Tiffany Sowby is a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (inadvertently called by friends of other faiths as the “Mormon Church”) and mother of five. She tries to find humor, joy and contentment in the little things life has to offer.

How do members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (Mormons) celebrate Christmas? Is it all about Santa’s visit on Christmas Eve night and what presents have been purchased for loved ones? Or is Christmas about remembering the birth of Jesus Christ?

Growing up as a child in England, Religious studies were a part of the daily school curriculum. I spent many Decembers working on art projects and essays depicting what most in the Christian world refers to as ‘The First Christmas’. I specifically recall making a time-line of events with pictures beginning with Mary visiting her cousin Elizabeth to Baby Jesus laying in a manger. I remember my third grade class painting gold angels, that I placed proudly on my family’s Christmas tree. One of my favorite parts of December as a school child were joining with the rest of the school and singing the old Christmas favorites, Away in a Manger and Silent Night.

My children now bring home from school Rudolphs made of construction paper, and red and green tissue paper wreath’s that adorn our counters, fridges and doors. Furthermore, any singing my children do at school during the month of December is limited strictly to songs about reindeer, snowmen, and of course, good old Santa Claus himself.

Too often now, the balance of Christmas is left out.

As a child growing up in England my family was (and still are) active members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (Mormons). Our personal family celebrations and traditions intermixed with the celebrations of our local church congregation and the school festivities all had very similar tones. We celebrated Christmas. And though we certainly had our fair share of Christmas candy, visits to/from Santa Claus and non-religious Christmas songs, one thing was never neglected, the recognition and celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ.

Is it possible to enjoy the traditional parts of Christmas that include Santa Claus, candy canes, and gingerbread houses AND the celebration of Jesus Christ’s birth?

Absolutely!

There is much to love about the Christmas season. Christmas music, wrapping presents, garlands on banisters and the smell of a freshly cut Christmas tree are high on my list of Christmas favorites. I love the excitement on children’s faces in anticipation of Santa Claus, and I love chocolate in my stocking.

I love the kindness that seems to be in the air at Christmas time. It seems hearts stretch a little more and wallets open a little wider with a turn of the calendar page. Yet even with all the distractions of a commercialized holiday, there is room for quiet moments of reflection about what Christmas is really about.

Though my children may not experience the same balance of Christmas celebrations in school as I once did, they experience both parts of Christmas within our Mormon Christ-centered home, our church (The Church of Jesus Christ) and among extended family and friends.

Typically Latter Day Saint (Mormon) Sunday meetings in December focus on the true meaning of Christmas, but there are plenty of opportunities to balance the other parts of Christmas within our church buildings. I have participated in numerous Christmas dinners in a church setting that may include a energetic rendition of Jingle Bells as Santa enters the room or it may include young children dressed in robes and sheets re-enacting the scene in Bethlehem on that first Christmas night. I’ve joined church groups making Christmas crafts and decorations, and I’ve joined church groups supplying Christmas to a homeless shelter.

We live in a world that has made Christmas far more than the simplicity of a sacred night more than 2,000 years ago. We’ve even moved on from the simple times of excitment over a single orange left under a tree. We live in a world that fills December with gift exchanges, dinner parties, stocking stuffers and all sorts of anxiety and stresses that result from the search for the perfect gift or celebration.

In my family, despite my best efforts to balance all aspects of the Christmas season, on occasion Christmas Day has come and gone with our full focus on unwrapping presents, Santa Claus’ visit, and answering the repeated question, “What did you get?” The Nativity re-enactments, carols and scriptural readings of the previous night are suddenly forgotten in the whirlwind of toys, gadgets and chocolate on Christmas morning.

Several years ago my Latter-day Saint (Mormon) grandmother introduced a new tradition into the Christmas afternoon dinner she has always hosted. Sometimes close to 40 people squeeze into her modest front room. Amidst piles of gift bags and hand-wrapped presents, she has a previously assigned person read to us, “And Santa whispered, teach the children the true meaning of Christmas.’ Using a somewhat dated flannel board, we watch and listen as some typically commercialized Christmas symbols are related to Jesus Christ.

It isn’t the piece of writing itself that draws a special spirit into the room, and it certainly isn’t the visual aid. It is the acknowledgment and remembrance of Jesus Christ’s simple birth and what His life means to each one of us. While wrapped presents under a lit Christmas tree sit waiting to be torn into, we are reverently reminded that Christmas is more than the gifts under a tree.

My family has spent many a Christmas season reading from the book of Luke in the Bible. We have spent many evenings dressed up in bath-robes and sheets depicting angels, wise-men and shepherds. We have spent hours in discount stores and shopping malls searching for the right gifts for under-privileged families and children. We’ve dropped loose change in the buckets of Salvation Army’s Bell Ringers.

And yet without fail, every Christmas Eve night we retire to bed with grand hopes that Santa will come while we sleep.

There is without a doubt, room for all sorts of Christmas celebrations within the month of December. While keeping all things in moderation, there is plenty of joy to be felt at Christmas. The kind of joy that stretches even beyond discarded tin-foil angel halos, crumpled wrappings and door-bell ditched Sub-for-Santa gifts. The joy comes from only one place-holding in our hearts the sacred reminder of our Savior’s birth and life.

Additional Resources:

Christmas should be fun, but it should also focus on the birth of our Savior Jesus Christ.

Watch Bible videos about the birth of Jesus Christ.

Request a free copy of the Book of Mormon, along with the Bible it testifies of the birth of Jesus Christ.

Attend a local meetinghouse.

Keith L. Brown is a convert to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and serves as a High Priest Group Leader in the Annapolis, Maryland Ward.

The tiny babe who in Bethlehem’s manger lay was no ordinary child. Some people called Him the son of David. Others called Him the son of Joseph. The scriptures call Him the son of David, the son of Mary, the son of man, the Son of God. He whose name is Immanuel, meaning God is with us, was born to be the King of kings and the Lord of lords. This child was the promised Messiah – even Jesus the Christ, the Only Begotten Son of God. For hundreds of years prophecies had foretold the birth of a Messiah, and on that starry night in the city of David, the One who would fulfill those prophecies was born in a humble stable with a manger as His cradle.

In the Book of Mormon, in 3 Nephi 1: 13 we read, “Lift up your head and be of good cheer; for behold, the time is at hand, and on this night shall the sign be given, and on the morrow come I into the world, to show unto the world that I will fulfill all that which I have caused to be spoken by the mouth of my holy prophets.”

Whether by His own voice or by the mouth of His holy prophets, God always fulfills His promises. In the Grand Council in Heaven, our Heavenly Father promised to send a Savior who would atone for our sins so that we could live with Him again. The Apostle John testifies of this and tells us in his words as recorded in John 3:16-17, “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.”

How did Heavenly Father send His Son to the earth? He sent Him as a newborn baby and He allowed Him to learn and grow, just as we learn and grow. We learn in Luke 2:40 that “the child grew, and waxed strong in spirit, filled with wisdom: and the grace of God was upon him.” Throughout His mortal life He did all things according to the will of His Father who had sent Him. And because of His great love for us, He would willingly give His life as a ransom for us by becoming sin’s final sacrifice. But, the Good News is that the story does not end there. Three days later He triumphantly arose from the grave and lives forever more seated at the right hand of God the Father. And because of His glorious resurrection, death has been forever conquered, and we too shall be resurrected and live again. What a wondrous blessing Jesus Christ is to mankind. Heavenly Father had promised to send a Savior, and He kept His promise.

Before His humble birth in Bethlehem, prophets of old taught about the Messiah who was soon to come, and did indeed come. Let us take a brief look at some of the things that they taught.

More than 700 years prior to the birth of Christ, the prophet Isaiah, as recorded in Isaiah 7:14-15 prophesied that the Messiah was to be born of a virgin. We read, “Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign; Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel. Butter and honey shall he eat, that he may know to refuse the evil, and choose the good.”

The prophet Micah, as recorded in Micah 5:2 prophesied that the Messiah was to be born in Bethlehem. We read, “But thou, Beth-lehem Ephratah, though thou be little among the thousands of Judah, yet out of thee shall he come forth unto me that is to be ruler in Israel; whose goings forth have been from of old, from everlasting.”

Among the ancient prophecies we also learn of the lineage of Jesus Christ. We learn that the Messiah was to be a descendant of Abraham. In Genesis 12:3 we read, “. . . .in thee shall all families of the earth be blessed.” The fulfillment of that prophecy is found in the genealogical family tree recorded in Matthew 1:1, “The book of the generation of Jesus Christ, the son of David, the son of Abraham.”

Following the line of Abraham, the Messiah was also to be a descendent of David. We read in Isaiah 9:7, “Of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no end, upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom, to order it, and to establish it with judgment and with justice from henceforth even for ever. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will perform this.” We find the fulfillment of that prophecy in Luke 1:31-33:

31 And, behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call his name Jesus.

32 He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest: and the Lord God shall give unto him the throne of his father David:

33 And he shall reign over the house of Jacob for ever; and of his kingdom there shall be no end.

We also learn of the purpose of Jesus’ birth. We read as recorded in the words of Isaiah the prophet in Isaiah 61:1-3 these words:

1 The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me; because the Lord hath anointed me to preach good tidings unto the meek; he hath sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to them that are bound;

2 To proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord, and the day of vengeance of our God; to comfort all that mourn;

3 To appoint unto them that mourn in Zion, to give unto them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; that they might be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the Lord, that he might be glorified.

And in the New Testament in the Gospel of Luke, in the fourth chapter and verses 16-21, we read about the Savior Jesus Christ in Nazareth:

16 And he came to Nazareth, where he had been brought up: and, as his custom was, he went into the synagogue on the sabbath day, and stood up for to read.

17 And there was delivered unto him the book of the prophet Esaias. And when he had opened the book, he found the place where it was written,

18 The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised,

19 To preach the acceptable year of the Lord.

20 And he closed the book, and he gave it again to the minister, and sat down. And the eyes of all them that were in the synagogue were fastened on him.

21 And he began to say unto them, This day is this scripture fulfilled in your ears.

Brothers and Sisters, for some, Christmas day is nothing more than another day to have another celebration. It is a time to celebrate; however, we should be rejoicing in the fact that two thousand years ago our loving Heavenly Father gave to the world the greatest Christmas gift ever known to mankind. It was a very special gift, wrapped in the Divine love of the Father Himself. That gift was His Only Begotten Son – He who was born King – the Messiah – the Savior of the world – the Redeemer and Lover of our souls – the Lord Jesus Christ. When asked, “What is the true meaning of Christmas?” those are the things that we should be willing to share with family, friends, and all those we come in contact with this season.

Sadly, there are those who doubt Him and say they don’t need Him. There are even those who will argue that He was just a man. Yes, He was a man, but not just an ordinary man. He was both God and man. He lived and walked among men, yet the life that He lived was not an ordinary life. His life had a major impact on the entire world. No other life can begin to compare to this One Solitary Life.

Down through the ages He has been ridiculed, despised, and rejected and yet wise men still seek Him today. Regardless of what men say about Him, it does not change the fact that He has always been and always will be the Eternal Son of the Living God. One day, as the Scriptures clearly teach us, at His name “every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth: and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father” (Philippians 2:11). He is the One about whom the universe revolves; in whom the hopes and fears of all the years have found their joyous fulfillment. O’ Come Let Us Adore Him, Christ the Lord!

I leave these thoughts with you humbly, in the name of Him whose name is indeed Wonderful, Counselor, the Mighty God, the Everlasting Father, the Prince of Peace – He who is the Light and the Life of the world, even the Lord Jesus the Christ. Amen.

Additional Resources:

The birth of Jesus Christ is one of the most significant events in Christianity. Learn more at the official site of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Request a free copy of the Book of Mormon, which also testifies of the birth of Christ.

Attend a local meetinghouse.

S. Michael Wilcox is a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, (“Mormon Church”). He is the author of To See His Face and Choosing the Fulness: Wickedness or Righteousness.

Spirit of Christmas as a Child

When I was a little boy, people told me that the true spirit of Christmas was the spirit of giving; but I didn’t believe them. I knew that the true spirit of Christmas was getting. I could hardly wait until Christmas morning when my mother would stand at the door to the living room that separated me from a wonder of toys. She would peek through and tell me Santa had been here and express her surprise that he had given me so much. Then I was obliged to eat breakfast, make my bed, brush my teeth, and get dressed. The anxiety and anticipation this caused is impossible to describe. By the time I attacked the neatly wrapped packages and saw the delights they contained, I was filled with a joy and relief I have not found comparable to any joy on earth.

I remember the year I grew up. That was the year Christmas lost its magic and I began to say, like the adults around me, “The true spirit of Christmas is giving.” I found there was satisfaction in giving. But the magic never returned, and each year as the tree was decorated and the lights were hung on the front porch I wondered if Christmas wasn’t a whole lot better when I thought more about what I received and less about what I gave.

The years went on and I became a man, giving to my children and secretly envying their sheer delight at receiving the marvelous gifts of Christmas.

Spirit of Christmas in the Book of Mormon

A few years ago I read very carefully the story of the first Christmas in the Americas. To my wonder and delight I discovered I had been right as a child— the true spirit of Christmas was the spirit of receiving. Since then, the wonder of Christmas has returned.

Let me take you in your imagination back to Zarahemla in the year 5 b.c. and let us live together the most marvelous Christmas story ever written.

The year 5 b.c. is an interesting and challenging time to be a Christian. Our generation is an unstable one. We have seen the people shift from wickedness to righteousness and back to wickedness again. We have seen the slow erosion of our laws until Nephi II, our great prophet and chief judge, gives up the seat of government, weary with his inability to cause positive reform. He decides the only way to reform and save his people is in “bearing down in pure testimony,” as his ancestor Alma had done.

We have seen the rise of the Gadianton robbers. They have filled the judgment seats. They have assassinated their opponents, and they wield great power. About ten years ago we saw Nephi bring the people to their knees in repentance through a prolonged famine that ended for a time the self-destructive wars of our people. But the people quickly forgot the lesson and have been slipping ever so quickly back into their materialistic and proud ways.

Most marvelous of all, we have witnessed the end of an era of interracial wars between the Nephites and Lamanites. As youth, roughly twenty-five years ago, we witnessed the conversion of the entire Lamanite nation through the preaching of Nephi and his brother Lehi.

We are adults now with families. Nephi is older, though still actively leading the Church and preaching the gospel. But there are dark clouds on the horizon. The strength of the Gadianton robbers is growing again, and the intensity of faith seems to be waning in the Church. As prosperity flourishes, the lessons of the past are forgotten. It is an interesting and challenging time to live.

Recently there has been a Lamanite prophet named Samuel preaching in the streets and markets of Zarahemla. Though we don’t know it, he is about to test our faith and the faith of all the Christians in the land.

The Nephites, unwilling to listen to the exhortations of Samuel, have cast him out; but as we enter the city, we notice a large crowd in a state of great excitement gathered near the walls. There on the wall stands Samuel. He has returned. His message has not changed from his earlier warnings.

An acquaintance of ours approaches us as we listen. He is one who has relinquished his faith and is caught up in the materialistic greed of a Gadianton society.

“What do you think of this Lamanite?” he asks us.

“He is a prophet,” we answer.

“So he proclaims. Then you believe in his predictions?”

“We accept all the words of a prophet.”

Spirit of Christmas: Prophecy of Jesus Christ’s Birth

As we listen, Samuel begins to speak of Christ, predicting his birth after five years pass. This is not a new or strange prophecy, for Lehi predicted the Savior would be born six hundred years after he left Jerusalem. Those with faith and a calendar know He will come in five years, but our acquaintance asks us, “Do you believe this, that Christ will come after five years?”

“Yes,” we reply. “It has been prophesied from the very beginning by many prophets.” Our acquaintance comments with a mocking tone about the “convenience” of having Christ born across the sea, in another land, making true verification impossible. And had Samuel not continued under the inspiration of the Lord, our faith would not be tried; but Samuel continued.

“And behold, this will I give unto you for a sign at the time of his coming; for behold, there shall be great lights in heaven, insomuch that in the night before he cometh there shall be no darkness, insomuch that it shall appear unto man as if it was day.

“Therefore, there shall be one day and a night and a day, as if it were one day and there were no night; and this shall be unto you for a sign; for ye shall know of the rising of the sun and also of its setting; therefore they shall know of a surety that there shall be two days and a night; nevertheless the night shall not be darkened; and it shall be the night before he is born.

“And behold, there shall a new star arise, such an one as ye never have beheld; and this also shall be a sign unto you.”

Let us pause a moment in our narrative. I have often wondered how I would have accepted that pronouncement. I am sure I would have looked at the sun with a certain uneasiness. I am sure I would have watched it set that night and felt with a growing fear the darkness settle over the land. I cannot think of a single prophetic utterance in all of scripture so completely remarkable as this one. What boldness and courage it took to utter it! What faith and courage it took to receive it!

As we try to comprehend the impact of this prophecy, our acquaintance, with a certain delight, turns and asks, “You certainly don’t believe that, do you?”

We hesitate. If only Nephi II had uttered it, not a Lamanite prophet newly arrived in Zarahemla. Our acquaintance notices our hesitation.

“Because of course,” he continues, “it is absolutely and utterly impossible for the sun to go down and it remain as light as day. You know that, don’t you?”

I would like to believe that I would have had the faith and the whispered assurances of the Spirit so that I could have answered the critics and the mockers. I would have wanted to say, “Yes, I believe Samuel has spoken under the direction of the Holy Ghost and that this sign will come.”

Perhaps our skeptical friend would have answered, “Then you’re a bigger fool than I imagined. But for your sake I hope it comes.”

There is the hint of a veiled threat in his words that we do not yet comprehend. We listen with uneasiness to the rest of Samuel’s message, but the words “one day and a night and a day” haunt our thoughts. The crowd becomes more and more agitated. Suddenly they are shooting arrows and slinging stones at the figure on the wall; but they cannot hit him, and the words of Samuel continue. When they approach to bind him, his message delivered, Samuel leaps from the wall to return to his own people. “He was never heard of more among the Nephites.”

What reflection is contained in that single last line in Helaman! In the coming months and years, how often would we have wanted to hear Samuel assure us that his words were inspired, that he knew the sign would come, that he was sure of God’s promise and the coming of the Christ child? But he would not be seen among the Nephites again.

How often would our scorning friends pick at our faith, during those months and years, seeking to enlarge the tiny doubts we try to keep from entering our minds.

“Where is your Lamanite prophet?” they would ask us. “Why do you suppose he’s never returned? He didn’t stay to see the sun set, night after night, did he? But I imagine even a Lamanite prophet knows when he has uttered foolishness. Give up this ridiculous belief. It will always be dark when the sun sets. How can it be otherwise?”

The Lord knows how to test his people. There is, however, one thing that we would have had on our side—Nephi. He is still the prophet, and he assures the faithful “of things which must shortly come.” The Nephi to whom God gave all power is with us. The Nephi who humbled these same people with famine leads us. The Nephi who stood face to face with the corrupt lawyers and Gadianton robbers, predicting their assassinations, revealing their evil plans, and bearing witness of their sins, stands at our head. With Nephi our fears are calmed; but every night we watch the sun set, and every night the darkness returns.

When would the fears and doubts, the straining for faith, have become almost unbearable? The first year? The second? The third? What would have been our thoughts as the opposition grew and their mocking became increasingly threatening? How strong would our faith have been when the fifth year began and the sun set and the night came? How would our fears have increased when the power of the unbelievers became great, and they proclaimed a day on which all the believers who did not renounce their faith would be put to death if the sign didn’t come? I wonder how I would have felt as I watched the twilight deepen night after night and thought of my children sleeping and the fate that awaited them if the night grew dark one time too many.

More and more we would have turned to Nephi to hear his calm assurance of faith—”The sign will come, the sign will come.” But there would have been other voices; and though we would have tried to shut them out, at night in the stillness they would have come and repeated the question asked so often, “How can there be light when there is no sun?”

Sometime during that last year a new factor enters the test. Nephi II, the strength of our people, is taken by the Lord. He gives his son Nephi III charge concerning the plates and “departs out of the land, and whither he went no man knoweth.”

How would this knowledge have greeted us? What doubts would it have sparked anew? If Nephi II had died, we could have mourned his loss; but there would have been no awakened opportunity for doubt. But when he just disappears, it is hard to deny new suspicions.

“Where is your great prophet Nephi?” the unbelievers might have challenged. “Has he abandoned you to your deaths as Samuel did? Why do you think he left the way he did, sneaking into the wilderness to save his own life? Even he knows the sign is an impossibility. Are you still so stubborn in your old traditions that you can’t face reality? There will be no Christ!”

On and on the mocking and challenging continue, and as we eagerly wait for the sunset each evening the smiles of silent reproach widen on the faces of those who anticipate the appointed day of destruction.

How would we have felt those last weeks as we “watched steadfastly for that night and that day”? Would not our prayers have been fervent and deep and full of meaning? How does it feel to have hope dashed with every setting sun?

How would we have felt the last days while our enemies prepared themselves for the coming slaughter? On the last day Nephi, with deep concern, kneels and cries “mightily” for his people. The Lord speaks peace to him saying, “On this night shall the sign be given.” But Nephi cannot spread those words of comfort in a single day. The people’s faith will be tested to the last rays of the setting sun.

The scriptures are not clear on the method of destruction planned for the believers. Perhaps they were rounded up into the center of their cities or outside the walls where at sunset they would be put to the sword. Perhaps mob rule prevailed and every man sought out his neighbors. As believers, with our families we watch from our homes the setting sun. If given a final chance that afternoon to save our lives by renouncing our belief in the Savior, would we have done so? Would we have thought that if the sign didn’t come, life would have no meaning, for a life without Christ is no life at all?

Spirit of Christmas: Birth of Jesus Christ

Holding the hands of our families we step into the open light of late afternoon and watch what may be our last sunset. There is that moment when the sun hangs trembling at the brink of the horizon. It slips out of sight. There is a moment of hesitation, watching, hoping, and questioning. “Is it getting dark? Are our lives forfeit?” Then there is that moment when the realization enters our hearts that the darkness is not gathering. It is getting, on the contrary, lighter and lighter.

If we can picture that moment, if we can transport ourselves past barriers of time, place, and culture, we will hear a sound. It is the sound of Christmas. It is the sound of weeping, the sound of gratitude, the sound of joy and triumph and faith renewed and vindicated. It is the sound of mankind receiving with a love beyond words the incomparable gift of the Son of God into the world. It is the true spirit of Christmas—which isn’t the spirit of giving at all, but the spirit of receiving, receiving the love of our Father and His Son, and in its reception with thankfulness giving God the only gift He seeks, that of a broken heart and contrite spirit. What a moment and what a sound that is! May its sound ring through all our Christmases. May we hear it again and again.

What a night that would have been! With what “wondering awe” would we have searched the sky as the hours passed and the light grew as bright as noonday. We would have gathered our children around us and reverently taught them the meaning of a night with no darkness. We would have gathered in small groups of joy and happiness, almost not daring to believe what our eyes testified was true. Perhaps we would have sung the hymns of our belief. It would have been a night never to be forgotten.

With what emotion would we have greeted the rising sun after long hours of rejoicing? And when the star appeared, our wonder would have been born anew. I do not believe that an unlearned farm boy from New York could create such a story. I do not believe any kind of fiction could describe in such simple and undramatic language a moment, a time, a test, a faith, as sublime as the Nephite Christmas story. There was such a night of wonder and gratitude.

As a child I felt the wonder of Christmas in a worldly way. As a man the wonder has turned to a deep appreciation and reverence. It is my hope that we may feel this wonder all of our lives, especially on those nights when we watch the sunsets that settle the world into darkness.

Additional Resources:

The true gift and spirit of Christmas revolves around the birth of Jesus Christ. Learn more at the official site for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, (inadvertently called by friends of other faiths as the “Mormon Church”).

Request a free copy of the Book of Mormon and read more about the birth of Jesus Christ as it pertained to the people on the American continent.

Attend a local meetinghouse.

Gerald N. Lund is a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, (“Mormon Church”). He is the author of The Coming of the Lord, as well as several adventure novels, among them The Alliance, The Freedom Factor.

The Christmas Story: Birth of Jesus Christ

And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus, that all the world should be taxed. . . . And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city. And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, unto Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:) To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child. (Luke 2:1, 3-5.)

Bethlehem. The city of David. Ancient homeland of Israel’s greatest king. In Hebrew it is called Beth Lechem. Literally, Beth Lechem means “The House of Bread.” How perfect that He who was to take the throne of David and become Israel’s ultimate king should come to earth in the city of His illustrious ancestor! How fitting that He who would be known as the “Bread of Life” should enter mortality in the tiny village called “The House of Bread.” (See John 6:35.)

Though His birth is celebrated in December, latter-day revelation explains that it actually occurred in the spring. (See D&C 20:1; James E. Talmage, Jesus the Christ, Classics in Mormon Literature Edition, Deseret Book, 1982, p. 98.) It would have been late March or early April as Joseph moved southward with Mary at his side, heavy with the living treasure in her womb. Spring is a time of glorious beauty in Israel. The “latter rains” water the parched soil, and in gratitude the earth responds with an explosion of grass and wildflowers. New life springs from the old with the wildest abundance. What better season to welcome him who would be called the “Prince of Life”? (See Acts 3:15.)

And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered. 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. (Luke 2:6-7.)

No room in the inn. If, as we believe, it was April and not December, then it was very likely Passover season in Jerusalem. This could explain the reason Joseph took Mary on the rigorous, sixty- mile journey to Judea when she was in the final month of her pregnancy. The Roman “taxing” mentioned by Luke was more accurately a census or enrollment. Each family head had to register and give an accounting of their property so that taxes could be levied. But while there was considerable flexibility in timing allowed to meet this requirement, if it was Passover season, that would allow them to meet two responsibilities. The Mosaic Law required that every adult male bring his sacrifices before the Lord (i.e., to the temple) each year at Passover. (See Exodus 23:14-19.) So by choosing this time of year, Joseph could fulfill both requirements.

Today we can hardly conceive of the magnitude of this most important of all Jewish festivals. From all over the empire, Jews returned to their homeland at Passover. Though it is difficult to determine exactly how large Jerusalem was during this period, a fairly accurate guess would place the population between one and two hundred thousand. Josephus tells us that during Passover “innumerable multitudes came thither [to Jerusalem] out of the country.” In another place, he was even more specific. Because the Paschal lamb had to be totally consumed by the family in the ritual meal, tradition stated that no less than ten and no more than twenty could gather for each lamb sacrificed. (See Exodus 12:10.) Josephus tells us that during one Passover of his time (about a.d. 70), 256,500 lambs were sacrificed. Even using the more conservative figure of ten, that still means the population of Jerusalem at Passover had swollen by more than 1000 percent to the staggering number of nearly three million people.

The throngs must have been incredible, the facilities throughout the city taxed beyond belief. And with Bethlehem only six miles south of Jerusalem, no wonder there was no room at the inn. Luke probably could have said with equal accuracy, “There was no room anywhere.”

Often in the art and literature surrounding the Christmas story, the unknown, unnamed innkeeper of the scriptural account is viewed as selfish and uncaring, an insensitive oaf unmoved by the plight of a woman heavy with child. This may make for interesting art and literature, but it is not justified by the scriptural record. In the first place, the “inns” of the Middle East were not quaint and homey little buildings with thatched roofs and latticed windows from which warm lamplight beckoned the weary traveler. The inns of the Holy Land were typically large, fortress-like buildings, built around a spacious open square. Called khans or caravanserai, they provided stopping places for the caravans of the ancient world. Just as modern hotels and motels must provide parking for automobiles, so did a caravanserai have to provide a place where the donkeys, camels, and other animals could be safely cared for. Inside the khan, which was usually of two-story construction, all the “rooms” faced the courtyard. There were not private rooms. They were typically arched, open antechambers facing out onto the square. Here the traveler could build a small fire or sleep within clear view of his animals and goods. “In these hostelries, bazaars and markets were held, animals killed and meat sold, also wine and cider; so that they were a much more public place of resort than might at first be imagined.”

Even if there had been room at the inn, a caravanserai was hardly the ideal place for a woman in labor. Perhaps the innkeeper, moved with compassion at Mary’s plight and knowing of her need and desire for privacy, offered them his stable. Perhaps Joseph found the place on his own. The scriptures do not say. But one thing is very likely, and this contradicts another popular misconception. The birth likely did not take place in a wooden shed with pitched roof as is so commonly depicted in nativity scenes around the world.

In Bethlehem today stands the Church of the Nativity. Beneath the church is a large grotto or cave. In southern Judea, including the area around Bethlehem, limestone caves are common. Such caves provided natural shelter for the flocks and herds of ancient Israel. They were warm, safe from inclement weather, and could easily be blocked to keep the animals safe for the night. The tradition that this grotto was the stable of Luke’s account is very old and accepted by many scholars. President Harold B. Lee, then of the Council of the Twelve, visited this grotto in 1958 and confirmed that in his mind it was “a hallowed spot, . . . a sacred place.”

So there in the sheltered warmth of the cave, beneath the limestone hills of Bethlehem, He who was to become the Good Shepherd—not of the sheep that grazed the hills of Israel, but of the human flock—was born and cradled in a manger.

That seems almost beyond our comprehension. Here was Jesus—a member of the Godhead, the Firstborn of the Father, the Creator, Jehovah of the Old Testament—now leaving His divine and holy station; divesting Himself of all that glory and majesty and entering the body of a tiny infant; helpless, completely dependent on His mother and earthly father. And that He should not come to the finest of earthly palaces and be swaddled in purple and showered with jewels, but should come to a lowly stable. Little wonder that the angel should say to Nephi, “Behold the condescension of God!” (1 Nephi 11:26.)

And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. 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. And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. (Luke 2:8-12.)

One of these verses is frequently misquoted: “Keeping watch over their flocks by night.” But a more careful reading shows that it was not flocks, plural, but flock, singular. One scholar explained the significance:

There was near Bethlehem, on the road to Jerusalem, a tower known as Migdal Eder, or the watchtower of the flock. Here was the station where shepherds watched the flocks destined for sacrifice in the temple. . . . It was a settled conviction among the Jews that the Messiah was to be born in Bethlehem, and equally that he was to be revealed from Migdal Eder. The beautiful significance of the revelation of the infant Christ to shepherds watching the flocks destined for sacrifice needs no comment.

The Christmas Story: Significance of Jesus Christ’s Name

Sometimes, in translation, the power of the original language is considerably lessened. While the words, in English, of the angel to the shepherds are beautiful and significant, we miss much of the electrifying impact the original words must have had on those men of Judea. Let us just examine two or three of the phrases as we assume they were given in Aramaic to the shepherds that night.

“In the city of David.” We have already seen that the Jews expected Bethlehem to be the birthplace of the Messiah. This in part stemmed directly from the prophet Micah, who centuries before had specified the place. (See Micah 5:2.)

“Is born a Savior.” The word which meant “Savior” was Yeshua. In the Greek New Testament that name was transliterated into Hee-ay-sous, or in English, “Jesus.” When the angel announced to Joseph that Mary would bear a son, note what he said: “Thou shalt call his name Jesus [Yeshua]: for he shall save his people from their sins.” (Matthew 1:21, emphasis added.)

“Which is Christ.” Our English word Christ is derived directly from the Greek, Christos. It means “the anointed one.” Christos was a direct translation of the Hebrew word,Messhiach, which meant exactly the same thing—the anointed one. Messhiach is of course transliterated into English as “Messiah.”

“The Lord.” The simple title, “Lord,” is perhaps the most significant of all, yet we totally miss its importance in the translation. In the Old Testament the name of God was written with four Hebrew consonants: YHVH. Because they did not write vowels, there has been some debate as to its proper pronunciation. Modern scholars often write it as YAHVEH, but the King James translators wrote it as JEHOVAH. The Jews of ancient times, however, viewed the name as being so sacred that it should not be pronounced out loud. Whenever they found it written, they would substitute the Hebrew word Adonai, meaning the Lord. The translators who produced the King James Version of the Old Testament honored that tradition of the Jews, and where they found the name YHVH (with very few exceptions) they wrote in “Lord.” However, adonai can also be used as a title of respect for men, such as in the phrase, “My lord, the king.” To distinguish between the two uses, the translators wrote Lord in small capital letters if it represented the name of deity, and regular upper and lower case letters if used normally. (See, for example, 2 Samuel 15:21, where both uses are found in the same verse.) The declaration of the angel to the shepherds obviously used Lord or Adonai in reference to deity; literally it could be translated Jehovah.

Now we begin to sense the impact of the angel’s words upon these shepherds. In essence, here is his pronouncement: “Unto you is born this day in the city prophesied to be the birthplace of the Messiah, Yeshua [or Jesus], the Savior, who is the Anointed One (the Messiah), and who is also Jehovah, the God of your fathers.”

And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger. And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child. And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds. But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart. (Luke 2:16-19.)

Additional Resources:

The Christmas Story (birth of Jesus Christ) is integral to the beliefs of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (inadvertently called by friends of other faiths as the “Mormon Church”).

The Book of Mormon is a second witness of Jesus Christ and also foretells of His coming. Request your free copy today.

Attend a local meetinghouse.

Gerald N. Lund is a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, (“Mormon Church”). He is the author of The Coming of the Lord, as well as several adventure novels, among them The Alliance, The Freedom Factor.

The Christmas Story Began in Nazareth

“And in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God unto a city of Galilee, named Nazareth.” (Luke 1:26.)

The rabbis of ancient Israel had a saying: “Judea is wheat, Galilee straw, beyond Jordan, only chaff.” The urbane and worldly wise Jerusalemite, privileged to dwell in the Holy City, looked down on all others with faint condescension; but they especially viewed the Galileans as crude, unlearned, and earthy peasants. For the most part the people of Galilee were men of the soil and of the sea. This kept them in touch with basic values; and in spite of the feelings of the Judeans, they were known for being hard-working and warm-hearted, and for showing unrestrained hospitality and uncompromising honesty.

As for Nazareth itself, like many other villages of Judea and Galilee, it sat amid steep, tree-covered hillsides so as not to utilize precious agricultural land. For a village now so famous to us, it seems to have been of singular insignificance then. It is not even mentioned in the Old Testament or in the extensive writings of the ancient historian Josephus. Nathanael expressed what must have been a common feeling even among the Galileans when he said, “Can there any good thing come out of Nazareth?” (John 1:46.) Evidently, the suggestion that the Messiah had come from such a civic backwater was unthinkable.

But that is not to say that this home village of Mary and Joseph, and later the Master Himself, was a drab and dull setting. One writer describes it as follows: “You cannot see from Nazareth the surrounding country, for Nazareth lies in a basin; but the moment you climb to the edge of the basin . . . what a view you have. Esdraelon lies before you, with its twenty battlefields. . . . There is Naboth’s vineyard and the place of Jehu’s revenge upon Jezebel; there Shunem and the house of Elisha; the Carmel and the place of Elijah’s sacrifice. To the east the valley of Jordan, . . . to the west the radiance of the Great Sea. . . . You can see thirty miles in three directions.”

This was the setting in which our story begins.

“To a virgin espoused to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David.” (Luke 1:27.)

As we are dropped into the midst of their lives, Joseph and Mary are “espoused.” (Matthew 1:18.) Espousal among the Hebrews was significantly more binding than are our engagements today. It was entered into by written agreement and was considered the formal beginning of the marriage itself. While the couple might not actually live together for as much as a year after the betrothal—a time designed to allow the bride to prepare her dowry—the espousal was as legally binding as the formal marriage.

No hint of the age of either Mary or Joseph is given in the scriptural text, but from existing sources we can make some educated guesses. We know that puberty began somewhat earlier in the Middle East than is common in Western countries today. Therefore, marriage at earlier ages than to which we are accustomed was the general rule. Speaking of men, one rabbi described the stages of development as follows: At five he began study of Torah; at ten, study of the Mishnah (the oral laws); at fifteen, the study of Talmud (the extensive commentaries on the scriptures); at eighteen, marriage; at twenty, he pursued a trade or business and so on. For a girl, probably the most common age of marriage was fifteen or sixteen. Sometimes it was later, sometimes earlier, but it is likely that Mary was around sixteen and Joseph, her espoused husband, only two or three years older than that.

Nazareth was a small village. Joseph and Mary must have known each other well. How fascinating it would be to know the circumstances that brought them to the point of betrothal. Much is made of the fact that in those days marriages were arranged by the families through the auspices of a matchmaker. No doubt that was true, but that does not mean that the individuals involved had no voice in the matter. We know from contemporary sources that, once the arrangements were made, the consent of the couple was required. The man had a direct say in the choice of his bride, and the woman could refuse the marital arrangements if not to her satisfaction. So what was it that drew these two together?

We know Mary must have been of unusual loveliness. Nephi saw her in vision six hundred years before her birth and described her as “exceedingly fair” and “most beautiful and fair.” (1 Nephi 11:13, 15.) But was it only the outward beauty Joseph saw, or did he sense the same qualities that caused Gabriel to declare that this woman was “highly favoured” of the Lord? (Luke 1:28.) No wonder Joseph loved her! Imagine finding a woman of such remarkable grace and beauty in a small village in the mountains of the Galilee.

And what of Joseph? What was it about this man that caused Mary to give her consent to the marriage arrangements? Only a few scriptural verses tell us about Joseph. He was a carpenter, that we know. (See Matthew 13:55.) And because fathers commonly taught their sons their own trade, it is likely that Joseph was raised in a carpenter’s shop at the knee of his father. His hands would have been rough and callused. He was a man of labor, a man who created things through his own craftsmanship.

Matthew also describes him as a “just man.” (Matthew 1:19.) It is a simple phrase, yet it speaks volumes, for those same words are used to describe men such as Noah, Job, Nephi, and Jacob. Was it purely by accident that such a man was in Nazareth waiting to be Mary’s partner in this most significant of dramas? Surely God the Father had seen in Joseph a man worthy to raise His Son and help prepare Him for His mortal ministry. While it would not be Joseph’s privilege to actually father the “Firstborn,” it would be his labor that would provide for His needs, his voice that would encourage His first steps, his hands that would guide the boy’s fingers across the sacred scrolls of the Torah in those first Hebrew lessons. It was also Joseph who would put a mallet and chisel and plane in those smaller hands so that one day this boy from Nazareth would also be known as “the carpenter.” (Mark 6:3.) No wonder Mary loved him!

Mary the Mother of Jesus

“And the virgin’s name was Mary.” (Luke 1:27.)

One of the most common feminine names in the New Testament is Mary, or Miryam (Miriam) in Hebrew. One concordance identifies at least seven different Marys in the New Testament, so it is not surprising to find a virgin of that name in the village of Nazareth. But perhaps there is more to it than that. Among the prophets, even a hundred years before the birth of the Savior, the actual name of the woman who was to mother the Messiah was known: It was to be Mary. (See Mosiah 3:8; Alma 7:10.) If that was so among Book of Mormon prophets, is it not possible that it was also known among Old Testament prophets as well, and therefore among the people of the Holy Land?

We know from existing records that the people at the time of Christ‘s birth generally believed that the birth of the long-awaited Messiah was imminent. What mother would not hope that her daughter might be the promised vessel for such an honor? Such maternal optimism might explain the frequency with which daughters were named Mary at this period of time. But for whatever reason, Mary’s mother fulfilled prophetic promises when she named her child, little dreaming that it would indeed be her daughter that would do so.

And the angel came in unto her, and said, Hail, thou that art highly favoured, the Lord is with thee: blessed art thou among women. And when she saw him, she was troubled at his saying, and cast in her mind what manner of salutation this should be. And the angel said unto her, Fear not, Mary: for thou hast found favour with God. And, behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call his name Jesus. (Luke 1:28-31.)

It was August in Galilee. The heat, even at night, can be stifling and oppressive. Luke indicates that Mary and Joseph were likely of poor families. If that be the case, the house of Mary’s family would have been small, no more than one or two rooms curtained off for sleeping and privacy at night. We are not told if it was day or night, or if she was alone in the house; surely she must have felt a sudden clutch of fear when she looked up and saw a personage standing there before her. All of us have had someone come up behind us, or appear in a doorway unexpectedly and startle us. We give an involuntary cry of surprise and feel the quick burst of adrenalin that leaves the heart pounding, the palms sweaty, and the mouth dry. So it is not difficult to imagine the shock of having not just a man appear suddenly in your room, but a being of transcendent radiance and glory.

But the shock of Gabriel’s sudden appearance could not have been any greater than the stunning impact of his words. First there was the “impossible” announcement that she was about to conceive. Her response is so spontaneous, so logical. It adds even further to the power and simplicity with which Luke tells us of this night. One can almost picture her blurting it out, in spite of the glory of the being that stood before her: “How shall this be, seeing I know not a man?” (Luke 1:34.)

But that was only the first of the stunning pronouncements. The Messiah had been foretold for four millennia. Now to realize that the long centuries of waiting had come to end, that the Messiah was about to be born, and she—Mary of Nazareth—was to be the mother! Add to that the declaration that, for the first and only time in the history of the world, this was to be a virgin birth, and the revelation was even more staggering. This simple, pure woman from a little-known city in Galilee was to carry in her womb the divine offspring of the great Elohim Himself. Her son would also be the Son of God!

Only when we consider the magnitude of those statements do we begin to appreciate how marvelous is Mary’s answer. There were no questioning looks, no stammering demands of “Why me?” There were no murmurs of doubt. There was no disputation, no hesitation, no wondering. She simply said, in glorious and touching simplicity: “Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according to thy word.” (Luke 1:38.)

“Now the birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise: When as his mother Mary was espoused to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Ghost.” (Matthew 1:18.)

At the command of great Gabriel, Mary left Nazareth to visit her cousin Elizabeth, wife of Zacharias the priest, living in Judea, now six months pregnant with a miracle of her own. There Mary abode with her kinswoman about three months until it was time for Elizabeth to deliver.

Consider for a moment what it must have meant for Mary to come back to Nazareth at that point. She suddenly, unexpectedly departed from her home for an extended stay far to the south. When she returned, the growing within the womb was pushing outward, expanding now to swell the mother’s belly. It is not a secret that can be hidden for long.

This was not a society like our own where immorality is not only tolerated but often openly flaunted. Modesty and virtue were deeply ingrained into the fiber of the nation and was especially strong in the small towns and villages of Israel. Imagine the effect on that tiny village when Mary returned and the first of the village women began to notice the change in her.

Anyone who has ever lived in the tightly knit, closely bonded society of a small town or village can predict with some accuracy what happened next. At first there would have been only questioning looks and quick shaking of the heads. Surely such could not be so. Not Mary. Perhaps she was just putting on a little weight. And then more and more voices would have questioned, not openly, of course, but in whispers, at the well each day as they came together for water, or while doing the laundry on the banks of a stream.

Was Mary allowed to tell others of her visit from Gabriel? Matthew’s comment, “she was found with child,” would imply not. But even so, would such a “wildly fantastic” claim have quelled the rumors? A virgin birth? Mother of the Messiah? A child fathered by God Himself? Either she was mad or took them for absolute fools to imagine they would believe such a story. Now her departure from the village “in haste” took on new and ominous significance. (See Luke 1:39.) And poor Joseph. Victim of such infidelity. What would he do now?

Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not willing to make her a publick example, was minded to put her away privily. But while he thought on these things, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a dream, saying, Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife. . . .Then Joseph being raised from sleep did as the angel of the Lord had bidden him, and took unto him his wife. (Matthew 1:19-20, 24.)

Neither Luke nor Matthew gives us much detail, but we can read the pain and embarrassment between the lines. Here was a good man, faithful in every respect. What pain must have filled his soul to learn that his betrothed was with child! How could it be? Surely not Mary, not his lovely and chaste Mary. We can only guess at the agony of spirit he must have experienced at the confirmation of her “unfaithfulness.”

How many men would let the bitterness and anger of such betrayal fester and boil over into the blind desire for revenge that causes one to strike out, seeking to hurt as deeply as you yourself are hurt? By Mosaic law, adultery was still punishable by death. (See, for example, John 8:5; Leviticus 20:10.) He could have taken her to the elders of the village and demanded justice. But, in spite of the pain he must have felt, in spite of the personal humiliation, he would not put his beloved Mary through the shame and danger of a public trial. He would simply dissolve the marriage contract quietly.

And then again, in one blinding instant of revelation, all was explained and put right. In response to the incredible announcement by Gabriel, Mary had simply said, “Behold the handmaid of the Lord.” Now Joseph heard the same stunning pronouncement. We gain a glimpse of the greatness of the man from his response. Matthew says it in one phrase. “Then Joseph being raised from sleep. . . took unto him his wife.” (Matthew 1:24.)

Again, as with Mary, the fantastic nature of the declaration was accepted without question. There was no vacillation. Surely he knew his fellow villagers well enough to know that a hasty marriage in the middle of the night would only fuel the rumors. All he would accomplish by such an action would be to bring the onus of doubt and shame upon himself. But the angel had spoken. His doubts were resolved. His Mary had been proven faithful. And so he arose from his bed and took her to be his wife.

continued… Reflections on the Christmas Story Part II: The Birth of Jesus Christ

Additional Resources:

The Christmas Story (birth of Jesus Christ) is integral to the beliefs of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (inadvertently called by friends of other faiths as the “Mormon Church”).

The Book of Mormon is a second witness of Jesus Christ and also foretells of His coming. Request your free copy today.

Attend a local meetinghouse.

Michaelene P. Grassli served as a member of the Primary general board of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (sometimes mistakenly called “The Mormon Church” by the media),from 1975 to 1980, a counselor in the Primary general presidency from 1980 to 1988, and Primary general president from 1988 to 1994. She is the author or coauthor of three pamphlets and author of two books, What I Have Learned from Children and Leadertalk.

Christmas Message: Giving Gifts That Matter

Christmas was getting out of hand. Our children were beyond the magical, mysterious secrecy of childhood, yet they seemed to cling to the desire for that aspect of Christmas gift-giving. And so did their parents! It seemed to Leonard and me that it would take an upwardly spiraling cycle of materialism to continue to produce the Christmas morning thrills that had been so easy to achieve with simplicity when the children were small.

Our oldest was married and in college, the second had begun college that year, and the youngest was in junior high. As they had grown up, we had emphasized the significance of the birth of the Savior, Jesus Christ, in our family home evenings and holiday preparations. Leonard always read the Christmas story from Luke on Christmas Eve.

Our ward had initiated a wonderful tradition where we “returned to Bethlehem” in simple, biblical costumes, ate pita sandwiches, and witnessed the reenactment of the nativity in the cultural hall. About that time, a member of our ward prepared a study guide for twenty-five December family discussions about the prophecies, events, and lessons of the Holy Birth of Jesus. The ward members gave generously of their means to help less fortunate families.

We had no lack of exposure to the reality of the Savior, Jesus Christ, and to the true reasons for our celebrating his birth. Yet our own family gift-giving seemed to fall somewhat short of the selfless love and generosity we should have been experiencing.

Leonard and I considered this together and decided to introduce an idea to our children. At Thanksgiving dinner we suggested that the gifts we gave to each other for Christmas that year should be something we created ourselves or that were gifts of service. We also suggested that the cost be kept to a minimum. I don’t recall whether we named a price limit, but we all knew we needed to be resourceful and conservative.

Our daughters and son-in-law initially were hesitant. School took a big block of their time, and these very personalized gifts would definitely take more time than stopping at the department store downtown and picking up a tie, a pair of gloves, or a sweater. However, after some persuasion and encouragement (after all, we argued, Mom had a demanding Church responsibility, and Dad was very busy with work—if we could do it, so could they), they reluctantly agreed.

The days passed, and when I talked to the girls and our son-in-law I would ask how they were coming with ideas. At first they’d roll their eyes and sigh. I’d make some suggestions. Meanwhile, I was sewing, something I had very little time for in those days. I had no idea what Leonard was doing. I must admit to some moments of uneasiness. I saw no evidence of any preparations at all. I really wanted this experiment to succeed and to be a joyous and rewarding time for the family.

Then the mood began to change. The family began to assure me that something really was happening. “Don’t ask too many questions, Mom!” they’d say. Our youngest, who was still living at home, seemed more excited about the season than she had been for awhile. My husband just smiled with the knowing twinkle in his eye that he gets when he thinks he’s got one on me. The only thing I discovered was that nobody knew what the others were doing. I started to relax as I sewed into the nighttime hours.

Christmas morning came. I don’t suppose anyone else would have enjoyed the morning as much as we did, because every gift was so personalized. But enjoy it we did—immensely.

Early in the season our youngest had written on small cards something she loved about each member of the family. She had placed them deep in the toe of each stocking hung by the fireplace, and her excitement was heightened by the danger that someone might find her notes before Christmas. She told us later that she could hardly wait for Christmas because she was so thrilled with her idea. She said she didn’t even wonder what she would receive—a real breakthrough! As it turned out, even Santa did not discover them when he filled the stockings. In addition, she had painted a watercolor of a series of hearts, titling it “Bundle of Love.” It still hangs on the wall with our gallery of family photos.

One daughter who has a talent for writing had written a thoughtful and perceptive description of each family member. Another searched carefully for quotes from General Authorities that would be helpful for each family member and their particular challenges at the time. She hand-lettered and matted them. Our son-in-law gave each of us a personalized certificate good for a ski-waxing, which he knew we hadn’t had done forever. I sewed I-can’t-remember-what for the girls and red Christmas ties for the men.

Leonard is a native of Switzerland (though now he is a U.S. citizen and has lived here longer than he did in Switzerland). His gift to us was a family logo or emblem. His design includes a depiction of the Swiss flag combined with the flag of the United States, his very distinctive Grassli signature, and the date 1412. That is the earliest date we can find the name Grassli recorded in Swiss records. He had the design screen-printed on T-shirts and sweatshirts for us. We all were thrilled with his creation.

All these gifts required thought and perceptivity on the part of family members. They became little labors of love. I suppose others have tried experiments such as this one, but I loved what happened in our family that Christmas. We sort of turned a corner in the way we thought about one another and in how we now prepare for giving gifts at Christmas [as we celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ}. That is not to say that we always make everything we give, but we seem to personalize and think about what we do. I suspect that if we could ask the Savior how he’d like us to celebrate his birthday, he might be pleased with thoughtful gifts that require some sacrifice of time and self.

Now that we have two more sons-in-law and six grandchildren, maybe it’s time to try it again!

Additional Resources:

The Christmas message is about service and love.

The Book of Mormon is another testament of Jesus Christ and companion to the Bible. Request your free copy today.

Attend a local meetinghouse.

Christmas Message: Serve Others

Decorate your home. One year, a former roommate informed me that she was going home for Christmas and, therefore, was not going to help decorate our place. I was tempted to do the same, since I was also going to my parents’ home for the holidays. But then I realized that I, too, am important and that decorations are as much for me as for others. So I decorated. Since then, regardless of whether or not I have had roommates, I have decorated my home and enjoyed it.

Attend Christmas parties. I attend parties given by my ward, given at work and given by friends. My neighborhood also has Christmas parties. In addition, some years I have thrown a party at my home for my friends. That is my Christmas gift to them—the time we spend together.

Find ways to be part of a child’s Christmas. Children are so exuberant. My first nephew was born when I was 10 years old, so when I was growing up and out of the “awe” of Christmas there were still children around. That kept the excitement of Christmas fresh.

Reach out to others. The fun of Christmas is planning things for those around you, especially for those who may not have as much. Do things, such as the 12 Days of Christmas. One thing you can do is give someone a Christmas story every day to read before Christmas. I pick out my favorite Christmas stories and start Dec. 1 giving them out.—Ellen Rae Allred, Orem, Utah

What We Did:

Sharing the Spirit

Having lived in many parts of the world previous to my retirement, I’ve collected many “Christmas card friends,” with whom I communicate during this time. Good people all, but too few are members of the Church. My letters never omit important Church activities nor those of my children, such as missions, temple weddings, etc. And these letters always reflect my priorities however subtly.

My salutation (Happy Holydays) does not vary from year to year, nor does my selection of Nativity-centered cards. The post office offers several designs of stamps, and I always choose a religious theme. As a widow, I am, thus, spreading—and feeling—the spirit of Christmas.—Betty Bryner, Springville, Utah

Gift of Giving

We should remember the birthday for whom we are celebrating. When we celebrate a loved one’s birthday, we always bring gifts. We should focus on a gift that would be appropriate to give to Jesus on His birthday.

In many instances that gift is giving of ourselves to others in serving their needs. In addition, the gift we give may be to study His life, thereby bringing about a greater testimony of His life and mission. Then we can go throughout the rest of our lives in service to others in His name.—Mark T. Warner, The Colony, Texas

Pictures of Christ

The main ways I feel the spirit of Christmas while living alone are the following:

Having pictures of Christ around my apartment. This helps me remember what Christmas is really about not only in December but also all year.

Increasing my personal gospel study during the month of December, making a goal of reading one of the complete standard works between Dec. 1 and Jan. 1.

Having family thoughts present in my day. Gift giving and trying to find the most unique gift for a family member helps me think of family.

I help spread the spirit of Christmas by doing the following:

Continuing our family tradition of giving anonymous gifts during the holidays. As a single member of the Church, I not only can continue this tradition of giving, but also increase the level.

- Increasing missionary activity, goals and prayers during the holidays.—Jeff Wright, Cheyenne, Wyo.

Reflect on Your Life

Christmas is a wonderful season. It is a time to reflect upon your life and the lives of others. When you live alone, it may be hard to feel the spirit of Christmas, but by serving those around you, you will have love in your heart for others and for Christ.

This is the true spirit of Christmas.—Trish Collett, Elfrida, Ariz.

Write Missionaries

For me, the spirit of Christmas is love, the love of my Heavenly Father for all His children, the love of the Savior as shown through His birth, life and sacrifice for each of us, and the love that I feel for my friends and my family.

Even though I’m alone, I can reflect on all this through my prayers, through my personal gospel study and through listening to Christmas music. In addition, I always attend Messiah concerts every year.

Christmas just isn’t Christmas without the Christmas story as found in Luke chapter 2. I’m usually with family members when we share that story.

Even though I have problems with my eyesight, I still put out Christmas decorations my children enjoyed when they were young. I strive to send Christmas letters to friends and family members I don’t see often. I also write missionaries serving from my ward. I feel they are keeping Christmas best of all.

I share gifts and phone calls with people living near me and share goodies.

I really enjoy giving gifts to friends and family members. In addition, I always try to think of someone for whom I can anonymously make Christmas better.

These are not extraordinary things, but what I do do fills my heart with love—which is the spirit of Christmas.—Peggy Frome, Afton, Wyo.

Involve Yourself

When I lived alone, I focused on the scriptures during the holidays. There were several particular scriptures that meant a lot to me during that period of time in my life and that helped me keep going.

I strove to follow the counsel in Mosiah 2:17, 2 Ne. 32:9 and D&C 88:63-65.

Basically, what I did was involve myself in my Church work and my other work, tried to take care of myself and tried to reach out to the other single adults in the area and to other people.

I sought occasions to be with my family, I put up a Christmas tree. I put up lots ornaments that people had given me and that reminded me of their love.

Because of the love I felt, I wanted to give that love all back.—Catherine (Lois) Demo, Hanover, Pa.

How to checklist:

1 Remember whose birthday is being observed.

2 Reach out, serve others; send Christmas cards, write the missionaries.

3 Reflect on your life, on the love of the Savior.

4 Continue family traditions; decorate your home; attend Christmas parties.

Additional Resources:

Learn how Mormons feel about the Christmas message at the official site of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (inadvertently called by friends of other faiths as the “Mormon Church”)

The Book of Mormon testifies of the birth of Jesus Christ and is a companion to the Bible. Request your free copy today.

Attend a local meetinghouse.

Christmas Message: Keeping Christmas

Barbara B. Smith was called in 1974 to be general president of the Relief Society, the Latter-day Saint (“Mormon“) Women’s global leadership and service organization -a position she occupied for nearly ten years. She is the author of several books, including The Love That Never Faileth, The Light of Christmas, Growth in Grandmothering, and A Fruitful Season. She tells this wonderful Christmas story–how her children and children’s children carry the promises of the birth of Christ, the spirit of Christmas, from one generation to the next.  She speaks of gifts that point to the Savior, times that are treasured reflections of the fruits of the gospel of Jesus Christ.  Enjoy this Christmas Message, this Christmas story, and share it with your friends and family this season. Merry Christmas to each of you.

Last year was the Christmas it all came full circle. Douglas, my husband of over fifty years, and I had begun our customary, joyful Christmas Day rounds. We both still held an inner glow from our Christmas Eve spent with our ever-increasing realm of children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, who had all gathered at our home for dinner, a Christmas Eve program, and one gift that didn’t have to wait until morning to be opened—all this tradition had begun with both Doug’s and my own grandparents generations earlier.

On our circuitous course, we were fulfilling another generations-old Christmas custom, that of visiting the homes of each of our grown children on Christmas morning to see what Santa Claus had brought their little ones. But that has never been the principal reason we go. We really go because, in the midst of the annual excitement and anticipation of unwrapping all those brightly adorned presents under their Christmas trees, each aglow with tinsel, ornaments, and lights, our families pursue varied means to keep the spirituality of Christmas vibrant and joyful. And we rejoice to be part of that.

Christmas Story Prophesied of in Scripture

As we nurtured and raised to adulthood each of the seven infants that blessed our home, we were always aware that “what we desire our children to become, we must endeavor to be before them.” (Andrew Combe, Home Is Where You Hang Your Memories [Fort Worth: Paul Brownlow Publishing Company, 1993], p. 20.) Throughout the years we also followed the counsel in Deuteronomy regarding the commandments, applying that biblical directive to all gospel truths, to “impress them upon your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up.” (See Deut. 6:6-7.)

Especially at Christmas time, when our family circle is most complete, do we best see the fruition of our gospel efforts in the lives of our children. And this was never more true than in this particular year, as we arrived in time to participate in the gift-opening with most of our families, or, as we continued our rounds, as we recalled wonderful events from Christmases past. This synthesis of Christmases past and present crowned a wondrous new realization for me, opening my eyes regarding our lifelong endeavor to teach our children to know, live, and love the gospel and Jesus Christ, that we might have our family together forever.

Our first stop Christmas morning is always at Sherilynn’s, our youngest daughter. Last year we enjoyed our involvement there as Sherilynn and Hector’s young family first opened their presents, then ate their traditional Christmas breakfast with us as their guests. Finally we all sat in a cozy circle in the front room, bowed our heads in a prayer of gratitude, and took turns reading scriptures and discussing their significance to Christmas. We read of Samuel the Lamanite’s prophecy concerning the signs of the Savior’s birth and of Nephi’s account of Christ’s appearances and teachings to the Nephite nation. It was a delightful beginning to another memorable Christmas Day tour.

Our opportune stop at Barton and Louise’s allowed us to watch their family also open presents as they read the biblical narrative of Christ’s birth and ministry. Barton paused at several junctures in the story to have the children unwrap presents that both related to those specific parts of the scriptural account and were of current interest to them. For example, when reading of the shepherds watching their flocks by night, the youngsters unwrapped wool sweaters. At the point where the wise men brought gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh, there were gifts of money and perfume. When reading of Christ asking the fishermen to “Come, follow me,” the boys’ packages revealed fishing poles, chest waders, and other fishing gear.

At Blaine and Becky’s home, each family member had received a carved name plaque that included the meaning of the person’s name. The interpretation of each name signified the potential of the individual in the plan of life and exaltation, even as Jesus’ name bore specific import and promise by definition: “Jehovah saves,” the one to “save his people from their sins” (Matt. 1:21); “Prince of Peace” (Isa. 9:6); and “Redeemer of the world” (D&C 19:1).

Paired with scriptures, the children’s names each carried divine promise:

David—Beloved one . . . “The beloved of the Lord shall dwell in safety by him; and the Lord shall cover him all the day long” (Deut. 33:12)

Sarah—Princess . . . “A chosen generation” (1 Pet. 2:9)

Scott—Traveler . . . “Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature” (Mark 16:15)

Steven—Crowned one . . . “And when the chief Shepherd shall appear, ye shall receive a crown of glory that fadeth not away” (1 Pet. 5:4)

Brian—One of strength . . . “The Lord is my rock . . . fortress . . . deliverer; my God, my strength, in whom I will trust” (Psalm 18:2).

The Christmas Story is About Service

Thus were Blaine’s children being taught they had the privilege and responsibility to fulfill the promise of their names given at birth as Jesus, our Exemplar, had honored his own name during his divine earthly mission.

As we continued our journey that day, we remembered a Christmas before when we had arrived at Lillian’s home late in the morning. The whole family was radiant with yuletide warmth and love, and I had been moved to tears when I learned why. Annually her family chooses a symbol from the Christmas story; that year it was angels. But Lillian did not know what culmination to their Christmas theme her husband and children had secretly planned for her.

Very early that Christmas morning her husband, Claron, had called up the stairs, awakening Lillian from a short sleep to hurry down to the Christmas tree. There she found her six children, four girls and two boys, all dressed in new white Christmas outfits, waiting for her, gift in hand. Her heart melted at the scene before her. Each child then presented her a gift wrapped in pure white, telling Lillian why she was “my angel mother.”

It was a supernal experience. Of that moment, which was forever sealed in time, Lillian expressed, “Now when I look at my children, I remember them that day dressed in white and realize all the more how I want to be with them throughout eternity.”

A few Novembers earlier, Catherine, Carl, and their children had moved into a new home. When Christmas Day grew near, as a family they decided to visit every person on the block and make themselves acquainted with their new neighbors. As gifts to bring, they baked cookies and decorated little baskets to hold the treats. This first pre-Christmas Day tour of the new neighborhood was such a success that the visits became a tradition cherished by the neighbors, who told Catherine’s family, “Our Christmas begins with you!”

Through their retelling of this annual enterprise, we were able to discern the developing faith of her family in the ways of Christ, as well as their love for him and their understanding of the blessings inherent in encircling others in the arms of the Savior’s love through their own actions and love. There has been no doubt that Catherine and her family know the essence of the Holy Birth.

Lowell’s family was another where the pre-Christmas experience set the tone for the actual holy day. One year, without telling their five children first, Lowell and Lynne chose a night close to Christmas for the whole family to sleep under the Christmas tree. The surprised and delighted children, once snuggled in their sleeping bags, gazed into the gleaming lights of the tree. One suggested, “Let’s sing Christmas songs.” So they sang the wonderful old carols that testified of the miraculous birth, ending with “Silent night! Holy night! All is calm, all is bright . . . ” (Hymns of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1985, p. 204.)

As the song ended, another Christmas cherub proposed, “Let’s play ‘I spy with my little eye’ some of the things on the Christmas tree.” They did until they could spy no more. Finally, one awestruck little fellow asked, “Is this the real night of Christmas?” That night proved a memory to last a lifetime and the beginning of another family tradition. He and all of them had felt the love and warmth of the reason for the season.

For our final Christmas Day stop last year at our firstborn Sandra’s home, her three-year-old grandson, who lives in Nevada, provided bounteous Christmas Spirit as Sandra conversed long distance with him by telephone. Barely more than a toddler, and blessed with splendid voice and features, brown-eyed Erik sang in harmonious tones for “Granma Fish” (he can’t quite say “Smith” yet!) of the Baby “A-sleep, a-sleep, a-sleep, a-sleep, a-sleep, the Savior in a stall! A-sleep, a-sleep, a-sleep, a-sleep, a-sleep, the Lord of all.” (Children’s Songbook [Salt Lake City: The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1989], p. 42.)

Erik’s mother, Julie, who is Sandra’s oldest child, also told of Erik’s delight with the early Christmas present from Granma Fish. Sandra had given him a finger puppet set of the characters from the manger scene. With his two-week-old sister, Kylie, in Mom’s arms, his father would read the Bible story while Erik worked the puppets with great flair. When it came time to do other things, big brother Erik always put the puppet manger scene back, each character in its proper place.

For little Clarry, Ashley, Michael, Katlyn, and Emily, more great-grandchildren of our sixth generation of tradition, at Christmas time or any time, one of those “other things” to do is to be read to as they sit on a parent’s lap. Christmas time for them particularly brings stories of Jesus, retold to this youngest generation by their parents with the same excitement they felt when they first heard those tales of the wondrous birth. Now, reading from storybooks new and old, even some tattered but treasured ones, my great-grand ones listen enraptured, eyes all aglow and their beautiful faces wreathed in smiles.

The Christmas Story is About Following Christ

It all takes me back to when I was a small child upon my mother’s knee as she told me the stories of Jesus. I heard about the shepherds, the star, the angels, the wise men, and the Holy Baby long before I went to school. Because of that, I never remember a time when I did not know Him. Douglas declares as well concerning his heritage in Christ, “He was taught to me from my first breath and I have always believed in him.”

From the first breaths of each of our seven children and throughout their lives, Douglas and I have tried to nurture faith in Christ, his birth, life ministry, atonement, and resurrection. Now we see this faith actualized down to the last generation. Because of this generational faith, our family knows the truth found in the scriptures which announces that children’s children are a crown to the aged, and the glory of the children are their parents. (See Prov. 17:6.) In truth, I prefer not to think of myself as “aged,” but I suppose one cannot have great-grandchildren and still be considered young! No matter at all. No small portion of my present joy comes from those of my progeny who have chosen innocent and righteous lives.

This last year’s experiences, combined with those of the past, are my proof of the effect upon our posterity of our application as parents and grandparents of the Psalmist’s words: “We will not hide them from our children; we will tell the next generation the praiseworthy deeds of the Lord, his power, and the wonders he has done.” (See Psalm 78:4.) Of course, each of them, child or adult, and all future links to our line, just like all people, must choose for themselves whether to embrace Christ and his gospel or to settle for something less. We are all afforded such diversity within that “strait and narrow path” (1 Ne. 8:20) of living according to the commandments of the Lord. That so many of my family, although not all, have “chosen the good part” (2 Nephi 2:30), I view, as mother and grandmother to them all, to be the eventual fulfillment of the gospel plan in their behalf—”to bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of man” (Moses 1:39). It is therein that we will truly come full circle, not just at Christmas time, but in the gospel as a whole, forever inseparably connected as individuals and families within the exalted circle of eternity.

This last year it was as if Christ had entered into our family circle, enveloping each of us in his warmth and love, filling our hearts with peace and gratitude, deepening our joy and understanding of the true meaning of Christmas. As many of my children and grand-children ponder about and engage in more significant gospel study and spiritual enterprises than did we, their actions enlarge my hope that the rising generations are grasping the greater vision, embracing Christ in their lives now and eternally. Even as Douglas and I were taught, then taught our seven children with increased insight and capacity, so have our children taught their posterity with skills superior to our own, as are those children exceeding their parents’ bounds.

In that realization it all came full circle for me; it made perfect sense to me. I felt like the blind man made to see. My eyes had been opened to see that the simplicity and grandeur of the Savior’s teachings span all generations. I could see the effects of his wondrous works and the seal of a personal witness in the lives of those I love most. I could see that Christ, the Master Teacher, utilizes each Christmas to tap every tender feeling, every holy symbolism, every good thing that would draw each of us to him in such a way that he can enfold us in the arms of his everlasting love. With understanding and gratitude I bowed anew in humble adoration before the Master. Through the grand visual aid of Christmas, my eyes had been opened to the enormous privilege of teaching children and of learning from them as we all grow in faith together.

Each of those Christmas experiences of the children are visual, spiritual, intellectual aids by which they are learning of the Master and the master plan. Whether they learn that in the unwrapping of “spiritual” gifts, in the correlation of scriptures, in grasping their birthright, in serving others, in the singing of carols, or by being enveloped in the warmth of Christlike love, in all these ways and countless more are avenues to bring them to Christ, in mind, heart, and spirit. It is a masterful part of teaching the plan to his children of promise.

And what I see and visualize for our family is available to all, indeed, to all those who “love his appearing.” (2 Tim. 4:8.) The essence of the eternal plan is that every person, every home, every generation will choose to bow and live in humble adoration because Jesus the Christ was born. Christmas time helps us do that freely and with joy.

Additional Resources: Christmas Story, Birth of Jesus Christ 

Learn more about Christ’s birth at the official site of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (inadvertently called by friends of other faiths as the “Mormon Church”).

The Book of Mormon is a companion to the Bible and also foretells of Christ’s birth. Request your free copy today.

Attend a local meetinghouse.

Marcus is a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (inadvertently called by friends of other faiths, the “Mormon Church”). Tried by adversity as a teenager, he now shares his story of healing. Marcus has also enjoyed filming a nationally televised commercial and traveling to South America.

Everyone has challenges. It doesn’t matter where we’re from, what religion we are, how much money we have or our status in society. Nothing in this world can make a person immune from the difficulties of life.

Some of the greatest challenges I have faced in my life came at an early age. At 12 I was diagnosed with a hereditary condition which caused my body to not produce enough of a chemical called Serotonin. The result of not having enough of this chemical produced in your body is depression. I was then diagnosed with severe social anxiety and had to drop out of school. My parents divorced when I was 15 years old and by the age of 17, my mother stopped talking to me. Her last words to me were “I don’t want to have anything to do with you anymore” before she moved away without telling me where she was going.

Between the ages of 12 and 18, my life was a mess. Our family physician said that my parent’s divorce would destroy me and the countless psychiatrists I visited gave up on me. Most of the time I wanted to be left alone and I stayed in my room. I felt as though I was a burden to everyone else and I was less then pleasant to be around. When my mom left, I locked myself in my room for 3 days and wept. As sad as this all may sound, it was during these times that my relationship with God and my faith in the Atonement of Jesus Christ grew and strengthened.

Looking back on that difficult period of my life I now realize that I didn’t go to the Jesus Christ for help. It was the Lord who came to help me.  As it says in the book of John, third chapter, 16^th and 17^th verses:

“For God so loved the world that He gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.”

The Atonement of Jesus Christ doesn’t only apply to the salvation of my soul, the atonement also applies to my life at every moment. I needed then, more than ever, for someone to save me and it was through the Atonement and the love of my Savior that my salvation came. At a time when it seemed as though the world was against me, I felt deep inside of me  knowledge of the truth that even if the entire world despised me, the Lord came into this world with the single purpose of helping me.

Somehow, through the fog of my depression and despite the inexperience of my youth, I was able to feel inspired and strengthened. I prayed to God on a regular basis and asked him for help. It seemed as though the more I talked to the Lord, the stronger I felt. The peace and comfort that came to me began to heal me from the inside and after a few years, I was able to stop taking my medication.

When my mother left I wept but I also prayed. I told the Lord how alone I was feeling and how sad I was. It felt like a piece of me had been removed and now I had a gaping hole in my soul. It was then that I felt like I should go to the scriptures for my comfort. As a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (commonly misnamed the “Mormon Church”) I read from The Book of Mormon, which is an ancient record of holy scripture that testifies of Jesus Christ. When I went to read, I happened to open The Book of Mormon, to a scripture that I must have read multiple times but constantly overlooked. 1 Nephi, 21^st chapter and 15^th verse states:

“For can a woman forget her sucking child, that she should not have compassion on the son of her womb? Yea, they may forget, yet will I not forget thee, O house of Israel.”

Although I hurt inside, I knew that the Lord Jesus Christ would always love me and remember me. In that moment, the healing began to take place and I have never felt alone since that time.

We all suffer and feel pain from time to time. Sometimes we can feel so overwhelmed that there seems to be no way out of that pit of despair. It’s then that the atonement can serve as a ladder for us to climb out of the dark pit and into the light of day, and it’s the Savior who extends that ladder to us. It will take energy and work but I know that it’s worth the effort and I am so grateful that I chose to make that climb.

Additional Resources:

Learn more about how Jesus Christ is our Savior at an official site of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Learn more about the Atonement of Jesus Christ.

Get a free copy of The Book of Mormon.

Tiffany Sowby is a mother of five. She tries to find humor, joy and contentment in the little things life has to offer.

How do members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (Mormons) celebrate Christmas? Is it all about Santa’s visit on Christmas Eve night and what presents have been purchased for loved ones? Or is Christmas about remembering the birth of Jesus Christ?

Growing up as a child in England, Religious studies were a part of the daily school curriculum. I spent many Decembers working on art projects and essays depicting what most in the Christian world refers to as ‘The First Christmas’. I specifically recall making a time-line of events with pictures beginning with Mary visiting her cousin Elizabeth to Baby Jesus laying in a manger. I remember my third grade class painting gold angels, that I placed proudly on my family’s Christmas tree. One of my favorite parts of December as a school child were joining with the rest of the school and singing the old Christmas favorites, Away in a Manger and Silent Night.

My children now bring home from school Rudolphs made of construction paper, and red and green tissue paper wreath’s that adorn our counters, fridges and doors. Furthermore, any singing my children do at school during the month of December is limited strictly to songs about reindeer, snowmen, and of course, good old Santa Claus himself.

Too often now, the balance of Christmas is left out.

As a child growing up in England my family was (and still are) active members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Mormons). Our personal family celebrations and traditions intermixed with the celebrations of our local church congregation and the school festivities all had very similar tones. We celebrated Christmas. And though we certainly had our fair share of Christmas candy, visits to/from Santa Claus and non-religious Christmas songs, one thing was never neglected, the recognition and celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ.

Is it possible to enjoy the traditional parts of Christmas that include Santa Claus, candy canes, and gingerbread houses AND the celebration of Jesus Christ’s birth?

Absolutely!

There is much to love about the Christmas season. Christmas music, wrapping presents, garlands on banisters and the smell of a freshly cut Christmas tree are high on my list of Christmas favorites. I love the excitement on children’s faces in anticipation of Santa Claus, and I love chocolate in my stocking.

I love the kindness that seems to be in the air at Christmas time. It seems hearts stretch a little more and wallets open a little wider with a turn of the calendar page. Yet even with all the distractions of a commercialized holiday, there is room for quiet moments of reflection about what Christmas is really about.

Though my children may not experience the same balance of Christmas celebrations in school as I once did, they experience both parts of Christmas within our home, our church and among extended family and friends.

Typically Latter Day Saint (Mormon) Sunday meetings in December focus on the true meaning of Christmas, but there are plenty of opportunities to balance the other parts of Christmas within our church buildings. I have participated in numerous Christmas dinners in a church setting that may include a energetic rendition of Jingle Bells as Santa enters the room or it may include young children dressed in robes and sheets re-enacting the scene in Bethlehem on that first Christmas night. I’ve joined church groups making Christmas crafts and decorations, and I’ve joined church groups supplying Christmas to a homeless shelter.

We live in a world that has made Christmas far more than the simplicity of a sacred night more than 2,000 years ago. We’ve even moved on from the simple times of excitment over a single orange left under a tree. We live in a world that fills December with gift exchanges, dinner parties, stocking stuffers and all sorts of anxiety and stresses that result from the search for the perfect gift or celebration.

In my family, despite my best efforts to balance all aspects of the Christmas season, on occasion Christmas Day has come and gone with our full focus on unwrapping presents, Santa Claus’ visit, and answering the repeated question, “What did you get?” The Nativity re-enactments, carols and scriptural readings of the previous night are suddenly forgotten in the whirlwind of toys, gadgets and chocolate on Christmas morning.

Several years ago my grandmother introduced a new tradition into the Christmas afternoon dinner she has always hosted. Sometimes close to 40 people squeeze into her modest front room. Amidst piles of gift bags and hand-wrapped presents, she has a previously assigned person read to us, “And Santa whispered, teach the children the true meaning of Christmas.’ Using a somewhat dated flannel board, we watch and listen as some typically commercialized Christmas symbols are related to Jesus Christ.

It isn’t the piece of writing itself that draws a special spirit into the room, and it certainly isn’t the visual aid. It is the acknowledgment and remembrance of Jesus Christ’s simple birth and what His life means to each one of us. While wrapped presents under a lit Christmas tree sit waiting to be torn into, we are reverently reminded that Christmas is more than the gifts under a tree.

My family has spent many a Christmas season reading from the book of Luke in the Bible. We have spent many evenings dressed up in bath-robes and sheets depicting angels, wise-men and shepherds. We have spent hours in discount stores and shopping malls searching for the right gifts for under-privileged families and children. We’ve dropped loose change in the buckets of Salvation Army’s Bell Ringers.

And yet without fail, every Christmas Eve night we retire to bed with grand hopes that Santa will come while we sleep.

There is without a doubt, room for all sorts of Christmas celebrations within the month of December. While keeping all things in moderation, there is plenty of joy to be felt at Christmas. The kind of joy that stretches even beyond discarded tin-foil angel halos, crumpled wrappings and door-bell ditched Sub-for-Santa gifts. The joy comes from only one place-holding in our hearts the sacred reminder of our Savior’s birth and life.

Additional Resources:

Learn more about the birth of Jesus Christ at the official site of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (inadvertently called by friends of other faiths as the “Mormon Church”).

The Book of Mormon is a second witness of Jesus Christ. Request a free copy today.

Jesus Christ is central to Mormon doctrine. Attend a local meetinghouse.