Reason for Christmas

                Jesus Christ is the reason we celebrate Christmas, and there would be no Christmas without Him. As we celebrate the birth of Christ at this time, let us remember that we celebrate His birth only because He is the Son of God who atoned for our sins, redeemed our souls, and caused that all of us could be resurrected and exalted just as He is. With all our celebrating of this season, let us remember that He is the reason for our celebrations.

                Love is the first gift of Christmas as John the Beloved explains: “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” (John 3:16). Heavenly Father loves each of His children so much that He allowed His Beloved Son to come to earth to live as a mortal and then to give His life that all of us might live with Him again after death. The birth, life, and death of the Savior made it possible for us to have peace in this life and eternal life in the world to come.

                We read in the Book of Mormon – Another Testament of Jesus Christ, 1 Nephi 11:22: “It is the love of God, which sheddeth itself abroad in the hearts of the children of men; wherefore, it is the most desirable above all things.” We should seek to love ourselves and others that we may be instruments in the hands of God of spreading His love to all the world. We should seek the love of God in our lives and then to share it with others.

                President Gordon B. Hinckley says, “Christmas is more than trees and twinkling lights, more than toys and gifts and baubles of a hundred varieties. It is love. It is the love of the Son of God for all mankind. It reaches out beyond our power to comprehend. It is magnificent and beautiful” (Stand A Little Taller, [2001], 371).

                President Thomas S. Monson explains, “With the pure love of Christ, let us walk in His footsteps as we approach the season celebrating His birth. As we do so, let us remember that He still lives and continues to be the `light of the world,’ who promised, `He that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life’ (John 8:12). With the spirit of Christ in our lives, we will have good will and love toward all mankind, not only during this season, but throughout the year as well” (A Future As Bright As Your Faith, [2015], 385).

                My prayer at this time is that we all will remember that Jesus is the reason for the Christmas season, that we will realize the great love that Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ have for each of us, and that we will reach out to our fellow human beings with that same love. Let us remember that Heavenly Father loved us so much that He gave us His Beloved Son!