Each year at Christmas, I marvel to think
about a glorious event in the history of humankind
that occurred in the city of Bethlehem of Judea
more than 2,000 years ago: the birth of Jesus Christ,
the Savior and Redeemer of the world.
In the scriptures, we learn more fully about the revelations
given to the prophets concerning the coming
of the Messiah to the world.
Isaiah, the Old Testament prophet,
joyously proclaimed, "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."
I add my testimony to the testimonies
of this ancient prophet who, for centuries
before the birth of Jesus Christ,
proclaimed the event that would change
the course of all human history.
The narrative found in the Gospel of Luke
describes the glorious signs that
followed the long-awaited birth of the Messiah.
He wrote that in the mountains of Judea near Bethlehem,
there were shepherds in their fields,
watching over their flocks by night.
They were just and holy persons, chosen
as the first special witnesses of the announcement that
had been predicted for so many years.
They truly saw the angel of the Lord,
who gave them the news of great joy, for in that city,
the City of David, had been born the Savior of the World,
the Christ, the Lord.
Then a multitude of the heavenly host appeared with the angel,
praising God and saying, "Glory to God
in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men."
These shepherds found a child lying in a manger,
and they worshipped Him, and they
went out and bore their testimony of the truth
concerning the Savior.
We can all join those shepherds and the heavenly host
as we daily glorify the Savior, who was born,
lived, died, and was resurrected from the dead so
that all mankind might have eternal life.
The Savior's life was the personification
of love and goodwill toward men.
He always focused on people.
He sought out those who were sick and poor.
He gave food to the hungry.
He was not below common tasks, even
washing the feet of His disciples.
Being fatigued after work and travel,
He refused to turn away little children,
instead welcoming them personally and blessing them.
These selfless acts were not limited
to a specific season or holiday but were
evident in all he did, every day of his life.
Even as He went to Gethsemane, endured Golgotha, and triumphed
over the tomb, He was not thinking
of Himself but of others.
His example can help us become more interested in people
and think of their needs before we think of our own.
As one of his ordained Apostles on earth,
I join Jesus Christ in His invitation
to the world: "If any man will come after [Him],
let him deny himself, and take up his cross and follow [Him]."
The invitation to follow Him is an invitation
to turn our hearts outward and give of ourselves to people
as He did.
As we follow Him, may we ever listen
for the sound of His sandaled feet
and reach out for the Carpenter's steady hand.
I promise that we'll find limitless opportunities
to experience the real joy and the true meaning of Christmas,
which may become a condition of our heart and mind and not just
a day or season.
In addition to that, we will certainly
find peace on earth and goodwill toward men,
not only for the afflicted and bitter hearts,
but also for ourselves.
I bear my solemn testimony that He, Jesus Christ,
is in fact the infant born in Bethlehem.
He is truly the Savior and Redeemer of the world.
He is the greatest being to be born on this earth.
I testify that His life was the perfect example
of how all mankind should live.
I witness that if we follow in His footsteps,
we may become like Him, which can only
happen through His name and His Atonement.
I testify that there is no other name given
under heaven whereby man can be saved in the kingdom of God.
These words of praise bring light and joy into my soul:
glory to God in the highest, peace on earth,
and goodwill to men.
Of these truths I witness in His name,
the Lord of Lords, the King of Kings,
the Lord Immanuel, the Messiah, the Great Jehovah, even
Jesus Christ, amen.