The magic of this season is not in the twinkling lights or the sparkle of glitter, but in the feelings of love and charity that permeate our souls and the very air that surrounds us. This time of peace on earth and goodwill towards men so rightfully exemplifies the gift of love that Jesus Christ brought into this troubled world.
As our actions and activities now focus on family and friends, let us not forget to remember those who walked this earth before us. The Lord’s gift of eternal life and salvation extends to everyone in the human family, whether they are on this side of the veil or the other. In His eyes, we are the same — His children.
Recently I taught a class, “FamilySearch, The Gateway to Your Family History” to a group of 75 people who were eager to learn about the resources available to help them begin their ancestral quest. We explored the how-to’s — from abstracts to wikis — and marveled together at the miracle of online technology that makes “the hunt” easy, exciting and doable. We explored the whys — a desire to understand and love — and immediately felt a spirit of warmth and comfort settle over the room.
Some heads nodded as I shared my personal feelings about the desire I have to do this work. Others who had not yet begun to research said they were eager to get started. They felt “that spirit” and wanted it with them.
This is a spirit of love. It is the most enduring gift we can give to both our living and our dead.
Love is the motivator that prompts us to seek our ancestors and speak their names, bringing them “to life” for this generation.
Love is the motivator that keeps us up well past bedtime when one clue on FamilySearch leads us to yet another record.
Love is the motivator that encourages us to learn basic terms in the language of our ancestors so we can find their names in the records of their homeland.
Love is the motivator that keeps us glued to the scanner as we digitize photos and documents that memorialize the lives of our people.
For our time and efforts, there is no worldly compensation or remuneration. But there is reaffirmation of our selfless intents and our desire to give the gift of love. “For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also” (Matthew 6:21).
My very best wishes for a joyous holiday season. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
Carol Kostakos Petranek is a Co-Director of the Washington DC Family History Center and a Volunteer at the National Archives in Washington, D.C.
