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
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
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
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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