Why we love Christmas

Merry Christmas, everyone! I am grateful for this opportunity to stand before you today.

I enjoy Christmas time. It is a wonderful time of year, filled with excitement and anticipation, with celebrations and singing. I particularly love the music of Christmas.

To me, there is something that makes Christmas very special: that is our traditions. One of the important Christmas traditions we have is Santa Claus. What do the Brethren say about Santa Claus?

 Boyd K. Packer said: “I want to emphasize that I have no quarrel with that well-fed gentleman with the red suit and the white whiskers. He was very generous to me when I was a boy, and we are looking forward with great anticipation to his visit at our home. All of those things with reference to Christmas are appropriate and good, and all of them are for children--except, I suppose, the mistletoe.”

Howard W. Hunter said: “How is Christmas regarded today? The legend of Santa Claus, the Christmas tree, the decorations of tinsel and mistletoe, and the giving of gifts all express to us the spirit of the day we celebrate; but the true spirit of Christmas lies much deeper than these. It is found in the life of the Savior, in the principles He taught, in His atoning sacrifice—which become our great heritage.”

President David O. McKay stated: “It is a glorious thing to have old St. Nicholas in our hearts and in our homes today, whether he enters the latter through the open door or creeps down the chimney on Christmas Eve. To bring happiness to others without seeking personal honor or praise by publishing it is a most commendable virtue. . . .

Good old St. Nicholas has long since gone the way of all mortals, but the joy he experienced in doing kindly deeds is now shared by millions who are learning that true happiness comes only by making others happy—the practical application of the Savior’s doctrine of losing one’s life to gain it. In short, the Christmas spirit is the Christ spirit, that makes our hearts glow in brotherly love and friendship and prompts us to kind deeds of service.”

I would like to focus on two important points that were made. The first is that the true spirit of Christmas is found in the life of the Savior and his atoning sacrifice. Second, and equally important, and absolutely interconnected with the Savior’s life, is that the spirit of Christmas prompts us to kind deeds of service.

Unless we recognize and remember that this is a celebration of the Savior’s birth, Christmas is just a grossly commercial holiday where mankind revels in greed. Despite the influence of the world, we can and must remember the Savior during this season.

Just a few minutes ago, we partook of the sacrament and renewed our covenants to always remember him. Do we think of that after this meeting closes? If we are true to our covenants, we should remember him throughout the week. As we do this, we have the promise that we will always have his Spirit to be with us. That will fortify us to keep things in their proper perspective.

We should always remember that our Heavenly Father gave us the gift of his Son, Jesus Christ; and that Christ gave us the incredible gift of the atonement and resurrection. We should truly stand all amazed at these great gifts.

In the Netherlands, where I served my mission, Sinter Klaas comes on the night of December 5^th. This is a time of gift-giving and celebrating. December 25^th is dedicated to remembering the birth of Christ. I have always thought that this approach was very wise. The sacred and secular are separated by nearly three weeks, but the Dutch still enjoy both.

In our gift-giving, do we remember the Lord? Elder John A. Widtsoe taught: "How can we give to the Lord? What shall we give to him? Every kind word to our own, every help given them, is as a gift to God, whose chief concern is the welfare of his children. Every gentle deed to our neighbor, every kindness to the poor and suffering, is a gift to the Lord, before whom all mankind are equal. Every conformity to the Lord's plan of salvation--and this is of first importance--is a direct gift to God, for thereby we fit ourselves more nearly for our divinely planned destiny."

It is through service that we best celebrate Christmas. I remember as a boy, we did small acts of service for each other during December. They were simple things; I don’t recall what I or my siblings did for each other or for our parents, but they helped to create a spirit of love and harmony in our home that is often lacking in a world where the biggest concerns are what will I get for Christmas? and stressing over everything being absolutely perfect, from the decorations to the dinner.

We recall the wise words of King Benjamin in his farewell to his people:

“I say unto you that as I have been suffered to spend my days in your service, even up to this time, and have not sought gold nor silver nor any manner of riches of you; …

“Behold, I say unto you that because I said unto you that I had spent my days in your service, I do not desire to boast, for I have only been in the service of God.

“And behold, I tell you these things that ye may learn wisdom; that ye may learn that when ye are in the service of your fellow beings ye are only in the service of your God.

“Behold, ye have called me your king; and if I, whom ye call your king, do labor to serve you, then ought not ye to labor to serve one another?

“And behold also, if I, whom ye call your king, who has spent his days in your service, and yet has been in the service of God, do merit any thanks from you, O how you ought to thank your heavenly King!

“I say unto you, my brethren, that if you should render all the thanks and praise which your whole soul has power to possess, to that God who has created you, and has kept and preserved you, and has caused that ye should rejoice, and has granted that ye should live in peace one with another—

“I say unto you that if ye should serve him who has created you from the beginning, and is preserving you from day to day, by lending you breath, that ye may live and move and do according to your own will, and even supporting you from one moment to another—I say, if ye should serve him with all your whole souls yet ye would be unprofitable servants.

“And behold, all that he requires of you is to keep his commandments; and he has promised you that if ye would keep his commandments ye should prosper in the land; and he never doth vary from that which he hath said; therefore, if ye do keep his commandments he doth bless you and prosper you” (Book of Mormon, Mosiah 2:12, 16 - 22).

I read a few extra verses because I wanted to put the best-known verse in context. Compared to the great gift of His Son, and the gifts of the atonement and resurrection, anything we give is very small in comparison. And yet God is appreciative of all our service, and in his tender mercy, he doesn’t expect our gifts to compare to his.

There are opportunities for service all around us. In fact, I don’t think that there is anyone in this chapel today who would not appreciate some act of kindness or of service. And I don’t think that there is anyone here who is not able to offer service.

True service means giving of ourselves: it means doing for others rather than just giving gifts. Perhaps the most valuable gift we can give someone is the gift of our time. Start with those whom you have been asked to visit as home teachers and visiting teachers. Then you can also extend your reach and visit others.

Follow the promptings of the Spirit and you will know who most needs the gifts only you can give. As you do this, they, and you, will be blessed beyond expectations.

Remember also that if you talk about it too much, it doesn’t count. Your blessing is the attention of others rather than the blessings the Lord has in store for you.

There are many individuals in this ward who serve quietly in this manner all year long. They do it out of Christlike love for their fellow saints, and not for statistics or recognition. But what a great blessing their gifts of time and caring have been!

On my mission, I was hospitalized for a few weeks. Among my visitors were two of the sister missionaries who came by and read to me from the Ensign. I could have easily read the articles myself, but it touched me that they chose to visit and serve me in this manner.

Maybe you have experienced something like this yourself. In the midst of a trial that may be hidden to others, our Heavenly Father knows. He is aware, and he will send one of children to let you know that he has not forgotten you. That is how we serve both God and our fellow man.

I pray that we may live close to the Spirit so that we may be able to serve our brothers and sisters in need. As we do this, we become true disciples of Jesus Christ.

One writer said of the Christmas spirit: “it is a desire to sacrifice for others, to render service and to possess a feeling of universal brotherhood. It consists of a willingness to forget what you have done for others, and to remember what others have done for you; to ignore what the world owes you, and think only of your duties, … and your chance to do good and aid your fellow men … to see that your fellow men are just as good as you are, and try to look behind their faces [and into] their hearts, … and look … for a place to sow a few seeds of happiness, and go your way unobserved.” (Clarence Baird, “The Spirit of Christmas,” Improvement Era, 23:154, Dec. 1919)

Another writer has said “The most amazing thing about the Christmas story is its relevance. It is at home in every age and fits into every mood of life. It is not simply a lovely tale once told, but eternally [current]. It is as meaningful in our time as in that long-ago night when shepherds followed the light of the star to the manger of Bethlehem.” (Joseph R. Sizoo, Words of Life, p.33)

If we want to find the true spirit of Christmas and enjoy the sweetness of it, we can do a few simple but important things.

First, make time to turn your heart to God. Remember how merciful he has been to you and ponder it your heart. Then approach him in prayer and give thanks for the good things that have come to you; ask for his spirit to dwell in you as you strive to serve him and keep his commandments. He will take you by the hand and his promises will be kept.

Second, take time to study the scriptures, especially those that pertain to the life of Christ. Read with your spouse and your family, or with others who are close to you.

Third, take time to give of yourselves. Learn to love and serve Heavenly Father’s children.

As you do these things, your life will be enriched by the Holy Spirit, and you will be filled with love for your brothers and sisters, and for your Savior, Jesus Christ.

And you will have the best Christmas ever, enjoying gifts that will never break or wear out.

I testify that we have a kind, loving Heavenly Father. He wants us to be happy, but we must keep his commandments in order to do that. I know that his son, Jesus Christ, the Babe of Bethlehem, is our Savior and Redeemer. He atoned for our sins so that we can return to our Father in Heaven even though we make mistakes. He lives! He loves us!

May we find joy in celebrating his birth and his life, I pray, in his holy name, in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.

He Is Risen! An Easter Sermon

Last year, I spoke of the Russian Easter tradition that is had among the believers to greet one another with the exclamation: “He is risen!” To which others respond “He is risen indeed!” It is in this spirit that I speak to you today.

The past two evenings, I listened to the Mormon Tabernacle Choir performing Handel’s Messiah live from the Tabernacle. All good music touches me, but listening to this touched me in a powerful way. This helped me to focus my thoughts on the Savior and his mission, and on his great gifts to us. We should be grateful every day, not just at Easter, for his gifts.

Easter becomes especially meaningful to those who have lost loved ones recently. It serves as a reminder that those loved ones will live again.

We live in a world that has largely forgotten who Jesus Christ really is. Easter seems to be all about eggs and rabbits and candy, while ignoring the atonement and resurrection.

Even those who profess to be Christians no longer seem to understand who Jesus Christ is. Victor spoke of the prophets’ invitations to us to come unto Christ. We must continue to come unto Christ, and invite others to do the same. But why? In order to come unto him, we must know who he is and what he did.

We are all children of our Heavenly Father. One of the most important truths we teach is that I am a Child of God. Our Heavenly Father lives. He loves us. He wants us to become like he is and experience the eternal joy and happiness that he enjoys. In fact he has said that his work and his glory is “to bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of man.” (Moses 1:39)

Because of this, he presented a plan to us, which permits us to receive a body, and to experience mortal life, and to be tested, to prove to our Heavenly Father that we really want to be like him. As Paul wrote to Titus, we received “hope of eternal life, which God, that cannot lie, promised before the world began.” (Titus 1:2)

An important part of this plan is the agency we are given, the gift given through the atonement to “act for [ourselves] and not to be acted upon.” (2 Ne. 2:26) Samuel testified: “behold, ye are free; ye are permitted to act for yourselves; for behold, God hath given unto you a knowledge and he hath made you free.

“He hath given unto you that ye might know good from evil, and he hath given unto you that ye might choose life or death; and ye can do good and be restored unto that which is good, or have that which is good restored unto you; or ye can do evil, and have that which is evil restored unto you.” (Hel. 14:30 - 31)

As part of his plan, this earth was created, and our first parents, Adam and Eve were placed here, as husband and wife. Initially there was no sin, and no death in the garden of Eden. Lehi tells us that “if Adam had not transgressed he would not have fallen, but he would have remained in the garden of Eden. … And they would have had no children; wherefore they would have remained in a state of innocence, having no joy, for they knew no misery; doing no good, for they knew no sin.” (2 Ne. 2:22-23)

Lehi continues: “But behold, all things have been done in the wisdom of him who knoweth all things.” According the God’s plan, Adam partook of the fruit of the tree of knowledge of good and evil and fell. But the plan provided for this, and the fall was a good thing for all of us, as Lehi tells us: “Adam fell that men might be; and men are, that they might have joy.” (2 Ne. 2:24 - 25)

Thus, with the fall, man was separated from God, and also became subject to death.

The prophet Alma taught “Adam did fall by the partaking of the forbidden fruit, according to the word of God; and thus we see, that by his fall, all mankind became a lost and fallen people.

“And we see that death comes upon mankind, yea, the death which has been spoken of by Amulek, which is the temporal death; nevertheless there was a space granted unto man in which he might repent; therefore this life became a probationary state; a time to prepare to meet God; a time to prepare for that endless state which has been spoken of by us…” (Alma 12:22, 24)

The crucial part of Heavenly Father’s plan, the part that gives us the promise of joy, both here and throughout eternity, is the promise of a Savior to redeem us from the fall. Again, from Lehi, “And the Messiah cometh in the fulness of time, that he may redeem the children of men from the fall.  And because that they are redeemed from the fall they have become free forever, knowing good from evil; to act for themselves and not to be acted upon, save it be by the punishment of the law at the great and last day, according to the commandments which God hath given.” (2 Ne. 2:26)

Our Primary children can testify to us “We believe that through the Atonement of Christ, all mankind may be saved, by obedience to the laws and ordinances of the Gospel.” (Articles of Faith 1:3)

“Atonement” is a created word. It has no roots in other languages. We are taught that it can be broken down into “at-one-ment,” suggesting a uniting with another. In other languages, the word for atonement signifies a reconciliation or reuniting with God.

Elder Nelson reminds us that “Reconciliation comes from Latin roots re, meaning ‘again’; con, meaning ‘with’; and sella, meaning ‘seat.’ Reconciliation, therefore, literally means ‘to sit again with.’” (CR, Oct 1996) I find this interesting in connection with Elder Nelson’s explanation in the recent General Conference that “The word religion literally means “to ligate again” or “to tie back” to God.” (CR, Apr 2014)

There is nothing to compare with the atonement in its breadth and depth. Alma and others testified that Christ provided an infinite and eternal sacrifice in our behalf.

The atonement is Christ’s gift to us, at Easter, and through the rest of the year. We all benefit from the effects that come from the atonement. Through the atonement of Jesus Christ, we have our agency to choose good or evil, as I have mentioned. But because we have agency, we need the other benefits of the atonement: temporal and spiritual salvation.

Job asked the question: “If a man die, shall he live again?” (Job 14:14), to which he testified, in response: “For I know that my redeemer liveth, and that he shall stand at the latter day upon the earth:

“And though after my skin worms destroy this body, yet in my flesh shall I see God:” (Job 19:25 - 26)

Paul taught so beautifully: “If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men most miserable.

“But now is Christ risen from the dead, and become the firstfruits of them that slept.

“For since by man came death, by man came also the resurrection of the dead.

“For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive.” (1 Cor. 15:19 - 22)

Again from Paul: “But if there be no resurrection of the dead, then is Christ not risen:

 “And if Christ be not risen, then is our preaching vain, and your faith is also vain. (1 Cor. 15:13 -14)

Abinadi testified: “For were it not for the redemption which he hath made for his people, which was prepared from the foundation of the world, I say unto you, were it not for this, all mankind must have perished.

“But behold, the bands of death shall be broken, and the Son reigneth, and hath power over the dead; therefore, he bringeth to pass the resurrection of the dead.

“And there cometh a resurrection …” (Mosiah 15:19 - 21)

“And now if Christ had not come into the world … there could have been no redemption.

“And if Christ had not risen from the dead, or have broken the bands of death that the grave should have no victory, and that death should have no sting, there could have been no resurrection.

“But there is a resurrection, therefore the grave hath no victory, and the sting of death is swallowed up in Christ.” (Mosiah 16:6 - 8)

Jacob, the brother of Nephi stated: “Wherefore, it must needs be an infinite atonement—save it should be an infinite atonement this corruption could not put on incorruption.  Wherefore, the first judgment which came upon man must needs have remained to an endless duration.  And if so, this flesh must have laid down to rot and to crumble to its mother earth, to rise no more.

“O the wisdom of God, his mercy and grace!  For behold, if the flesh should rise no more our spirits must become subject to that angel who fell from before the presence of the Eternal God, and became the devil, to rise no more.

“And our spirits must have become like unto him, and we become devils, angels to a devil, to be shut out from the presence of our God, and to remain with the father of lies, in misery, like unto himself; …

“O how great the goodness of our God, who prepareth a way for our escape from the grasp of this awful monster; yea, that monster, death and hell, which I call the death of the body, and also the death of the spirit.

“And because of the way of deliverance of our God, the Holy One of Israel, this death, of which I have spoken, which is the temporal, shall deliver up its dead; which death is the grave.” (2 Ne. 9:7 - 11)

Jacob speaks here of both temporal and spiritual death. Spiritual death, or separation from God, comes from sin, and is also overcome through the power of the Atonement, conditioned upon our repentance.

Alma taught: “But God did call on men, in the name of his Son, (this being the plan of redemption which was laid) saying: If ye will repent and harden not your hearts, then will I have mercy upon you, through mine Only Begotten Son;

“Therefore, whosoever repenteth, and hardeneth not his heart, he shall have claim on mercy through mine Only Begotten Son, unto a remission of his sins; and these shall enter into my rest.” (Alma 12:33 - 34)

Elder Hallstrom spoke in Conference of those who are unwilling to change: “once any of us conclude—‘That’s just the way I am,’ we give up our ability to change. We might as well raise the white flag, put down our weapons, concede the battle, and just surrender—any prospect of winning is lost.” (CR, Apr 2014) Whenever we justify sin by saying “I cannot change,” or “they cannot change,” we are denying the power of the Atonement. Through Christ’s atonement, we are all enabled with the power to change ourselves and to become even as he is, as he commanded us.

As we worthily partake of the sacrament and renew our covenants with Christ each week, we take important steps in putting the atonement to work in our lives, and in becoming like our Savior.

And because “all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;” (Rom. 3:23) we need not label anyone as a hypocrite who comes to partake of the sacrament and reconcile himself or herself with God each week. We are all striving to do our best to come unto Christ, each at our own pace.

Another important aspect of Christ’s atonement is one that is often overlooked, but can have a great impact in our lives.

Alma taught the people of Zarahemla: “And he shall go forth, suffering pains and afflictions and temptations of every kind; and this that the word might be fulfilled which saith he will take upon him the pains and the sicknesses of his people.

“And he will take upon him death, that he may loose the bands of death which bind his people; and he will take upon him their infirmities, that his bowels may be filled with mercy, according to the flesh, that he may know according to the flesh how to succor his people according to their infirmities.

“Now the Spirit knoweth all things; nevertheless the Son of God suffereth according to the flesh that he might take upon him the sins of his people, that he might blot out their transgressions according to the power of his deliverance; and now behold, this is the testimony which is in me.

“Now I say unto you that ye must repent, and be born again; for the Spirit saith if ye are not born again ye cannot inherit the kingdom of heaven; therefore come and be baptized unto repentance, that ye may be washed from your sins, that ye may have faith on the Lamb of God, who taketh away the sins of the world, who is mighty to save and to cleanse from all unrighteousness.

“Yea, I say unto you come and fear not, and lay aside every sin, which easily doth beset you, which doth bind you down to destruction, yea, come and go forth, and show unto your God that ye are willing to repent of your sins and enter into a covenant with him to keep his commandments, and witness it unto him this day by going into the waters of baptism.

“And whosoever doeth this, and keepeth the commandments of God from thenceforth, the same will remember that I say unto him, yea, he will remember that I have said unto him, he shall have eternal life, according to the testimony of the Holy Spirit, which testifieth in me.” (Alma 7:11 - 16)

In Conference, Elder Bednar referred to these verses, then explained: “The Savior said:

“‘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’ (Matt. 11:28–30)…

“Consider the Lord’s uniquely individual invitation to ‘take my yoke upon you.’ Making and keeping sacred covenants yokes us to and with the Lord Jesus Christ. In essence, the Savior is beckoning us to rely upon and pull together with Him, even though our best efforts are not equal to and cannot be compared with His. As we trust in and pull our load with Him during the journey of mortality, truly His yoke is easy and His burden is light.

“We are not and never need be alone. We can press forward in our daily lives with heavenly help. Through the Savior’s Atonement we can receive capacity and ‘strength beyond [our] own’ (Lord, I Would Follow Thee, Hymns, no. 220). As the Lord declared, “Therefore, continue your journey and let your hearts rejoice; for behold, and lo, I am with you even unto the end” (D&C 100:12)…

“There is no physical pain, no spiritual wound, no anguish of soul or heartache, no infirmity or weakness you or I ever confront in mortality that the Savior did not experience first. In a moment of weakness we may cry out, ‘No one knows what it is like. No one understands.’ But the Son of God perfectly knows and understands, for He has felt and borne our individual burdens. And because of His infinite and eternal sacrifice (see Alma 34:14), He has perfect empathy and can extend to us His arm of mercy. He can reach out, touch, succor, heal, and strengthen us to be more than we could ever be and help us to do that which we could never do relying only upon our own power. Indeed, His yoke is easy and His burden is light.” (CR, Apr 2014)

The Lord’s apostles have repeatedly instructed us to study the Atonement of Jesus Christ; to teach and testify of it; and to take advantage of the great spiritual power it affords us. I know that they are inspired servants of God, and that as we follow their counsel, we will feel the strength of the Lord in our lives.

It is also important to personalize the atonement. I share, with permission the words of a brother who posted his own poem online:

“Why 'til now, did I not see
that when Jesus healed the sick
or raised the dead,
He's done that for me?

“The stories I read but not perceived -
with all those He served, taught,
caused to believe -
He's done that for me.

“As he walked on the shores of Galilee,
He sought out the fishers, said, "Come, follow me."
Freeing the captives -
He's done that for me.

“With eyes now opened, I now clearly see -
the stories of mercy, love, and compassion,
spoke of another - but,
He's done that for me.” (Arlen Denney)

I know that Jesus Christ is literally the Son of God. He is our Savior: he is my Savior; he is your Savior. I have felt the power of his atonement in my life, and I continue to feel it and be strengthened by it. I truly stand all amazed at what he has done for me.

I know that my Redeemer lives, and because he lives, we will all live again. I have received many strong personal witnesses that death is not the end, but simply an interruption, as President Uchtdorf testified.

God lives! He loves each of each children: each of us!

May the spirit of the Lord, which is the spirit of Easter, be with you today and always, is my prayer, in the name of Jesus Christ, amen.