Christmas Message for the Saints
The Birth
Roughly 2,000 years ago, in a ghetto in Asia, and about this time of the year - something truthfully awesome happened. The promised Messiah was born! His glory was known to a few, but his birth was so humble for the birth of a king. Are not the tears of the saints good enough of a lubricant to anoint a king?
Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judaea in the days of Herod the king, behold, there came magi from the east to Jerusalem,
— Matthew 2:1The young boy whom was born was the savior of the entire world. In fact, and in accordance with prophecy, even his name was "Salvation" in Modern English. Christ's birth is the most precious gift anyone could have ever asked for.
And she will bring forth a son, and you shall call his name Salvation: for he will save his people from their sins.
— Matthew 1:21Life Before Death
One important aspect of the Christmas celebrations is the emphasis on life and joy, as opposed to death and suffering. The tree of life, a major cultural symbol for countless generations, is placed in the middle of our living rooms. We give gifts of merriment to each other, as the magi did for the Master Jesus. We hold the memory of the savior's birth; his suffering and death are topics to be meditated on on separate times of the year. We now possess the opportunity to contemplate the wonder and gift of our lives on this planet. We once dwelt in the presence of our Heavenly Parents, but how joyous it is that we now have our first physical bodies to gain greater ecstasy and happiness.
For even hereunto were you called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that you should follow his steps: Who did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth:
— 1 Peter 2:21-22Christ's Perfection
We are not perfect. The most it would seem that we can hope to be is continually desirous of improving ourselves. Our want and desire to be perfect is one of the virtues which makes us closer to being perfect.
For he has made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.
— 2 Corinthians 5:21Jesus the Messiah was and is perfect. Of all of the wondrous prophets who have lived, Jesus Christ stands out distinctly. Jesus Christ is perfect. He is a light to our understanding in a world that becomes metaphorically dark all too often. He is the best big brother, and an example for all of us to follow.
These are they who are just men made perfect through Jesus the mediator of the new covenant, who wrought out this perfect atonement through the shedding of his own blood.
— D&C 76:69O Holy Night Sung By Mariah Carey
And you know that he was manifested to take away our sins; and in him is no sin.
— 1 John 3:5Of all of the wondrous prophets who have lived, Jesus Christ stands out distinctly. Jesus Christ is perfect. He is a light to our understanding in a world that becomes metaphorically dark all too often. He is the best big brother, and an example for all of us to follow.
And being made perfect, he became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him;
— Hebrews 5:9Christian Testimony
I, Alexander James Guckenberger, testify that Jesus from Nazareth is the Messiah - the Christ and king of Israel. I testify that Jesus was a historical figure who lived and lives to this day, that he died for our sins and shared the gospel across the world. I testify that Jesus Christ has a physical body, that he will return to earth, and that he is our brother and savior. May my Heavenly Father clear our heads from any and all mistakes. In the sacred name of our Lord; Jesus Christ, amen.
"And 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© 2018 Alexander James Guckenberger
