We Rejoice in Christ Part 1

I mentioned several times that I love Christmas. I love Christmas mostly because each year it brings me closer to Christ. There was a Christmas several years ago, where my family and I sat around the kitchen table and shared with each other our favorite scriptures or stories of Christ and why. It was a most spiritual and tender moment for me as our testimonies of Christ brought us closer together as a family. I wish that I had had the insight to write some of those down. So this year, I decided to do just that. I got all the family I could, my side and Hubs' side to share their testimonies of Christ. I am bringing you the Spirit of Christ to you. Merry Christmas!

Father in-law-- 3 Nephi 11:10-11 "Behold, I am Jesus Christ, whom the prophets testified shall come into the world. And behold, I am the light and the life of the world; and I have drunk out of that bitter cup which the Father hath given me, and have glorified the Father in taking upon me the sins of the world, in the which I have suffered the will of the Father in all things from the beginning."

Every time I read this I feel the spirit testify that this really did happen, and it is true. That is how I, myself, feel, and I know that He lives and is the savior of the world. That he suffered and atoned for all mankind and especially for me. I love Him and pray everyday that I will be worthy to be in His presence when that time comes. I am sending this to all so you can know that I have a true testimony of Him, Jesus Christ, and of His gospel. I love you all, Merry Christmas.

Mother in-law-- My favorite scripture in 3 Nephi 17:21 "And when he had said these words, he wept, and the multitude bare record of it, and he took their little children, one by one, and blessed them, and prayed unto the Father for them."

I can imagine how the children felt and also their parents to be able to experience that. I think that we probably had a close relationship with our Heavenly parents and Jesus in our pre-mortal life, we just can't remember it, and I am sure we will have this experience of being taken in His arms when we pass through the veil. I can't wait for the day.

Sister in-law #3-- I do like the one that says those that haven't sinned cast the first stone (John 8:7 "So when they continued asking him, he lifted up himself, and said unto them, He that is without sin among you, let him first cast a stone at her."). Means nobody is perfect, and everybody makes mistakes. I'm the odd one out in the family. I strayed from the church, and I make mistakes. But I know I am not the only one who has made mistakes. *My side note, the story to which she is referring is in John 8:1-11. *

Hubs--Alma 34:8-16  Because it is about Christ. Why we are here. The plan of salvation. That’s all that needs to be said. I guess I like it because it tells of the role of Christ, and gets straight to the point.  

Mine-- I love Isaiah Chapter 40. Specifically verses 11, 28-29,and 31. (11) "He shall feed his flock like a shepherd: he shall gather the lambs with his arm, and carry them in his bosom, and shall gently lead those that are with young." (28-29) "Hast thou not known? hast thou not heard, that the everlasting God, the Lord, the Creator of the ends of the earth, fainteth not, neither is weary?[...] He giveth power to the faint; and to them that have no might he increaseth strength." (31) " But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint."

I love these verses not because they are used in Handel's Messiah or in the movie "Chariots of Fire", but because the message is of the strength that Christ will give everyone. The atonement is personal. Christ suffered so we can rely on his strength as we struggle through our lives. Then we will be made strong again because of his sacrifice. Mine and your strength will be renewed. I think of times of trials, at the end of them I had renewed strength, understanding, and love for Christ and for others. Trials can be invigorating, after the weight of it is lifted by the power of the atonement. I love the line "he shall gather the lambs with his arm, and carry them in his bosom." How wonderful it is to have someone all the time, any time of day or night, to comfort and to love us unconditionally. I long for the day when Christ will put his arms around me and say, "Welcome home!"

This Christmas season may you all find your strength in Christ's arms. As you read through my family's testimonies, there are commonalities, but they have different perspectives. Each person has something special to share. Live your lives with Christ at the center, and you will find strength, peace and happiness.