Declaration of Independence

We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness. - That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed.

Monday, December 24, 2012

Living Christ


                We live in a time of wars and rumors of wars.  These wars are not only between nations but among associates, neighbors, friends, and family members.  We endured a political season that not only deepened the divide in our nation, but it also destroyed many relationships.  A recent letter to "Dear Amy" was from a woman whose father disowned his two daughters because they voted for Obama.  This letter is just one proof that personal wars are raging among us.  Another proof of personal wars is the mass murder that took place at the Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Connecticut, on December 14, 2012.  This "war" took place in the soul of the murderer of children. 

                The wars and rumors of wars that we see and hear are caused by evil, and peace will never come to the earth until the majority of people turn to the Prince of Peace or until Jesus Christ returns to earth in all His glory.  This year I am particularly grateful for the fact that the Christmas season follows the political season because this season love, peace, and goodwill makes most of us a little less selfish and self-centered and more willing to help other people.

                As I considered what I should write about Jesus Christ today, I wondered what more could be written about Him than that which has already been written, either by myself or others far more capable than I.   I thought of the book entitled Jesus the Christ by Elder James E. Talmage that seems to cover every possible detail of the life of Christ - premortal, mortal, and eternal.  Then I remembered the statement made by living prophets and apostles entitled The Living Christ and felt that I should make it my post for today.  I know that there can be no finer message for Christmas than this statement!  I too know that Jesus Christ is the living Son of our Eternal Father in Heaven.  I know that He is our Savior, and I know that He is the Prince of Peace.  I love Him and recommend that all my readers learn more about Him.


The Living Christ
The Testimony of the Apostles
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

                As we commemorate the birth of Jesus Christ two millennia ago, we offer our testimony of the reality of His matchless life and the infinite virtue of His great atoning sacrifice.   None other has had so profound an influence upon all who have lived and will yet live upon the earth.

                He was the Great Jehovah of the Old Testament, the Messiah of the New.  Under the direction of his Father, He was the creator of the earth.  "All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made" (John 1:3).  Though sinless, He was baptized to fulfill all righteousness.  He "went about doing good" (Acts 10:38), yet was despised for it.  His gospel was a message of peace and goodwill.  He entreated all to follow His example.  He walked the roads of Palestine, healing the sick, causing the blind to see, and raising the dead.  He taught the truths of eternity, the reality of our premortal existence, the purpose of our life on earth, and the potential for the sons and daughters of God in the life to come.

                He instituted the sacrament as a reminder of His great atoning sacrifice.  He was arrested and condemned on spurious charges, convicted to satisfy a mob, and sentenced to die on Calvary's cross.  He gave His life to atone for the sins of all mankind.  His was a great vicarious gift in behalf of all who would ever live upon the earth.

                We solemnly testify that His life, which is central to all human history, neither began in Bethlehem nor concluded on Calvary.  He was the Firstborn of the Father, the Only Begotten Son in the flesh, the Redeemer of the world.

                He rose from the grave to "become the firstfruits of them that slept" (1 Corinthians 15:20).  As Risen Lord, He visited among those He had loved in life.  He also ministered among His "other sheep" (John 10:16) in ancient America.  In the modern world, He and His Father appeared to the boy Joseph Smith, ushering in the long-promised "dispensation of the fulness of times" (Ephesians 1:10).

                Of the Living Christ, the Prophet Joseph wrote:  "His eyes were as a flame of fire; the hair of his head was white like the pure snow; his countenance shone above the brightness of the sun; and his voice was as the sound of the rushing of great waters, even the voice of Jehovah, saying:  `I am the first and the last; I am he who liveth, I am he who was slain; I am your advocate with the Father' (Doctrine and Covenants  110:3-4)."

                Of Him the Prophet also declared:  "And now, after the many testimonies which have been given of him, this is the testimony, last of all, which we give of him:  That he lives!
                "For we saw him, even on the right hand of God; and we heard the voice bearing record that he is the Only Begotten of the Father--
                "That by him, and through him, and of him, the worlds are and were created, and the inhabitants thereof are begotten sons and daughters unto God" (Doctrine and Covenants 76:22-24).

                We declare in words of solemnity that His priesthood and His Church have been restored upon the earth-- "built upon the foundation of … apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone" (Ephesians 2:20).

                We testify that He will someday return to earth.  "And the glory of the Lord shall be revealed, and all flesh shall see it together" (Isaiah 40:5).  He will rule as King of Kings and reign as Lord of Lords, and every knee shall bend and every tongue shall speak in worship before Him.  Each of us will stand to be judged of Him according to our works and the desires of our hearts.

                We bear testimony, as His duly ordained Apostles-- that Jesus is the Living Christ, the immortal Son of God.  He is the great King Immanuel, who stands today on the right hand of His Father.  He is the light, the life, and the hope of the world.  His way is the path that leads to happiness in this life and eternal life in the world to come.  God be thanked for the matchless gift of His divine Son.

                This document is signed by the First Presidency:  Gordon B. Hinckley, Thomas S. Monson, and James E. Faust.  It is also signed by the Quorum of the Twelve:  Boyd K. Packer, L. Tom Perry, David B. Haight, Neal A. Maxwell, Russell M. Nelson, Dallin H. Oaks, M. Russell Ballard, Joseph B. Wirthlin, Richard G. Scott, Robert D. Hales, Jeffrey R. Holland, and Henry B. Eyring.

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