, a member of the stake will reach out to you to schedule an interview with a member of the Stake Presidency.
Note: If you need information about any of the Wards/Branches/Groups in the Lake Mary Stake, please visit the Wards page: https://www.lakemarystake.org/wards