Remember Him

As this Christmas season has gone by, I notice a great difference in my attitude towards it.  At the beginning of the season I hated Christmas.  I knew what the real meaning of Christmas was and that we were supposed to focus on it.  However, I didn't understand exactly how or even how much it could change the whole season for me.  I set apart a time each day specifically for thinking about Christ and his birth and life.  This not only helped me focus on Him during the short period of time I was studying or writing about Him but, it also helped me to pay remember him all the time.  Even while shopping for Christmas presents something would always remind me of Him and the true meaning of Christmas.  Christmas is not just about the presents, parties, goodies, or eggnog.  Christmas is about the birth of our savior Jesus Christ.  It is a time set apart especially for Him.

Now how can we remember Him throughout the rest of the year?  One thing that I am going to do is to keep setting apart a time specifically to dedicate to Him and studying about him in the scriptures.  This will constantly help me to have Him on my mind and in my heart.  It will allow me to continuously be reminded of how willing He is to help me in all aspects of my life.  Jesus Christ is our Savior and Redeemer.  He is the Son of God.  He is the one that we need to get to know.  He loves us.  Throughout this year and the rest of your lives I challenge you to personally get to know Jesus Christ.  Develop a strong relationship with Him.  Know him in a way so that you would recognize him when He comes in His glory.

The Night of Christ's Birth

"The baby cried out softly, and His mother, Mary, held Him close. She kissed His cheek and hummed a sweet song. The sleepy baby closed His eyes. Joseph and Mary watched the baby sleep, amazed at the miracle that He was. Months earlier an angel had told them that Mary’s baby would be Jesus Christ—the Son of God. And now, here He was, a tiny baby asleep in Mary’s arms.

Mary had wrapped baby Jesus in swaddling clothes to keep him warm and safe. Now she placed Him in the manger so she could rest.

Hundreds of years before this night, prophets of God had written of the birth of Jesus Christ. The prophet Isaiah called Jesus “Wonderful,Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace” (Isaiah 9:6). All of those important names describe the Savior. But on this night in Bethlehem, He was also a baby boy, loved by His mother and father.

The prophet Isaiah said, “For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given” (Isaiah 9:6). Isaiah didn’t say, “unto Mary and Joseph” or “unto the people in Bethlehem.” He said, “unto us.” Jesus Christ was born to bless everyone. He was born to bless you. What does this mean to you?"

Mary and Joseph

Mary and Joseph

By: Susan Winters

The more we know about Mary and Joseph, the more we come to appreciate the two special people who were chosen to be the earthly guardians of our Savior,Jesus Christ. Mary was the noble woman from whom Jesus would obtain a body of flesh and blood. Joseph, a kind and spiritual man, received the assignment to watch over and care for the boy Jesus.
Modern Latter-day Saint scholars have commented on several aspects of the lives of these two remarkable people.

Could Joseph have been a king?

Actually, both Mary and Joseph were of royal lineage. “Had Judah been a free and independent nation, ruled by her rightful sovereign, Joseph the carpenter would have been her crowned king; and his lawful successor to the throne would have been Jesus of Nazareth, the King of the Jews” (James E. Talmage, Jesus the Christ, 3rd ed. [1916], 82).

What were the names of Joseph’s and Mary’s fathers?

Mary’s ancestors were the same as Joseph’s. She was a descendant through the royal line of King David. “Matthew says Joseph was a son of Jacob, and Luke says that he was a son of Heli. It appears, however, that Jacob and Heli were brothers and that Heli was the father of Joseph and Jacob the father of Mary, making Joseph and Mary first cousins with the same ancestral lines” (Bruce R. McConkie, The Mortal Messiah, 4 vols. [1979–81], 1:316).

What does it mean that Joseph and Mary were espoused? 

“Espousal among the Hebrews was significantly more binding than are our engagements today. It was entered into by written agreement and was considered the formal beginning of the marriage itself. While the couple might not actually live together for as much as a year after the betrothal—a time designed to allow the bride to prepare her dowry—the espousal was as legally binding as the formal marriage” (Gerald N. Lund, in Celebration of Christmas: A Collection of Stories, Poems, Essays, and Traditions by Favorite LDS Authors [1988], 31).

How old were Mary and Joseph at the time of their marriage?

“No hint of the age of either Mary or Joseph is given in the scriptural text, but from existing sources we can make some educated guesses. … Marriage at earlier ages than to which we are accustomed was the general rule. … For a girl, probably the most common age of marriage was fifteen or sixteen. Sometimes it was later, sometimes earlier, but it is likely that Mary was around sixteen and Joseph, her espoused husband, only two or three years older than that” (Gerald N. Lund, inCelebration of Christmas, 31).

Why was it necessary for Jesus to have a mortal mother?

“As the Eternal Father’s Only Begotten Son in the flesh, Christ possessed the inborn power to withstand death indefinitely, and this just as naturally as that He, being the offspring of a mortal mother, should derive the ability to die. Jesus Christ inherited through the operation of the natural law of heredity the physical, mental, and spiritual attributes of His parents—the Father immortal and glorified, the mother human. He could not be slain until His hour had come, the hour in which He would voluntarily give up His life, and permit His own decease as an act of will. … Consider for example this: ‘Therefore doth my Father love me, because I lay down my life, that I might take it again. No man taketh it from me, but I lay it down of myself. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it again’ (John 10:17–18)” (James E. Talmage, The Vitality of Mormonism [1919], 57).

How many brothers and sisters did Jesus have?

In the New Testament, it mentions the brothers and sisters of Jesus. “Is not this the carpenter, the son of Mary, the brother of James, and Joses, and of Juda, and Simon? and are not his sisters here with us?” (Mark 6:3; see also Matthew 13:55–56).

“We don’t know how many other children there were in the family, but the New Testament names four boys and lists some sisters. The Greek manuscripts are helpful here. Matthew speaks of ‘all’ (Greek: pantai) his sisters (Matthew 13:56), suggesting more than two. The Greek term hai adelphia (the sisters) is used in the manuscripts, signifying a plurality—that is, three or more sisters. If the record had intended to convey that there were only two sisters, it is probable that the wordpantai would not have been employed, but instead the word amphoterai, meaning ‘both,’ would have been used” (Robert J. Matthews, Selected Writings of Robert J. Matthews [1999], 232–33).

Jesus could have had at least seven siblings.

Was Mary widowed?

“The last mention of Joseph is at the Passover in Jerusalem when Jesus was twelve years of age. At the wedding feast at Cana, when Jesus was about thirty, specific mention is made that Mary and Jesus were present, but no mention is made of Joseph (see John 2:1–10). Finally at the time of the Crucifixion, Mary is said to have stood at the cross with other women, but again no mention is made of Joseph. At this time Jesus gave his mother to the care of his beloved disciple, John (see John 19:25–27). The record of these events suggests that Mary was widowed sometime after Jesus was twelve years old and before he began his ministry” (Robert J. Matthews, Selected Writings, 233).

“There is a poignancy in the prospect of Mary’s widowhood with a family of children, all younger than Jesus. If this assumption is correct, it may be that Jesus was confronted with the responsibility in early life of providing for a widowed mother and several younger brothers and sisters. This makes most meaningful the scriptural statements that say the Lord is especially mindful of the widow and is a father to the fatherless (see Psalm 68:5; 146:9; James 1:27)” (Robert J. Matthews,Selected Writings, 233–34).

The First Christmas Spirit

The Innkeeper

So there can be all this talk about commercialization at Christmas or Christ at Christmas but ultimately it is our choice which way we want to see Christmas.  We all know that Christ was born in a stable.  Luke 2:7 states, "And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger;because there was no room for them in the inn." Why is this?  Why was there no room for them in the inns?  Was it because it was full of other people or because there was no room in the hearts of the innkeepers.  Is there room in our hearts for Christ at Christmas time?

Becoming Like Him

Throughout this year different attributes of Christ have been presented each month in the Ensign.  While studying these I came to better understand the importance of developing each of these attributes in ourselves.  Christ was the only perfect man that ever lived.  He is and was our perfect example of what we need to become.  The attributes of Jesus Christ are our guide to becoming like him.  Some examples of attributes that Christ possesses include faith, hope, charity, love, virtue, knowledge, patience, brotherly kindness, compassion, etc.  These are all wonderful attributes that we need to strive to obtain.  Each month in the Ensign they present only one or two attributes.  If you decide to focus on only one attribute each week or month it will help you become more like Christ.  When we think about Jesus Christ and how perfect He is, it may often be overwhelming to think that we have to become like him.  However as we learn and grow "line upon line, precept on precept, here a little and there a little" we will notice a difference in ourselves and the attributes we posses (2 Nephi 28:30).

As we think of Christ this Christmas season we may think of all the good he has done for each one of us and all the good that he will do.  We need to strive to become like him.  We need to work and develop the attributes that Christ has little by little.

Lovingly and Willingly

Christmas is a time to remember our savior Jesus Christ.  He is our savior and redeemer.  He died because He loved us and wanted us to be happy.  When many people think about Jesus Christ they of often picture a man wearing a crown of thorns, hanging from a cross.  With this picture in mind you are often led to believe that he was quite miserable.  However, I don't believe that that was the case.  I know that Jesus Christ is and was the happiest man that ever lived.  When I think of my savior I like to imagine a man who is wait for me with open arms and a big smile on his face.  He is the source of all happiness.  He is happy.  He happily and willingly atoned for each one of us because he loved us unconditionally.  There are many, many paintings out there of Jesus Christ.  A lot of which show him with a straight face, no smile.  Through these pictures I often find it hard to see the joy that he has.

Nowadays, because Christmas is so commercialized, it is hard to find the peaceful feeling of happiness that the true meaning of Christmas brings.  Instead we often focus to much on the temporal joy that comes from opening a cool present or eating a fancy gingerbread man.  When we find the true meaning of Christmas we begin to experience a different kind of joy.  A joy that comes from our Savior Jesus Christ.  He gave his life for us.  He was resurrected and provided a way so that we could all be resurrected too.  Jesus Christ loves us so much that he didn't mind suffering all the pains and afflictions required of him.  He happily volunteered to be our advocate in front of the Father on judgment day.  He only asks one thing in return "If you love me, keep my commandments" (John 14:15).  Lets go about this Christmas striving a little harder to show our love and appreciation for what he has done by keeping His commandments. Not just keeping them but keeping them lovingly and willingly.

The Character of Christ

When studying about Jesus Christ we learn that he is the best man that ever lived.  He is perfect in every form.  He suffered and died for us willingly.  He was so selfless that he volunteered to be our advocate in front of the Father on our judgment day.  He did all this because he loves us.  He wants to be able to understand what we are feeling and doing so he is able to help us overcome it.  Christ has experienced every temptation even up until the highest degree and he overcame every one of them with strength. Because He experienced this, He is able to understand all of our pains and sorrows for he has been there.  He is able and waiting to give us a step by step guide to overcome these trials as soon as we will as and are willing to listen."From studying about our Savior, we come to learn a lot about His character and what character really is.  There is an excellent talk given by Elder David Bednar at BYU some years back titled "The Character of Christ". This talk truly is amazing.  Today I choose to include a small exert form this talk: "Perhaps the greatest indicator of character is the capacity to recognize and appropriately respond to other people who are experiencing the very challenge or adversity that is most immediately and forcefully pressing upon us. Character is revealed, for example, in the power to discern the suffering of other people when we ourselves are suffering in the ability to detect the hunger of others when we are hungry and in the power to reach out and extend compassion for the spiritual agony of others when we are in the midst of our own spiritual distress. Thus, character is demonstrated by looking and reaching outward when the natural and instinctive response is to be self-absorbed and turn inward. If such a capacity is indeed the ultimate criterion of moral character, then the Savior of the world is the perfect example of such a consistent and charitable character." 

Prophecies of Christ's Birth

"Scriptures abound that prophesy of the birth of Christ—the first Christmas. We may forget when we read these scriptural prophecies that they were indeed prophecies.They offer great detail about what was going to happen but had not yet happened.

Eight hundred years before the birth of Christ, Isaiah said, “For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace” (Isaiah 9:6).

Six hundred years before the Savior was born, Nephi described a vision he had of the mother of the Son of God:

“I looked and beheld the … city of Nazareth; and in the city of Nazareth I beheld a virgin, and she was exceedingly fair and white. …

“And [the angel] said unto me: Behold, the virgin whom thou seest is the mother of the Son of God . …

“And I looked and beheld the virgin again, bearing a child in her arms.

“And the angel said unto me: Behold the Lamb of God” (1 Nephi 11:13, 18, 20–21).

One hundred twenty-four years before the birth of the Savior, King Benjamin said:

“Behold, the time cometh, and is not far distant, that with power, the Lord Omnipotent … shall come down from heaven among the children of men, and shall dwell in a tabernacle of clay, and shall go forth amongst men, working mighty miracles . …

“And he shall be called Jesus Christ, the Son of God, the Father of heaven and earth, the Creator of all things from the beginning; and his mother shall be called Mary” (Mosiah 3:5, 8).

Eighty-three years before the birth of Christ, Alma said, “And behold, [the Son of God] shall be born of Mary, at Jerusalem which is the land of our forefathers, she being a virgin, a precious and chosen vessel” (Alma 7:10).

And only six years before the first Christmas, Samuel the Lamanite declared:

“And behold, this will I give unto you for a sign at the time of his coming; for behold, there shall be great lights in heaven, insomuch that in the night before he cometh there shall be no darkness . …

“And behold, there shall a new star arise, such an one as ye never have beheld” (Helaman 14:3, 5).

The Jewish people anxiously anticipated this great event. They knew the Messiah would come, and they expected Him to come in glory, liberate them temporally, establish an earthly kingdom, and rule as their King.

Who would know first of the Messiah’s birth? Would it not be the Sanhedrin or others in positions of power and influence?

The Bible tells us that it was lowly shepherds sleeping on the ground to whom an angel declared the “good tidings of great joy” (Luke 2:10) and that it was Wise Men from afar who saw “his star in the east, and [came] to worship him” (Matthew 2:2). The powerful and the influential, whose vision was blurred by the philosophies of this world, were not with the Savior at His birth or during His ministry. They had before them the real thing but did not know it or accept it." ~Bishop Gary E. Stevenson~

A Savior is Born

"At this special time of year, families throughout the Christian world gather to read the scriptural account of the first Christmas, more than 2,000 years ago. In many of these readings, particular emphasis is given to Luke 2:11, the announcement made by an angel to the shepherds who watched over their flocks by night: “For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.”
That divine declaration was followed by a description of the sign that would help the shepherds recognize Jesus when they traveled to Bethlehem: “Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger” (Luke 2:12). These humble shepherds became the first of millions of mortal witnesses of the Lord Jesus Christ. Like them, we are invited to be witnesses too.
You may ask, isn’t the opportunity to be a witness reserved for those men selected by the Lord and called to serve as His Apostles? The answer is no. Apostles are called and ordained to be “special witnesses of the name of Christ in all the world” (D&C 107:23), but the duty to witness and testify of Christ at all times and in all places applies to every member of the Church (see Mosiah 18:9).
We live in a world where the power and influence of God in our daily lives are downplayed and dismissed and where the need for a Savior is ignored and even mocked. For those who are devoted to the Lord Jesus Christ, there has never been a greater need for us to profess our faith in our Savior, privately and publicly.
The world needs a Savior. All people need to be cleansed from the effects of sin and to return to the presence of God. Jesus Christ is the Light and Life of the World. This Christmas season, each of us will have many opportunities to proclaim our belief in Him to friends and neighbors, fellow workers, and casual acquaintances. I hope we will take these opportunities to express our love for Him, to bear our witness of His divine mission, and to renew our determination to serve Him. As we do, we join “a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men” (Luke 2:13–14)." Elder Dallin H. Oaks

A Christmas Snow

As I was thinking about what to write tonight I thought about how pretty it was outside with the freshly fallen snow.  It is a beautiful white winter wonderland.  I began to think how when you think Christmas you always think snow.  Maybe this is just because in America, Christmas is in the winter so there is often snow on Christmas day.  I like to think of snow as being another symbol of Jesus Christ.  You think of a snowfall and how peaceful and quite it is.  Just like Christ always brings peace to us in the middle of a storm.  The white could represent the purity of Christ.  Snow is only white as long as it is clean.  Just like we when we are clean from the sins of the world we are pure.  Jesus Christ is loved by all the little children and he loves them.  Just as snow is loved by all the kids.  They want to spend every minute they can playing in it just as the children in the scriptures spent long hours with Christ.

Although some of this symbolism may be a stretch, it you cannot deny the feeling you get when standing in the middle of a quite winter forest.  A feeling of peace and an escape from the noise of the world.  I love snow and look forward to it every year just as I love Christ and look forward to the day when I can be with Him once again.

Preparing for Christ

Before the birth of Jesus Christ there were many signs and warnings given.  One example is the star that appeared in the star to let all the world know that he has come.  Even before that there were many who preparing.  His birth was expected long before it actually happened. As you can probably tell from recent posts, I have begun to get rather lazy when it comes to writing these things so here is a really good article from the liahona that talks about the signs of Christ birth.


"The first Christmas—the Savior’s birth—had been prophesied for hundreds of years, from Isaiah in the Old Testament to Samuel the Lamanite in the Book of Mormon. The prophets of old knew and anticipated the signs of the coming of Jesus Christ, and they waited patiently for those signs. They prophesied of His coming so others would be able to recognize the signs and share in the joy of knowing He had come! The fulfillment of those prophecies was a testimony of His divine calling as Savior and Redeemer.

Read the following prophecies of the birth of Jesus Christ and the miraculous circumstances surrounding it and learn how these prophecies were fulfilled.
Born of Mary, a Virgin


Prophecies: Seven hundred years before she was born, Mary was prophesied to be the mother of Christ. Isaiah wrote, “The Lord himself shall give you a sign; Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel” (Isaiah 7:14).

Alma the Younger also identified Mary as the Savior’s mother about 80 years before Jesus’s birth and halfway across the world from Isaiah: “He shall be born of Mary, … she being a virgin, a precious and chosen vessel, who shall be overshadowed and conceive by the power of the Holy Ghost, and bring forth a son, yea, even the Son of God” (Alma 7:10).

Fulfillment: Eight decades later, the angel Gabriel appeared “to a virgin espoused to a man whose name was Joseph, … and the virgin’s name was Mary” (Luke 1:27). Mary was the mother of Jesus, who was the Son of God.
Unto Us a Child Is Born

Prophecy: Isaiah prophesied the birth of the Messiah: “For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder; and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace” (Isaiah 9:6).

Fulfillment: The Savior’s ministry fulfilled all that Isaiah prophesied, yet Christ was born in humble circumstances: “For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. … Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger” (Luke 2:11–12).
Born in Bethlehem

Prophecy: The prophet Micah lived about the same time as Isaiah. He prophesied of the Lord being born in the village of Bethlehem: “But thou, Beth-lehem Ephratah, though thou be little among the thousands of Judah, yet out of thee shall he come forth unto me that is to be a ruler in Israel; whose goings forth have been from of old, from everlasting” (Micah 5:2).


Our Heavenly Father prepared these signs in advance not only to let the faithful around the world rejoice together at His Son’s birth but to testify of Christ’s divine calling.

Fulfillment: Seven hundred years later, Herod commanded that his scribes tell him where the new ruler could be found: “He demanded of them where Christ should be born. And they said unto him, In Bethlehem of Judea” (Matthew 2:4–5).
Of the Seed of David

Prophecy: The Lord told Jeremiah six centuries before the birth of Christ that He would come from the lineage of David: “In those days, and at that time, will I cause the Branch of righteousness to grow up unto David; and he shall execute judgment and righteousness in the land” (Jeremiah 33:15).

Fulfillment: Matthew gives us Christ’s genealogy, showing how the Lord is descended from that king of long ago: “The book of the generation of Jesus Christ, the son of David, the son of Abraham. … So all the generations from Abraham to David are fourteen generations; and from David until the carrying away into Babylon are fourteen generations; and from the carrying away into Babylon unto Christ are fourteen generations” (Matthew 1:1, 17).
Visited by Kings


Prophecies: Despite the humble circumstances of His birth, prophets declared that kings would come to see Christ: “And the Gentiles shall come to thy light, and kings to the brightness of thy rising” (Isaiah 60:3).

Samuel the Lamanite told the Nephites five years before Christ’s birth of the signs that would herald His coming. One of these signs was the star the Wise Men followed: “There shall a new star arise, such an one as ye never have beheld; and this also shall be a sign unto you” (Helaman 14:5).

Fulfillment: The Wise Men knew what sign to look for because they must have looked for the fulfillment of prophecies. They said, “Where is he that is born King of the Jews? for we have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him” (Matthew 2:2).

In the New World, the Nephites also recognized the signs and knew the prophecies were fulfilled: “And it had come to pass, yea, all things, every whit, according to the words of the prophets. And it came to pass also that a new star did appear, according to the word” (3 Nephi 1:20–21)."

We are likewise preparing for the coming of the Lord, Jesus Christ.  We have been given several signs and warnings of the second coming.  It is our job to prepare for the time when he does come again.  Christmas time is to remember when Christ came into the world the first time but, we can also focus on how we can prepare for the second coming of our Lord and Savior.

Find the Real Meaning of Christmas

Christmas time is a time of love, joy, happiness, excitement, family, and most of all it is about Christ. Nowadays the real Christmas spirit is hard to find.  The world has made Christmas so commercialized that it is easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of the holiday season and to forget about Christ. President Howard W. Hunter has counselled us to look for the real spirit of natal. He offers us a suggestion as to how to find it. He says "During the hurry of the festive occasion of this Christmas season, find time to turn your heart to God. Perhaps in the quiet hours, and in a quiet place, and on your knees—alone or with loved ones—give thanks for the good things that have come to you, and ask that His Spirit might dwell in you as you earnestly strive to serve Him and keep His commandments. He will take you by the hand and His promises will be kept."

I can testify that this is true.  This Christmas season I have tried very hard to take a little time everyday to think of the real meaning of Christmas.  To really focus on Christ not on the world.  I know that as I have done this I have been able to notice a difference.  I normally am super stressed out about Christmas and all that comes with it but, this year I am actually enjoying it.  I still go about doing the things I normally do every Christmas season like buying gifts, attending parties, listening to Christmas music, etc.  However, this year there seems to be a difference.  This year Christmas is about Christ.

He is the Gift

Why We Need a Savior

The whole Christmas we celebrate the Birth of Jesus Christ but why does this all matter.  Why do we need a Savior in our lives.  Why do we care? This video explains very well our need for the Savior.

The Christmas Story

Luke 2:1-21

And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Cæsar Augustus, that all the world should be taxed.(And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.) And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city. And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judæa, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:) To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child. And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered. And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn. And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men. And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us. And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger. And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child. And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds. But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart. And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them. And when eight days were accomplished for the circumcising of the child, his name was called JESUS, which was so named of the angel before he was conceived in the womb.

A Christ Centered Life

Christmas is about Christ.  The reason anybody has Christmas, whether they are christian or not, is because of Christ.  Almost 16 years ago, the apostles of the  Christ's church came out with a powerful testimony of Jesus Christ titled "The Living Christ: The Testimony of the Apostles, The Church of Jesus Christ of Later Day Saints".  Because of this Christmas season I decided it would be appropriate to include this testimony in one of my posts.

The Living Christ: The Testimony of the Apostles, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

As we commemorate the birth of Jesus Christ two millennia ago, we offer our testimony of the reality of His matchless life and the infinite virtue of His great atoning sacrifice. None other has had so profound an influence upon all who have lived and will yet live upon the earth.

He was the Great Jehovah of the Old Testament, the Messiah of the New. Under the direction of His Father, He was the creator of the earth. “All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made” (John 1:3). Though sinless, He was baptized to fulfill all righteousness. He “went about doing good” (Acts 10:38), yet was despised for it. His gospel was a message of peace and goodwill. He entreated all to follow His example. He walked the roads of Palestine, healing the sick, causing the blind to see, and raising the dead. He taught the truths of eternity, the reality of our premortal existence, the purpose of our life on earth, and the potential for the sons and daughters of God in the life to come.

He instituted the sacrament as a reminder of His great atoning sacrifice. He was arrested and condemned on spurious charges, convicted to satisfy a mob, and sentenced to die on Calvary’s cross. He gave His life to atone for the sins of all mankind. His was a great vicarious gift in behalf of all who would ever live upon the earth.

We solemnly testify that His life, which is central to all human history, neither began in Bethlehem nor concluded on Calvary. He was the Firstborn of the Father, the Only Begotten Son in the flesh, the Redeemer of the world.

He rose from the grave to “become the firstfruits of them that slept” (1 Cor. 15:20). As Risen Lord, He visited among those He had loved in life. He also ministered among His “other sheep” (John 10:16) in ancient America. In the modern world, He and His Father appeared to the boy Joseph Smith, ushering in the long-promised “dispensation of the fulness of times” (Eph. 1:10).

Of the Living Christ, the Prophet Joseph wrote: “His eyes were as a flame of fire; the hair of his head was white like the pure snow; his countenance shone above the brightness of the sun; and his voice was as the sound of the rushing of great waters, even the voice of Jehovah, saying:

“I am the first and the last; I am he who liveth, I am he who was slain; I am your advocate with the Father” (D&C 110:3–4).

Of Him the Prophet also declared: “And now, after the many testimonies which have been given of him, this is the testimony, last of all, which we give of him: That he lives!

“For we saw him, even on the right hand of God; and we heard the voice bearing record that he is the Only Begotten of the Father—

“That by him, and through him, and of him, the worlds are and were created, and the inhabitants thereof are begotten sons and daughters unto God” (D&C 76:22–24).

We declare in words of solemnity that His priesthood and His Church have been restored upon the earth—“built upon the foundation of … apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone” (Eph. 2:20).

We testify that He will someday return to earth. “And the glory of the Lord shall be revealed, and all flesh shall see it together” (Isa. 40:5). He will rule as King of Kings and reign as Lord of Lords, and every knee shall bend and every tongue shall speak in worship before Him. Each of us will stand to be judged of Him according to our works and the desires of our hearts.

We bear testimony, as His duly ordained Apostles—that Jesus is the Living Christ, the immortal Son of God. He is the great King Immanuel, who stands today on the right hand of His Father. 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.

I would like to add my testimony to their's. I know that Jesus Christ is our Savior and Redeemer. I know that He lived and atoned for us and so we could live eternally. I know that He lives. He was resurrected and is a perfect example of what we may become. I know that he is always there beside us and is looking to help us in all aspects of our lives. We just need to seek His help and He will be there. I know that it is through Him that we may return to live with our Father in Heaven throughout all eternity. I love my Savior. I leave this testimony with you along with a challenge to seek to make our lives more centered on Christ, In the name of Jesus Christ, amen.

Be Somebody's Miracle

Do something this Christmas that makes all you know about Christ worth it.  Every year we hear lots and lots of stories about Christmas miracles. Christmas is the season of giving.  It is the season where everybody opens their hearts to one another and is always looking to serve one another.  One story in particular that comes to mind is the story of the WWI Christmas Truce.  Although this video is really an ad for Sainsbury Chocolate, it tells an amazing story about a miracle that happened on Christmas day over 100 years ago.

Although I have never been on the front lines of trench warfare, I am pretty sure it is a very stressful time.  A time you spend away from all your friends and your family.  A time where you are suffering from hunger and cold while trying to protect the people of your nation.  The boy who initiated the truce on this Christmas day, did not only initiate a day of fun but he probably initiated a true miracle for many of the men who were fighting for there lives and the lives of their loved ones that day.

There are many other stories, like this one, about how one small act resulted in a true Christmas miracle. So why don't we all try to be someone's miracle this year. Pray and ask the Lord to help you become someone's miracle then listen to the promptings you get to help others and I promise you will be able to be the miracle in somebody's life this Christmas season.

Peace on Earth

Why is the birth of Jesus Christ so important?  Why do we celebrate it every year?  While Jesus Christ was here on this earth he did many great and marvelous things.  His birth was the start of all of this.  As Elder D. Todd Christopherson stated in a recent article he wrote, "When we talk about the birth of Jesus Christ, we appropriately reflect on what was to follow.  His birth was infinitely significant because of the things He would experience and suffer so that He might better succor us - all culminating in his Crucifixion and Resurrection (see Alma 7:11-12).  But His mission also included the beauty and His service, the miracles of His ministry, the relief He brought to the suffering, and the joy He offered - and still offers - to the mourning."  He then goes on to quote two versus out of the book of Revelation: "They shall hunger no more, neither thirst any more; neither shall the sun light on them, nor any heat. For the Lamb which is in the midst of the throne shall feed them, and shall lead them unto living fountains of waters: and God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes" (Revelation 7:16-17).  

Just like the popular Christmas carol states, peace on earth good will to men, was what Christ gave to us.  Because Christ suffered for us, we may have hope.  We live in a very wicked world that is getting more and more wicked by the minute.  It is often hard to find the good in this world nowadays.  When celebrating the birth of Christ we can take a moment to just feel the peace that the knowledge of our savior brings. Peace is the calmness of thoughts.  Peace is not worrying about what is to come.   Peace is a tranquil feeling hope.  Peace comes through Christ.

The Gift of Giving

Today I had the opportunity to read an article on lds.org which gave me the inspiration for today's post.  Like I previously mentioned in an earlier post, the gifts of the Christmas season don't necessarily have to be tangible.  I remember back in seminary, every year, each student would be asked to make an ornaments for to help decorate the tree.  On these ornaments we were asked to write a gift we want to give to Christ that Christmas.  These gifts usually consist of things like serving others more, committing to read our scriptures every day, paying more attention to missionary opportunities, etc.  Christ gave us the ultimate gift.  He gave us his life so we may have eternal life.  We can decide on a gift to give Christ this Christmas which may really be a gift we are giving to ourselves. For example, if we decide that the gift we are giving to Christ this Christmas is to stop complaining, then we will benefit from this as well.  As we work on giving these gifts we will grow stronger and become better people. These gifts are gifts from the hear, that have a purpose.

Love of Christ

Christmas time is a time for family and friends to gather around in celebration.  It is a time to take a break from all the stress and troubles the world puts upon us and just relax and have fun with our favorite people.  This might be the reason why so many people started having holiday parties.  It was an excuse to take a break from the world.  While Christ was on the earth, he always centered his works on people.   Never did what he do revolve around himself or anything of worldly value.  He always treated people with the utmost respect and was always wanting to help them in every way possible.  Christ is our perfect example of how we need to live our lives, constantly serving everyone around us.  Really truly getting to know them.  As we go about our everyday lives it is important to remember to act as Christ would act.  To treat people with the love and care that he would.  Christ would make it a point to meet and talk to everyone everywhere he went, making sure that they all felt his love.

The Carols of Christmas

Christmas music has always been a big part of celebrating Christmas.  I never really have been a huge fan of Christmas music.  I mean sure, the songs are good the first 20 times you here it that year but they are always the same songs over and over and over again.  The only thing that ever varies is the person who is singing it.  Perhaps this is part of the reason why I am opposed to listening to Christmas before December 1st.  The majority of Christmas music nowadays has forgotten the reason we celebrate Christmas.  Whatever happened to all the Christmas Carolers that would go house to house spreading Christmas cheer through Christmas melodies.  That is what Christmas music should be.  The world has influenced Christmas greatly over the recent years.  Ever since I heard Justin Bieber's rap version of The Little Drummer Boy I have have decided to pay a little more attention the the music I listen true when I am trying to "celebrate" Christmas.  A lot of the music played around Christmas time now talks about santa clause, Christmas lists, or wanting a Christmas love.  The music we listen to for Christmas should be centered on Christ.  Music is a great way to feel the spirit of Christmas and to remember Christ throughout the season.  The Lord "...delights in the song of the heart; yea, the song of the righteous is a prayer unto me..." (Doctrine & Covenants 25:12).  When searching the word 'music' in the  it states that "Melodies and rhythms sung and played since early biblical times to express joy, praise, and worship" (Guide to the Scriptures: music). On the night of Christ's birth the angles sang in the skies, rejoicing of the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ.  Christ and his disciples sang throughout his life as well, even up until the last supper, "And when they had sung an hymn, they went out into the mount of Olives" (Matthew 26:30). As you can see, music has always played a big role to the Lord so, when  we are singing the hymns of Christmas let us do it with him in mind.

Candle Light

In my last post I talked a little bit about Christmas lights and the significance thereof.  Later I began thinking of another type of light that we often see around Christmas time.  This light is not generally an electrically powered bulb, but rather the small flame of a candle.  The original Christmas tree was lit by candles.  The light provided by the candles represent the Light of Christ.  Christ is our light that brings us out of the darkness.  Where lightness is, darkness ceases to exist. In Isaiah chapter 9 verse 2 it reads, "The people that walked in darkness have seen a great light: they that dwell in the land of the shadow of death, upon them hath the light shined."  Let the candles this Christmas, and throughout the year, always remind us of the light of Christ.

Christmas Lights

Although there are many things that I do not like about Christmas, I always enjoyed looking at all the lights.  The lights do come with their annoyances like hanging them up in the freezing cold, trying to make sure all the strands actually work and are not missing a bulb, then you have to solve a never ending puzzle as to how the heck you are going to get them all plugged in. So why do we do all this.  Yes, they are beautiful and as you may have told your children they do light the way for santa but, is there a deeper meaning.  I mean where did this tradition come from.  The tradition of lights started many years ago in Germany.  They are to represent a few different things:

1. The lights can represent the starry night on which Christ was born.  It was the star in the heavens that marked the birth of Christ.  As the scriptures say in Mathew 2:2  "Saying, Where is he that is born King of the Jews? for we have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him."
2. The lights can also be a symbol of the enlightened path.  Just as the people followed the star in the sky to lead them to Christ on the night of his birth, the lights can represent Christ and how he needs to be the light in our lives.
3. The lights can also be a symbol of the light, hope, and good in the world.  These lights may serve the role of a reminder to everybody to be the light, hope, and good in the world and to others.  Don't wait to absorb the light of others but rather shine your light to the world just as Christ has shined his light for all of us.

Overall, seeing the lights every Christmas makes me happy.  It reminds me that there is still a light in this dark world.  That there is still a place to turn in dark times.

The Gifts of Christmas

Why do we have to have Christmas?  We should be celebrating Christ all year round.  I understand that Christmas is about Christ but, why is Christmas the way that it is now?  I get so frustrated with all the fluff Christmas brings.  Christmas isn’t real anymore.  Christmas as a child was just a competition who can get the best gift from santa (no santa does not need to be capitalized) and now as an adult it is who can give the best gift.  People just write endless lists of wants and desires which mostly are full of worldly things.  Things that don’t really matter.  So why do we even have Christmas lists?  That is just greedy.  A gift, as stated on dictionary.com, is “something given voluntarily without payment in return, as to show favor toward someone, honor an occasion, or make gesture of assistance”.  So why do we make lists.  Hey everybody! Since you are all obligated to get me a gift this year this is here are some ideas that way you don’t get me anything I don’t want.  Is there anything not selfish about making a Christmas list?  Also, if you want to get someone a gift for Christmas it should be because you want to.  You should not have to ask for a list of wants.  It should be a gift with meaning.  If you just go buy something so you can check it off the list it really isn’t a true gift. Is it? Where did the gifts start?  If we read John 3:16 it states “For God so loved the world, that he gave his onlybegotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.”  This was the very first gift that was given.  There was a reason for this gift.  God gave it because he wanted to.  It was something personal that he choose to give to us.  Next we can look at the gifts of the three wise men.  They gave gold, frankincense, and myrrh.  Why has gifts now turned into just gold.  Whatever happened to the frankincense and myrrh?   Although gold is generally looked at as the most valuable worldly thing we can have, the two wise men that brought the frankincense and myrrh put just as much thought into their gifts.  The most thoughtful and appreciated gifts always consist of the following: practical utility, symbolical meaning, and personal value. 

"Gold

Practical use: For a young couple who would soon have the expense of traveling to Egypt to avoid the wrath of Herod, the gold would be an invaluable gift.

Symbolic meaning: Gold is the typical gift for kings (see 1 Kings 9:14, 28) because it symbolizes kingship and royalty—a fitting gift for the “King of kings” (1 Timothy 6:15).

Frankincense

Practical use: Aside from its considerable monetary value, frankincense was used as a sweet-smelling incense and perfume.

Symbolic meaning: Frankincense comes from a sweet tree resin and was used in priesthood ordinances, in burnt offerings (see Leviticus 2:1), and in oil for anointing priests. Thus, it can represent the Lord’s priesthood and His role as the Lamb of God to be sacrificed on our behalf (see John 1:29).

Myrrh

Practical use: Myrrh, a bitter oil from a tree resin, was also economically valuable but probably more beneficial to Mary and Joseph for its medicinal uses.

Symbolic meaning: In the New Testament, myrrh is usually associated with embalming and burial because of its preservative qualities (see John 19:39–40). Myrrh’s medicinal uses can symbolize Christ’s role as the Master Healer, and its use in burials can symbolize “the bitter cup” He would drink when He suffered for our sins (see D&C 19:18–19)." https://www.lds.org/youth/article/thoughtful-gifts?lang=eng

This Christmas as we search for the gifts we want to give let us keep in mind the true meaning of gifts.  Let us try to make our gifts more meaningful and less of just another thing we have to do to check off the list.