Dad--A few years ago, along with the Luke and Matthew accounts. of the Nativity, we read "The Living Christ" document. I would highly recommend it. As the Brethren remind us, even though the birth of Christ is sacred and beautiful, His ministry and especially His Atonement are MOST important.
Since the 23rd is the Prophet Joseph Smith's birth, and we celebrate the birth of Christ shortly
thereafter, I like D&C 76:22-24 "And now, after the many testimonies which have been given of him, this 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."Mom-- I think of the lyrics of two Christmas carols that are the most joyful and the most happy of all the carols; "Joy to the World" and "Oh, Come All Ye Faithful." In "Oh, Come All Ye Faithful, the Chorus is "Oh, come let us adore Him." How can I better adore, or worship Him? Can I be more reverent in His temples and chapels? Can I keep the commandments more perfectly? Can I think of the Savior with more gratitude? I want to do all of these things. In "Joy to the World" We sing a line in the first verse; "Let every heart prepare Him room." Do I have room enough in my heart for Him? Is my life too much filled with other things? Does love of my family count toward room for Him? Does love of my fellow man count, too? I do hope so. My thoughts at Christmas time is a mixture of wonder at the coming of a "Lord at His birth" and a love for a Savior that died and suffered for me. I came across a quote by C. S. Lewis that has a similar sentiment to the words of "I Stand all Amazed." "When Christ died, He died for you just as much as if you had been the only one." I truly do "stand all amazed!"
Sister #2--Matthew 11:28-30 "Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light."
This is my favorite scripture because it's true. When I am worn down with life, every time I have prayed, and have worshiped in other ways, I have ALWAYS felt better.
Sister #4-- The song Away in a Manger always finds a way to the soft parts of my heart. I love how the perspective changes from looking into the Christ child's birthplace to me (or us) in the cradle. The last verse brings a sense of pleading with Jesus to be with me as if I were still a babe AND to be with all the children. I believe the author was asking to bless all God's children as we should be-as little children. This brings me to my favorite scripture 3 Nephi 17:11-25. Jesus who is visiting the people of the Americas after the atonement asks to bless their children. What love emanates from those verses. Angels encircle them. The people feel great joy as does Jesus. That is the same joy we sing of when we sing "Joy to the World." It is the same joy the angels sang when Christ was born. Jesus commands his disciples to become as little children in Luke 18:17. I have felt Jesus' tender care. He does watch over my cradle, for there are times when my understanding is simple and my faith is basic. I am grateful for His love.Mine-- I have so many favorites. I will share two scriptures if I may. Isaiah 9:6 "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 everlasing Father, the Prince of Peace."
And Matthew 11:28-30 (see sister #2).
The birth of Jesus was a miracle all in itself, and is wondrous and glorious, but His life, ministry, and His infinite atonement were the most important, as my daddy said. Because of the Atonement I can lay all of my stresses, hurt feelings, troubles, or what-have-you, at Christ's feet. He suffered not only for my sins, but for my pains as well. I know that when I take advantage of the Atonement, I am much more at peace. My soul is definitely de-stressing when I bring myself closer to Christ, His teachings, and taking his name upon me. Christ is the Prince of Peace. I have felt His loving arms around me at my most desperate times. I've felt his love and joy at the happiest times in my life. All of which has brought me peace. Christ is all of those things written by Isaiah. He is the light of the world. "Joy to the world, the Lord is come!" And as my mother said, give him room in your heart.
Remember Christ this season. Find reason to rejoice. He is with you. He loves each and every one of us individually and unconditionally. Find that love and share it with others. Show the true love of Christ, and serve and give of yourselves. So many people lose hope in Christmas because of circumstances. Bring that light and joy back into their lives. Shun the darkness, because where there is light, darkness cannot be. Where Christ is, Satan cannot and will not be. Christ has room for all of us, even little children hold special places in His heart. Will you let Him into yours? He is waiting at the door. Christ was born the Son of God, he lived, died and was resurrected for our own sake. The most selfless act that has ever been.I pray that you have felt the spirit testify that these things are true. Christ is why we celebrate every year on the 25th of December. "We talk of Christ, we rejoice in Christ, we preach of Christ, we prophesy of Christ, and we write according to our prophecies, that our children may know to what source they may look for a remission of their sins." (2 Nephi 25:26) I hope you were able to strengthen your own testimony of Christ by reading the words of some of my family in parts 1 and 2. They truly are amazing, and they have awesome testimonies. Merry Christmas everybody!!
Lovely! Thank you for doing this.
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