Christmas Message (Nov 13, 2017)

I know it isn't Christmas yet. But I have to prepare a Christmas message for the ward, so I am sending it to Brother Baker and you all for my message this week.

It is interesting to me that the shepherds in Luke, Chapter 2, were described by the writer as being "sore afraid."

There are periods in our lives when we too are confused by things in our lives-- confused because we don't know exactly what is happening to us, or confused because we don't understand how somethings could happen to us-- but the message of God to us all is the same:

As the angel told the shepherds that night long ago, he also boldly resounds to each one of us,
"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...on earth peace, good will toward men."

Because of the Savior, we too are able to seek, and find, peace in our lives. In the scriptures the Savior is called "a light", "the Prince of Peace" and "the Son of God". 

This Christmas season is a time for joy, gratitude, forgiveness, and peace-- and while many can feel the Christmas Spirit, there are some who, due to life's concerns-- unemployment, family difficulties, loss of a loved one, and the list goes on-- feel heartache, anxiety, and even fear.

To those who feel this way I would remind you of Isaiah's description of our Savior as one who was " despised and rejected of men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief". As the Savior prepared to atone for the sins and pain and sickness and sadness of all mankind, he was described by Matthew as "sorrowful, and very heavy". 

And yet despite that, he succeeded. He, as Isaiah said, bore "our griefs, and carried our sorrows". He overcame! He had all the salvation of the world on his shoulders, and he rose to the occasion. It is with his understanding, the understand of how each one of us feel, and think, and hope, and fear, that he gains the authority to command us, as he did the waves of a stormy sea long ago, "peace, be still."

I hope we seek to echo the angels call this Christmas season, to rejoice! To spread peace on Earth, because of Him who has descended below all, and then risen again. To love, to serve, and to remember our Savior of the World, He who knows us, he who succors us, He who loves us.

I know that that is true. And I share that in His name, even Jesus Christ, amen.

LOVE YOU ALL! Have a great week!