The Fullness of the Story of Christmas

Tonight, we spent New Year’s with the Walkers and the Christensens. I will share a story told by Elder Christensen. “Christmas invites feelings of tenderness, joy, and love. And as any parent will attest, similar feelings typically attend the birth of each newborn child. Of course, Christ’s birth was unlike any other. The precious details—the journey to Bethlehem, an overcrowded inn, a lowly manger, a newfound star, and ministering angels—make His a birth story for the ages. Yet the story of the Savior’s birth represents only a part of why we feel the Spirit during the Christmas season. Christmas is not only a celebration of how Jesus came into the world but also of knowing who He is—our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ—and of why He came.

President Thomas S. Monson has taught: “Because He came to earth, … we [can] have joy and happiness in our lives and peace each day of the year. … Because He came, there is meaning to our mortal existence.”¹

 

The Firstborn of the Father

This meaning becomes clearer when we consider the fulness of the Christmas story. As President Gordon B. Hinckley explained: “There would be no Christmas if there had not been Easter. The babe Jesus of Bethlehem would be but another baby without the redeeming Christ of Gethsemane and Calvary, and the triumphant fact of the Resurrection.”²

Jesus’s birth in Bethlehem is not the beginning of the story, and Calvary is not the end. The scriptures teach that He was “in the beginning … with God”³ in the premortal Council in Heaven. We also were there, where we knew Him as Jehovah, the Firstborn of our Eternal Father.⁴ We learned that He would perform the central role as Creator and Redeemer of the world. We shouted for joy as we embraced our Father’s great plan of happiness.⁵ Albeit there were some who rebelled against God’s plan, we are among those who placed our faith in Jesus Christ. We willingly accepted the perils of mortality because we had confidence that Jesus would accomplish the will of the Father—that through Him we would be saved.

 

The Birth of God’s Only Begotten Son

Here on earth, the memory of our former life is covered by a veil of forgetfulness. Our purpose in coming to earth was to learn how to “walk by faith, not by sight.”⁶

To strengthen that faith, God sent prophets who foresaw and foretold of the coming of the promised Messiah. One of these prophets was Nephi, who saw in vision a tree that was exceedingly beautiful and white. When he asked to know the interpretation of his vision, he was shown the city of Nazareth and Mary, a virgin who was most beautiful and fair. The angel attending to Nephi then asked this most penetrating question: “Knowest thou the condescension of God?” In other words, “Do you understand why God Himself will come into the world, why He would condescend below all things?” Nephi’s response was somewhat tentative: “I know that he loveth his children; nevertheless, I do not know the meaning of all things.”

The angel then said, “The virgin whom thou seest is the mother of the Son of God.” Nephi saw Mary holding a child in her arms, and in joy the angel cried out, “Behold the Lamb of God, … even the Son of the Eternal Father!” Suddenly, the meaning of the tree—and the reason we celebrate Christ’s birth—became clearer to Nephi. Said he, “It is the love of God, which sheddeth itself abroad in the hearts of the children of men; wherefore, it is the most desirable above all things.” “Yea,” the angel added, “and the most joyous to the soul.”⁷

Finally, nearly 600 years after Nephi’s vision, the long-awaited, long-prophesied day arrived. Jesus passed through the veil and entered the world as a helpless baby, though a baby unlike any other. God’s Firstborn Son in the spirit became His Only Begotten Son in the flesh. This child, born in the humblest of circumstances, would carry on His shoulders the salvation of God’s eternal family! Truly, “the hopes and fears of all the years” converged in the “little town of Bethlehem” that night.⁸

But the story, of course, does not end there. As miraculous as the Savior’s birth was, greater miracles were about to follow.

The Father’s Business

We know very little of Jesus’s early years. We are told that He “increased in wisdom and stature, and in favour with God and man.”⁹ By age 12, His expressed desire was to “be about [His] Father’s business.”¹⁰ That business was to manifest to the world the Father’s “great and wonderful love” for His children.¹¹

“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, … that the world through him might be saved.”¹²

His Father’s business was to “[go] about doing good.”¹³ It was a work of compassion—“healing the sick, raising the dead, causing the lame to walk, the blind to receive their sight, and the deaf to hear.”¹⁴

His Father’s business was to open the eyes of our faith, to arouse our spiritual faculties, and to heal our pain, our pride, our sickness, and our sins. It was to “succor [us in our] infirmities.” And to accomplish this, Jesus willingly suffered pain, rejection, afflictions, and temptations of every kind.¹⁵

His Father’s business was to help us fulfill our purpose on earth—to “fit us for heaven,” that we might “live with [Him] there.”¹⁶ In other words, His Father’s business was—and is—“to bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of man.”¹⁷

 

The Atonement of Jesus Christ

Ultimately, the fulness of the story of Christmas culminates with the last three days of the Savior’s life. In that pivotal period, the Savior passed from the Garden of Gethsemane to the cross of Calvary to the Garden Tomb. As Elder Jeffrey R. Holland taught, the “impact and efficacy” of that moment would “reach back … to the beginning of time, and forward … throughout all eternity.”¹⁸

With the fate of every human soul hanging in the balance, Jesus entered the Garden of Gethsemane virtually alone. There followed interrogation, scourging, and finally an excruciating death on the cross. With the same humility and submissiveness in which He declared from the beginning, “Here am I, send me,”¹⁹ he now said, “Father, into thy hands I commend my spirit.”²⁰

The earth groaned, His friends grieved, and darkness covered the land. The Savior passed into the world of spirits, where “an innumerable company of the spirits of the just”—righteous souls who had died—awaited His coming. In striking similarity to what had happened in the beginning of time, the sons and daughters of God shouted for joy and bowed down to worship their Deliverer.²¹

 

The Resurrection of the Light of the World

Soon the time came for the Savior to take up His physical body again and complete His victory over death. Early in the morning on a spring day, the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene went to His tomb and found it empty. She was the first to hear His voice and see His beloved face. Jesus later appeared to His Apostles, inviting them to behold His hands and feet, to “handle [Him], and see”²² that it really was Him—that their Redeemer did indeed live again!

These are the “good tidings of great joy”²³ we celebrate at Christmas—not only that Christ was born but that He lived among us, gave His life for us, was resurrected, and ultimately “finished the work which [His Father gave Him] to do.”²⁴ We rejoice because the confusion and chaos of this world can be hushed by the promise made to us from the very beginning—a promise fulfilled by the Atonement of Jesus Christ. For this reason, the story of Christmas is not fully told without the story of Easter. It was the Savior’s atoning sacrifice that made holy the silent night in Bethlehem. It was His gift of redemption that caused us to shout for joy in the premortal world—this gift that heals our sickness, restores our sight, and wipes away all tears.²⁵

The light we love at Christmas emanates from the Light of the World, Jesus Christ. The story we cherish at Christmas tells of our Father’s plan of happiness, which Christ made possible. The gift that makes the Christmas season sacred is His very life, which He gave that we might have everlasting life. May we receive this gift and share His love and His gospel with all the world, particularly during this wonderful season of the year, is my prayer in the sacred name of Jesus Christ, amen.

 

 

 

The Light and the Life of the world 

Elder David A. Bednar

 

The most familiar and beloved account of the Savior’s birth is found in the second chapter of Luke in the New Testament. I am filled with gratitude each time I read about Joseph and Mary traveling to Bethlehem, the lowly manger, the humble birth of the Lord Jesus Christ, and angels proclaiming “good tidings of great joy … to all people” (Luke 2:10).

The Restoration of the gospel in the latter days provides an important companion account of the Savior’s birth in the Book of Mormon. My message highlights this additional description of the first Christmas. As we consider this episode together, brothers and sisters, I invite you to visualize yourself in these events and not merely listen to the words.

I pray the Holy Ghost will help you liken these scriptures to you and your family (see 1 Nephi 19:23) and fill your hearts with the true spirit of Christmas.

Samuel the Lamanite

Our account begins in the land of Zarahemla a few years before the birth of the Savior. Samuel the Lamanite came among the people to preach repentance and prophesy of Christ. Now please try to imagine that you are 10 years old and a member of the multitude listening to a prophet of God foretell future events.

Samuel declared: “Behold, I give unto you a sign; for five years more cometh, and behold, then cometh the Son of God to redeem all those who shall believe on his name.

“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, insomuch that it shall appear unto man as if it was day.

“Therefore, there shall be one day and a night and a day, as if it were one day and there were no night; and this shall be unto you for a sign. …

“And behold, there shall a new star arise … ; and this also shall be a sign unto you” (Helaman 14:2–5).

The Savior’s Birth

As time passed, “the prophecies of the prophets began to be fulfilled more fully; for there began to be greater signs and greater miracles wrought among the people” (3 Nephi 1:4).

Please now imagine five years have passed and you are now approximately 15 years old. You can recall clearly the prophecies of Samuel as you consider the present circumstances in which you live.

“But there were some who began to say that the time was past for the words to be fulfilled, which were spoken by Samuel, the Lamanite.

“And they began to rejoice over their brethren, saying: Behold the time is past, and the words of Samuel are not fulfilled; therefore, your joy and your faith concerning this thing hath been vain.

“And it came to pass that they did make a great uproar throughout the land; and the people who believed began to be very sorrowful, lest by any means those things which had been spoken might not come to pass.

“But behold, they did watch steadfastly for that day and that night and that day which should be as one day as if there were no night, that they might know that their faith had not been vain.

“Now it came to pass that there was a day set apart by the unbelievers, that all those who believed in those traditions should be put to death except the sign should come to pass, which had been given by Samuel the prophet” (3 Nephi 1:5–9).

Brothers and sisters, can we even begin to understand what it might have been like to await the sign of His coming and also face the dire deadline of death? Would you and I stand firm and steadfast in the faith, or would we waver and shrink?

Then, indeed, the sign of Christ’s birth foretold by Samuel was given. In a climate of religious persecution and at the tender age of approximately 15, you marveled one evening as the sun went down but there was no darkness.

“And the people began to be astonished because there was no darkness when the night came. …

“And they began to know that the Son of God must shortly appear; yea, … all the people … were so exceedingly astonished that they fell to the earth. …

“And it came to pass that there was no darkness in all that night, but it was as light as though it was mid-day. And it came to pass that the sun did rise in the morning again, … and they knew that it was the day that the Lord should be born, because of the sign which had been given.

“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 1:15, 17, 19–21).

The day Jesus was born was a day of deliverance for the believers in the New World. Light as the sign of the Savior’s birth literally saved their lives.

The Savior’s Death and Resurrection

Now, brothers and sisters, imagine that over 30 years have passed and you are now approaching the age of 50. You can still remember vividly the teachings of Samuel and your experiences as a teenager when the sign of the Lord’s birth was given.

One of the signs of Christ’s death foretold by Samuel was three days of intense darkness (see Helaman 14:27; 3 Nephi 8:3).

“And it came to pass that there was thick darkness upon all the face of the land, insomuch that the inhabitants thereof who had not fallen could feel the vapor of darkness;

“And there could be no light, because of the darkness, neither candles, neither torches; neither could there be fire kindled … , so that there could not be any light at all;

“And there was not any light seen, neither fire, nor glimmer, neither the sun, nor the moon, nor the stars, for so great were the mists of darkness which were upon the face of the land.

“And it came to pass that it did last for the space of three days that there was no light seen” (3 Nephi 8:20–23).

What might it have been like to experience those three days of indescribable darkness and then, a short time later, gather with the multitude of 2,500 people at the temple in the land of Bountiful? Can you envision the majesty of the moment as the Savior descended from the heavens and declared, “Behold, I am Jesus Christ. … I am the light and the life of the world”? (3 Nephi 11:10–11; italics added).

To this special assembly at the temple, two of the first words the Savior used to describe Himself were “the light.” Samuel predicted a sign of light. The sign of light was given at the Savior’s birth. For the people in the assembled multitude, terrible darkness and fear had been dissipated by the true light, even Jesus Christ.

The account of the first Christmas in the Book of Mormon helps us to learn and more fully understand that Jesus Christ is the “light which shineth in darkness” (see D&C 10:57–61). In every season of our lives, in all of the circumstances we may encounter, and in each challenge we may face, Jesus Christ is the light that dispels fear, provides assurance and direction, and engenders enduring peace and joy.

Many of our memorable and enduring Christmas traditions include different kinds of lights—lights on trees, lights in and on our homes, candles on our tables. May the beautiful lights of every holiday season remind us of Him who is the source of all light.

Yet in thy dark streets shineth

The everlasting Light.

The hopes and fears of all the years

Are met in thee tonight.

(“O Little Town of Bethlehem,” Hymns, no. 208).

I witness that Jesus was born in Bethlehem, triumphantly fulfilled His mortal mission and ministry, and as our resurrected Lord, He lives today. I so testify in the sacred name of the Lord Jesus Christ, amen.

 

A Heavenly Hug

One of my favorite Christmas memories happened when I was six years old. It was Christmas Eve, and I was asleep on the top bunk bed that I shared with my little sister in our home in Berlin, Germany. I was pretty excited for Christmas morning to come—so excited that I must not have been sleeping very deeply, because sometime during the night I was awakened by bells jingling. Then I heard the door of our room slowly squeak open. And when the light from the other room landed on my face, I quickly sat up and looked towards the door. What I saw was unbelievable! Standing in the doorway was Santa Claus. I’m not kidding—it was him! He bellowed, “Ho, ho, ho,” and then asked if I would like to follow him into the living room to see the lit-up Christmas tree. I was stunned and totally speechless, but I scampered down the ladder of my bed and followed him to the front room where my mother and older brother were standing by the tree. But as I looked around the room, I didn’t see my dad—how could he be missing this? Mom said he was taking out the trash, but boy was he taking a long time! To this day I feel bad that he never had the chance to meet Santa Claus. Santa asked if I had been a good girl, and I was so happy to report that I had. After making sure he had sampled the cookies and milk we set out for him, I went back to bed and, a few hours later, woke to a joyous Christmas morning.

My husband’s grandfather, Heaton Lunt, had a very different Christmas morning as a young boy living in the colonies of Mexico in the late 1800s. He tells this story in his history: “Christmas came and we had the sheep in a pen under the barn where it was warm, because there was snow on the ground then. I went up real early Christmas morning to see if my sheep were all right. I heard bleating in the stable that sounded very tiny. I went inside and saw that Nelly had two tiny lambs—twins. I ran back to the house as hard as I could … [and] I clapped my hands and said to my mama, ‘I’ve got the best Christmas of any of you: O’ Nelly’s got two little lambs.’ All the kids left their oranges and things on the table, and they ran up to the barn to see those little lambs Nelly had. It was the biggest wonder of anything we ever got on Christmas.”¹ Amazingly, the very next year and for years following, new lambs were born to Heaton’s sheep on Christmas morning.

When I first heard this story, my heart and mind were immediately drawn to thoughts of another Lamb born on that very first Christmas day: Jesus Christ, the Lamb of God. Just like Heaton ran to see his new lambs, I imagine the shepherds hastening to see the newborn Son of God. Can you visualize what they must have witnessed in that humble and sacred setting? I envision a loving Joseph attending to his wife, Mary, as they pondered the birth of the promised Messiah. The account of Mary wrapping her tiny baby in swaddling clothes is particularly tender to me.

We recently welcomed a new granddaughter into our family. I watched one day as her mother wrapped her in a soft, warm swaddling blanket and held her close. To swaddle simply means to wrap tightly. Swaddling clothes and blankets have been used throughout history to comfort and sooth and even calm a fussy baby. As I watched our daughter-in-law swaddle her new child, I thought of others who might be in need of a swaddle, even a virtual one. A kind word, a listening ear, or an understanding heart can comfort and soothe the troubled soul of another. 

Almost three years ago, our son-in-law experienced a serious medical crisis. In finding answers, he underwent many tests and procedures which ultimately led to him needing heart surgery. As our son-in-law went into surgery, our daughter sent a message to her in-laws to give them an update on their son. From far away in another country where they were serving a mission, her mother-in-law responded with these comforting words: “Sending you heavenly hugs.”

Just a few moments later, a nurse walked by but then stopped. She looked into our daughter’s tear-filled eyes and asked if she would like a blanket, but she declined, saying that she was OK. The nurse left but immediately returned with a warm blanket. She wrapped it tightly around our daughter and said to her, “I feel like you need a heavenly hug.” 

The Lamb of God, also known as the Good Shepherd, knows each of His flock. In our moments of need, He often sends earthly angels, like the compassionate nurse to our daughter, to wrap and encircle us in the arms of His love.² He came to earth to bring peace and goodwill to all men.³ He comforts those who stand in need of comfort and mourns with those who mourn.⁴

As I consider the many ways the Lord loves and cares for each of us, I feel a desire to do more to share that love with others. I also wish to better recognize the heavenly hugs and swaddles I have received but have been slow to acknowledge.

In a world so much in need of peace, our gentle words, our acts of compassion and kindness can be the means of wrapping another in a warm, swaddling blanket. I have come to understand that the more we act on promptings to serve others, the more heavenly blankets the Lord gives us to share. What promptings have you received? Who do you know that is in need of a heavenly hug? Our personal or virtual touch may make all the difference in the life of a loved one or even a stranger. 

I pray as we celebrate the birth of our Savior that we not only feel of His love, compassion, and peace but that we share those blessings with others. As I ponder the gift of the Lamb of God, the babe swaddled and laid in a manger, I echo the words of young Heaton. He is “the biggest wonder of anything we ever got [or will ever get] on Christmas.”⁵

In the name of Jesus Christ, amen.

 

The Perfect Gift

One year, about three days before a childhood Christmas, my husband, Rob, discovered two of his older sisters in their bedroom secretly unwrapping two of their Christmas presents. Then, after they had peeked inside, his sisters rewrapped their gifts. Rob’s sisters told him, “If you don’t tell Mom, we’ll show you how to do it.”

He ultimately gave in to the temptation, especially since there was a basketball-sized package under the Christmas tree with his name on it.

However, the gift felt oddly light when he secretly carried it up to his bedroom. He carefully opened it and found it empty, except for a note. The note read, “I know what you’re doing. Don’t spoil your Christmas. Love, Mom.” He learned his lesson, and that was the end of the great Christmas-gift-peeking caper.

Consider your memories, the beautiful sights, the angelic sounds, and the unforgettable smells that come to mind when you think of Christmas. Even more tender are the memories many of us carry in our hearts from childhood of the holiness of Christmas—the celebration of our Savior’s birth. Those sacred feelings never leave us.

 

We feel them every time we reflect on that little Bethlehem manger where so many prophecies, over centuries, all came together under a starry night sky—when our Savior and Redeemer was brought into the world as King of Kings and Lord of Lords.

We often hear that Christmas is for children, but aren’t we all children at heart? One day a mother and her nine-year-old daughter were busily Christmas shopping. As they rushed through a department store jewelry section, the daughter noticed an enormous banner hanging over a display case. In large red letters, the banner proclaimed, “The Gift That Never Stops Giving.”

The daughter read the sign, contemplated it for a moment, and then smiled. She proudly told her mother, “Mom, I know what the gift is that never stops giving.”

“Oh, what?” her mother asked as they quickly moved through the crowd.

The daughter innocently announced, “It’s Jesus!”

Her mother erroneously responded, “No, Sweetheart. It’s diamonds.”

Isaiah reminds us, “And a little child shall lead them.”¹

Using one internet search engine, I found thousands of items advertised with the phrase “The gift that never stops giving.” Yet try as we may, no material gift that we give will last forever.

In contrast, let me share with you one of my tender Christmas memories of two individuals who, I believe, never stopped giving. They were my parents, Aldo and Eleanor Harmon.

 

It was a snowy winter in our little town that year, but that didn’t stop my dad from taking our family to search for the perfect Christmas tree. Once the tree was home and secured in the tree stand, the bubble lights, angel ornaments, and tinsel were lovingly placed on the boughs. Our humble home was officially ready for Christmas to begin.

The toy catalogs arrived in the mail, and my siblings and I excitedly turned the pages wishing for Christmas treasures. The scent of gingerbread and fruitcake filled our home, and December slowly inched away on the advent calendar. We left surprises on the doorsteps of neighbors and tried to serve families who were in need of a bit of Christmas cheer.

Each night, after I went to bed, my mother spent an excessive amount of time secluded in her bedroom. All I could hear was the sound of her sewing machine. She sewed so much of our clothing anyway that I didn’t think much about it.

But as Christmas neared, my mother was completely exhausted. She was sick in bed the day before Christmas. When the doctor told my father that she would have to stay in bed for at least a week, I was worried—but also very disappointed. How could Christmas go on without Mom? How could it even feel like Christmas? And besides, who would cook Christmas dinner?

As my father lovingly cared for my mother, he realized the task of cooking Christmas dinner fell upon him. Again, I was worried! Though a very wise and gifted man, cooking was not something he had mastered.

Christmas Eve found me on my knees praying that my mother would be miraculously healed and that Christmas morning would be as it had always been—our family gathered around the Christmas tree. Disappointment washed over us Christmas morning as we found our dear mother still very sick in bed. As we opened our gifts, I was surprised to find that my special present was an assortment of handmade doll clothing that my mother had been sewing for me during those many late nights of December. I couldn’t wait to run to her and throw my arms around her neck. How she had sacrificed for me.

Dear Daddy tried every way possible to make Christmas Day feel normal that year, as normal as it could be without Mom. And he succeeded. After our simple dinner, my sweet dad fell asleep in the chair next to the fireplace as I played with my siblings and my doll and her new clothes. My dearest mother recovered after much rest, and all was well. But in my life, my parents were to me a gift that never stopped giving.

Let’s consider that phrase for a moment. Wouldn’t a gift that never stops giving be considered a perfect gift? First, a perfect gift would reveal something about the giver of the gift. Second, it would reflect something about the needs of the person receiving the gift. And finally, the gift, if it was really the perfect gift, would hold its value not just as time goes on but forever.

Doesn’t our beloved Savior, even the Savior of the world, meet these three requirements? Does the gift of Jesus Christ’s birth, ministry, and atoning sacrifice reveal something about the Giver of the gift? Of course. “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son.”² Our Father in Heaven sacrificed His Son out of pure love for us, His children.

Does the gift of Jesus Christ demonstrate that our Heavenly Father knew exactly what we needed? Again, an emphatic yes! We are fallen by nature, and we desperately need a Savior and Redeemer. As Nephi taught, Jesus Christ “doeth not anything save it be for the benefit of the world; for he loveth the world.”³

And the final requirement for the perfect gift? It must hold its value forever. The Book of Mormon clearly teaches us that the Atonement of Jesus Christ is infinite and eternal.⁴

Remember the jewelry department banner? That young girl knew intuitively what the true gift is. In this darkened world, we look beyond jewels to the Light of the World. The Savior Himself taught:

 

“Therefore, hold up your light that it may shine unto the world. Behold I am the light which ye shall hold up.”⁵

“I am the light which shineth in darkness.”⁶

I testify that Jesus Christ is the perfect gift—the gift that never stops giving. May we all hold that truth in our hearts this Christmas and forever. He lives. In the sacred name of Jesus Christ, amen.

 

 

Fear Not

“Fear Not”

Whitney Clayton 

Dear brothers and sisters, we gather tonight because of our shared love for Christmas and the Christmas season. Is there anything better than beautiful Christmas music and carols, Christmas gatherings of family and friends, smiling faces, and the joyful exuberance of children? Christmas has a divine ability to bring us together as families, friends, and communities. We look forward to exchanging gifts and enjoying a festive holiday meal.

In A Christmas Carol, written by the English author Charles Dickens, Scrooge’s nephew captures the magic of this sacred time of year by reflecting that “I have always thought of Christmas time, when it has come round … as a good time; a kind, forgiving, charitable, pleasant time; the only time I know of, in the long calendar of the year, when men and women seem by one consent to open their … hearts freely, and to think of [other] people. … And therefore … though it has never put a scrap of gold or silver in my pocket, I believe that it has done me good, and will do me good; and I say, God bless it!” (A Christmas Carol [1858], 5–6).

 

As a parent, and now as a grandparent, I have been reminded of the magic of Christmas as I have watched my children, and now their children, celebrate the Savior’s birth and enjoy one another’s company as our family gathers together. I am sure you have watched, as I have, the joy and innocence with which children look forward to and relish this special holiday. Seeing their joy reminds each of us of happy Christmases past. It was Dickens again who observed, “It is good to be children sometimes, and never better than at Christmas, when its mighty Founder was a child himself” (A Christmas Carol,67).

 

I was raised near Los Angeles, where our home was surrounded by orange groves. One evening each Christmas, my parents invited family, friends, and neighbors to our home to sing Christmas carols and enjoy refreshments. It was a wonderful tradition for all of us, and the singing seemed to go on for hours. We children would sing as long as we felt we must, and then we would steal away out into the orange grove to play.

My wife, Kathy, and I also raised our family in Southern California, relatively close to the coast. Christmas there is characterized by palm trees swaying in the breeze. Every year our children looked forward to going down to the harbor to watch the annual Christmas boat parade. Hundreds of beautiful yachts, twinkling with lights of all colors, circled the harbor as we watched in wonder.

Now that we live in Salt Lake City, Kathy and I have made a tradition of taking our children and grandchildren to a local production of the play A Christmas Carol. Every year, as we watch Ebenezer Scrooge undertake his miraculous transformation from a heartless hermit into a happy neighbor filled with Christmas joy, we feel the tug to let go of the Scrooge within us. We feel prompted to do a little better to follow the Savior’s example of charity to all. The transformative spirit of the Christmas season is rooted in the redeeming power of Jesus Christ to change our lives for the better. The beloved account of the birth of the Son of God more than two thousand years ago in Bethlehem is recorded in the book of Luke:

“And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus, that all the world should be taxed. …

“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 Judea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; …

“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” (Luke 2:1, 3–14).

 

The angel perceived the shepherds’ fear when he appeared to them, telling them to “fear not.” The astonishing glory of God, which radiated from the unexpected heavenly messenger, had indeed struck fear in their hearts. But the news the angel had come to share was nothing to be afraid of. He had come to announce a miracle, to bring the ultimate good news, to tell them that the redemption of mankind literally had commenced. No other messenger before or since has brought happier greetings. The Only Begotten of the Father was beginning His mortal sojourn: “For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.” These were indeed good tidings of great joy.

We each face moments in our lives when the great joy that the angel promised can seem elusive and distant. All of us are subject to the frailties and hardships of life—illness, failure, problems, disappointment, and, in the end, death. While many people are blessed to live in physical safety, others today do not. Many face great difficulty meeting the demands of life and the physical and emotional toll it can bring.

And yet, despite life’s hardships, the message of the Lord to each of us is the same today as it was to the shepherds keeping watch two thousand years ago: “Fear not.” Perhaps the angel’s injunction to fear not has more transcendent relevance to us today than it did in calming the shepherds’ fear that first Christmas night. Could he also have meant for us to understand that because of the Savior, fear will never triumph? to reinforce that ultimate fear is never justified? to remind us that no earthly problem need be lasting, that none of us is beyond redeeming?

The sweetest gift given at Christmas will always be the one our Savior Himself gave us: His perfect peace. He said: “Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid” (John 14:27). Even in a world where peace seems far off, the Savior’s gift of peace can live in our hearts regardless of our circumstances. If we accept the Savior’s invitation to follow Him, lasting fear is forever banished. Our future has been secured. These are the “good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.” “Fear thou not,” the prophet Isaiah reminded us, “for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness” (Isaiah 41:10).

 

Because of the Savior born two thousand years ago in Bethlehem, there is hope—and so much more. There is redemption, release, victory, and triumph. “The wrong shall fail, the right prevail” (“I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day,” Hymns, no. 214). No wonder a choir of angels suddenly appeared as a heavenly exclamation point to the angel’s announcement of the Savior’s birth, singing, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.” No message could ever be more reassuring. No message was ever filled with more good will toward men.

May this season be one of peace and joy for all of us, “for unto [us was] born [that] day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.” In the name of Jesus Christ, amen.

 

Christmas 2021

Hope you all had a wonderful Christmas in your neck of the woods. We have been enjoying our stay with Daniel’s brother, Roberto and family in Rocha and La Paloma. It was a short trip, from December 23^rd to December 27^th but soooo sweet. Daniel’s mother is as spank as ever! Daniel’s sister also was visiting from Brazil. Today we woke up in Montevideo and soon we’ll go back to Buenos Aires. 

 

Yesterday, I was asked to give a talk in La Paloma, (a small branch of a few members where Roberto is the leader.) This was my talk, is in Spanish. 

 

“Los tres niveles de la Navidad”

 

Estoy feliz de estar frente a ustedes y que juntos participamos de la Santa Cena. Nunca voy a olvidar cuando visite Tierra Santa con mi mama y entramos a un lugar que fue donde se supone que Jesucristo por primera vez introdujo lo que hoy se conoce como Santa Cena para que lo recordáramos siempre. Recuerdo que al ver ese lugar tan especial sentí una corriente desde la cabeza hasta los pies que me testifico que eso realmente sucedió. No tengo duda que el Señor está complacido con cada uno de ustedes que tomaron el tiempo de asistir a Su Iglesia esta mañana, especialmente en un tiempo tan especial Navideño. 

 

La Navidad por lo general se celebra en todo el mundo, independientemente si las personas son creyentes en Jesucristo, o no.  Mi hermana me comento que cuando visito la India justo para una navidad, las personas allí también lo celebraron de una forma especial, con vestiduras bellas con telas especiales muy propias de aquel tiempo. Ellos festejan con lo mejor que tienen. 

 

La primera etapa de navidad, se define como la etapa de Santa Claus, es cuando la gente se pone a decorar sus casas, y la adorna con luces. Pone el árbol navideño con muchos regalos a su alrededor porque ¿a quien no le gusta recibir regalos? Cada rincón de la tierra celebra de esta manera un podo superficial pero alegre. 

 

La segunda etapa de la Navidad se enfoca en la historia del Nino Jesús, María y José. Es cuando leemos Lucas 2 y hasta hacemos la dramatización con nuestras familias. Es poner los pesebres que hemos coleccionado durante la trayectoria de nuestra vida para mostrar. Yo recuerdo cuando niña como mi mama tenía un pesebre de toda la ciudad de Belén que abarcaba tres metros porque lo ponía en el espacio debajo de unas gradas y cada año agregaba algo nuevo. Los amigos que nos visitaban se admiraban de lo completo que estaba. La navidad en mi casa giraba alrededor del nacimiento del niño Jesús. 

 

La tercera etapa es la más profunda porque es cuando lo recordamos como adulto. En esta etapa hacemos las cosas que él hubiera hecho. Él nos dio su ejemplo a seguir. La iglesia por los últimos cinco años nos ha invitado a participar en la campaña de “Iluminar al mundo” en el cual se nos invita para participar en actos de caridad como una forma de recordarlo. Se nos pide que hagamos cosas como: Expresas amor a nuestros padres, hacer algo para compartir, convocar a la familia a un zoom, invitar a un vecino a la Iglesia un domingo, compartir una receta navideña, buscar en Family Search a un antepasado, dar una oración y hacer un ayuno como regalo al Señor, leer en lucas 2, compartir una escritura favorita. La mía se encuentra en Helaman 5:12 “Y ahora bien, recordad hijos míos, recordad que es sobre la roca de nuestro Redentor, el cual es Cristo, el Hijo de Dios, donde debes establecer vuestro fundamento, para que cuando el diablo lance sus impetuosos vientos, si, cuando todo su granizo y furiosa tormenta os azoten, esto no tenga poder para arrastraros al abismo de miseria y angustia sin fin, a causa de la roca sobre la cual estáis edificados, que es un fundamento sobre el cual, si los hombres edifican no caerán. Bueno, en fin, a mí me encanta participar de la iniciativa de la Iglesia de Ilumina al mundo como parte de mi tradición como miembro de la Iglesia.

 

Recuerdo que El presidente Hunter dió un discurso en el cual dijo: “En esta navidad den por terminado un pleito alterado… Busquen a un amigo olvidado…dejen a un lado el recelo y reemplácelo con confianza…escriban una carta…compartan un tesoro especial …den una respuesta amorosa a quien no se lo espera…animen a la juventud…manifiesten su lealtad en palabras y hechos…guarden una promesa…busquen dar de su tiempo a los demás…apártense del rencor…perdonen a un enemigo…pidan perdón…traten de comprender y remuevan de su corazón el odio y el perjuicio…En esta navidad escuchen más…analicen vuestras exigencias para con otros…piensen primero en la otra persona…sean amables…sean gentiles…sonrían un poco más…no se tomen muy en serio y ríanse más…asistan a la iglesia…expresen gratitud, reciban con alegría a un forastero…alegren el corazón de un niño…regocíjense en lo bello y maravilloso de esta tierra…junte a su familia para compartir del espíritu navideño…en esta navidad renueve su fé…dele la bienvenida a un extraño…Dele animo al corazón de alguien decaído…envuelva menos regalos y cante las canciones navideños más…en esta navidad arrepientense de un pecado…envíen un regalo a alguien en forma anónima…visite a un amigo…ayude a un vecino quien tiene alguna necesidad…lea a sus hijos las narraciones navideñas... lea el libro de Lucas y memorise con ellos la natividad…expresen su amor en palabras una y otra vez. Si hacemos esto todo el mes de diciembre cuando lleguemos al 25 de diciembre habremos experimentado el verdadero espíritu de la navidad” y en breve eso es lo que ilumina al mundo quiere que hagamos cada año. Que llevemos la navidad al tercer nivel! 

 

En ven sígueme para esta semana de navidad se nos pidió que leyéramos el Cristo Viviente. Esto es lo que dice el manual:

 

Una manera de centrar sus pensamientos en el Salvador esta Navidad es estudiar “El Cristo Viviente: El Testimonio de los Apóstoles”. Esta reseña sugiere formas en las que puede hacer de ese testimonio profético parte de su estudio personal y familiar del Evangelio.

 

En 1838, el profeta José Smith declaró: “Los principios fundamentales de nuestra religión son el testimonio de los apóstoles y de los profetas concernientes a Jesucristo: que murió, fue sepultado, se levantó al tercer día y ascendió a los cielos; y todas las otras cosas que pertenecen a nuestra religión son únicamente apéndices de eso” (Enseñanzas de los Presidentes de la Iglesia: José Smith, págs. 51–52). Años más tarde, el presidente Russell M. Nelson observó que “[f]ue esta declaración del Profeta la que incentivó a 15 profetas, videntes y reveladores a publicar y firmar su testimonio para conmemorar el aniversario número 2000 del nacimiento del Señor. Ese testimonio histórico se titula ‘El Cristo Viviente’. Muchos miembros han memorizado las verdades que contiene; otros apenas saben que existe. A medida que procuran aprender más acerca de Jesucristo, los insto a estudiar ‘El Cristo Viviente’” (véase “Cómo obtener el poder de Jesucristo en nuestra vida”, Liahona, mayo de 2017, pág. 40).

En calidad de Santos de los Últimos Días, nos regocijamos en la bendición de la revelación continua por medio de profetas y apóstoles modernos. Agradecemos sus palabras inspiradas de consejo, advertencia y ánimo; pero sobre todo, somos bendecidos por sus potentes testimonios de Jesucristo, en Navidad y a lo largo del año. Representan más que solo palabras conmovedoras de escritores u oradores hábiles, o perspectivas de expertos en las Escrituras. Son las palabras de los “testigos especiales del nombre de Cristo en todo el mundo” (Doctrina y Convenios 107:23), a quienes Dios ha elegido, llamado y autorizado.

 

Como parte de mi celebración navideña, yo voy a memorizar la proclamación del Cristo Viviente el cual dice: 

 

Al conmemorar el nacimiento de Jesucristo hace dos milenios, manifestamos nuestro testimonio de la realidad de Su vida incomparable y de la virtud infinita de Su gran sacrificio expiatorio. Ninguna otra persona ha ejercido una influencia tan profunda sobre todos los que han vivido y los que aún vivirán sobre la tierra.

 

Él fue el Gran Jehová del Antiguo Testamento y el Mesías del Nuevo Testamento. Bajo la dirección de Su Padre, Él fue el Creador de la tierra. “Todas las cosas por él fueron hechas, y sin él nada de lo que ha sido hecho, fue hecho” (Juan 1:3). Aun cuando fue sin pecado, fue bautizado para cumplir toda justicia. Él “anduvo haciendo bienes” (Hechos 10:38) y, sin embargo, fue repudiado por ello. Su Evangelio fue un mensaje de paz y de buena voluntad. Él suplicó a todos que siguieran Su ejemplo. Recorrió los caminos de Palestina, sanando a los enfermos, haciendo que los ciegos vieran y levantando a los muertos. Enseñó las verdades de la eternidad, la realidad de nuestra existencia premortal, el propósito de nuestra vida en la tierra y el potencial de los hijos y de las hijas de Dios en la vida venidera.

 

Instituyó la Santa Cena como recordatorio de Su gran sacrificio expiatorio. Fue arrestado y condenado por acusaciones falsas, se le declaró culpable para satisfacer a la multitud y se le sentenció a morir en la cruz del Calvario. Él dio Su vida para expiar los pecados de todo el género humano. La Suya fue una gran dádiva vicaria en favor de todos los que habitarían la tierra.

 

Testificamos solemnemente que Su vida, que es fundamental para toda la historia de la humanidad, no comenzó en Belén ni concluyó en el Calvario. Él fue el Primogénito del Padre, el Hijo Unigénito en la carne, el Redentor del mundo.

 

Se levantó del sepulcro para ser las “primicias de los que durmieron” (1 Corintios 15:20). Como el Señor Resucitado, anduvo entre aquellos a los que había amado en vida. También ministró entre Sus “otras ovejas” (Juan 10:16) en la antigua América. En el mundo moderno, Él y Su Padre aparecieron al joven José Smith, iniciando así la largamente prometida “dispensación del cumplimiento de los tiempos” (Efesios 1:10).

 

Del Cristo Viviente, el profeta José escribió: “Sus ojos eran como llama de fuego; el cabello de su cabeza era blanco como la nieve pura; su semblante brillaba más que el resplandor del sol; y su voz era como el estruendo de muchas aguas, sí, la voz de Jehová, que decía:

 

“Soy el primero y el último; soy el que vive, soy el que fue muerto; soy vuestro abogado ante el Padre” (D. y C. 110:3–4).

 

De Él, el Profeta también declaró: “Y ahora, después de los muchos testimonios que se han dado de él, éste es el testimonio, el último de todos, que nosotros damos de él: ¡Que vive!

 

“Porque lo vimos, sí, a la diestra de Dios; y oímos la voz testificar que él es el Unigénito del Padre;

 

“que por él, por medio de él y de él los mundos son y fueron creados, y sus habitantes son engendrados hijos e hijas para Dios” (D. y C. 76:22–24).

 

Declaramos en palabras de solemnidad que Su sacerdocio y Su Iglesia han sido restaurados sobre la tierra, “edificados sobre el fundamento de… apóstoles y profetas, siendo la principal piedra del ángulo Jesucristo mismo” (Efesios 2:20).

 

Testificamos que algún día Él regresará a la tierra. “Y se manifestará la gloria de Jehová, y toda carne juntamente la verá” (Isaías 40:5). Él regirá como Rey de reyes y reinará como Señor de señores, y toda rodilla se doblará, y toda lengua hablará en adoración ante Él. Todos nosotros compareceremos para ser juzgados por Él según nuestras obras y los deseos de nuestro corazón.

 

Damos testimonio, en calidad de Sus apóstoles debidamente ordenados, de que Jesús es el Cristo Viviente, el inmortal Hijo de Dios. Él es el gran Rey Emanuel, que hoy está a la diestra de Su Padre. Él es la luz, la vida y la esperanza del mundo. Su camino es el sendero que lleva a la felicidad en esta vida y a la vida eterna en el mundo venidero. Gracias sean dadas a Dios por la dádiva incomparable de Su Hijo divino.

El documento fue firmado por los miembros de la Primera Presidencia y los Doce Apóstoles que ya la mayoría han regresado en la presencia del Señor. 

 

Para terminar, leeré del último mensaje que nos dijo el Presidente Nelson en la conferencia de Octubre 2021. 

 

Los amo, queridos hermanos y hermanas. Sé estas verdades: Dios, nuestro Padre Celestial, quiere que ustedes elijan volver a casa con Él. Su plan de progreso eterno no es complicado y respeta el albedrío de ustedes. ¡Son libres de elegir quiénes serán —y con quién estarán— en el mundo venidero!

 

¡Dios vive! ¡Jesús es el Cristo! Esta es Su Iglesia, restaurada para ayudarlos a cumplir su destino divino. Testifico de ello, en el sagrado nombre de Jesucristo. Amén.