I hope each one of us can reflect on the reason we celebrate Christmas - the birth of our Savior. I was reading "Shining Moments" in the Church News this last Saturday about a talk given by Elder Bednar. He said that at this time of year people often ask, "Are you ready for Christmas?" He added, "I don't think the question is, 'Are you ready for Christmas?' The question is 'Are you and I ready for Christ?' . . . "The Father's gift to us was His Son. The gift from the Son to us is His Atonement. Perhaps the only thing that we could give Them is a growing conviction, a deepening conversion of the Atonement of Jesus Christ and what it means in our lives. Perhaps the only thing we could give would be a more diligent desire and commensurate study, to not just know about the Atonement, but to know Him who brought the Atonement and to more fully understand the blessings of the Atonement in our lives."
Elder Bednar closed by saying in this Christmas season there isn't anything he loves more than declaring his witness — even a special witness — of Jesus Christ. "He lived, He walked the earth. He taught His doctrine. He organized His Church. He is the Son of God. I witness that He was crucified, and more important, that He is resurrected, that He lives, that He speaks, that He stands at the head of His Church in this very day." I want to add my witness to that of Elder Bedar and wish you all a very Merry Christmas.
1 And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus, that all the world should be taxed.
2 (And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.)
3 And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city.
4 And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David)
5 To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child.
6 And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered.
7 And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.
8 And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.
9 And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.
10 And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.
11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.
12 And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.
13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying,
14 Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.
15 And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us.
16 And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger.
17 And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child.
18 And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds.
19 But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart.
20 And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them.
Here's a fun card:
http://www.123greetings.com/events/christmas/merry_christmas/christmas58.html
