So This Is Christmas...

Christmas is but a couple-four days away. People are trying to get in some last minute shopping, wrapping gifts, baking cookies, making candy, decorating, finalizing Christmas plans. A lot is going on during this time of year. I think we all get sucked into the fun of Christmas that sometimes we forget who it is all about.

artwork by Liz Lemon Swindle

It is about the birth of our Savior Jesus Christ, who is God's greatest gift to us. And not just His birth but His life. Christ gave us the gift of the Atonement, so that we might have eternal life. (Doc. & Cov. 14:7).

I know that Jesus Christ was born of Mary. He came into the world in humble circumstances. He lived a sinless life. Jesus Christ was central to our Heavenly Father's plan. He completed the Atonement, or His suffering for us which was necessary for us to be saved from sin. (Alma 34:9) I know that the Atonement of Christ is real. I've come to realize, especially on my mission, just what my Savior can do for me. Each time I experience the Atonement, my testimony of Jesus Christ and my relationship with Him strengthens. I know that He paid the penalty for our sins, and that He suffered not just for our sins, but for our pains, sicknesses, and afflictions as well (Alma 7:11-12). Christ was resurrected, and it's through Him that we are made alive (1 Cor. 15:20-22). He knows me and He knows you on a personal and individual basis. He's there to catch us when we fall, He's there to hold us when we feel alone or afraid. I know that it's through Jesus Christ that we can return to live with our Father in Heaven and with our families forever. I testify to you that Jesus Christ is the Son of God, He is our Savior and Redeemer. As you let Him into your life, you will experience greater peace, joy, and happiness, in this life and in the life to come.

artwork by Simon Dewey

What greater gift could you want?

So this is Christmas...I pray that we can all do our best to remember and reflect on the true meaning of Christmas, and then act on that, by doing the things that Christ would want us to do.

I wish for you to have a Happy Christmas, filled with love and joy!