Brothers and sisters it's a pleasure to be here today. My enthusiasm is accelerated by the fact that it is the Christmas season. I love Christmas - I love the songs that we sing in church every December - the spirit of giving and reaching out to express our love and appreciation for our family and friends whom we love. Those that have the Spirit of Christ or Christmas don't stop with just those with whom they love - but reach out to all those in need no matter their situation.

But as with everything that is wonderful and good, Satan tries to manipulate the events around Christmas and influence us to be selfish, greedy and forget the reason we should be celebrating in the first place. The majority of references of Christmas in the media and entertainment - are not Christ centered. Advertisements and many programs concentrate on the need for expensive trinkets and self-filling gratification. How he does this and his purposes aren't the topic of my remarks today - and are obvious to all of us.  Instead I would like to talk about the wondrous plan, life and sacrifice of our Savior and Redeemer - even Jesus the Christ.

In our heavenly home we rejoiced as our Father laid out His eternal plan of salvation. All of his children would have the opportunity to come to earth and receive a physical body and to prove themselves worthy to become as He is and receive Eternal Life and Exaltation. During this time we would be tried and tested - we would be free to choose what path we would follow. Each of us were given the light of Christ as our guide - and the promise of receiving additional light, knowledge and wisdom as we live righteously and seek the promptings of the Holy Ghost.

Many of us as members of the church mistakenly take this promise for granted. The Savior to the Prophet Joseph Smith stated: For there are many yet on the earth among all sects, parties, and denominations, who are blinded by the subtle craftiness of men, whereby they lie in wait to deceive, and who are only kept from the truth because they know not where to find it-- Others that may have found it, are like those in Lehi's dream, And after they had tasted of the fruit they were ashamed, because of those that were scoffing at them; and they fell away into forbidden paths and were lost. Still others are like the foolish virgins that know the bridegroom is coming, but through laziness or complacency just didn't take the time to fill their lamps with the needed oil or righteousness.

No matter which group we fall into - we need the knowledge and wisdom of God to forge our ways through difficulties, sorrow and pain to return back to our heavenly home. We were told that all of us would make mistakes and fall short on occasion. But there would be a way set up for us to get back on track and accomplish the task we were about to undertake. But because of the demands of justice - the price for our sins and mistakes needed to be paid. A Savior - redeemer - someone needed to pay the debt. Two of Gods spirits stepped forward -

One was willing to take that role, but only if he received the glory and honor - his plan would take away the agency of man and force us to remain faithful, but he assured us that no one would be lost in the process. He then would receive the honor and glory to himself, he thought to put himself before God.  But then our older brother - faithful and obedient, offered his life to fulfill the plan of our Eternal Heavenly Father. And one answered like unto the Son of Man said Here am I, send me.  (Abraham 3:27). He would pay the price - open the gate - make a way possible for our return. Fulfilling his fathers will - the only plan that would truly work.

16 For behold, I, God, have suffered these things for all, that they might not suffer if they would repent;

17 But if they would not repent they must suffer even as I;

18 Which suffering caused myself, even God, the greatest of all, to tremble because of pain, and to bleed at every pore, and to suffer both body and spirit--and would that I might not drink the bitter cup, and shrink--

19 Nevertheless, glory be to the Father, and I partook and finished my preparations unto the children of men.
(D&C 19:16-19)

Brothers and sisters - our responsibility is to live by his conditions - repent of our sins and accept His Atoning sacrifice that has been offered.

Elder Bruce R McConkie stated -

"His atonement is the most transcendent event that ever has or ever will occur from Creation’s dawn through all the ages of a never-ending eternity.

It is the supreme act of goodness and grace that only a god could perform. Through it, all of the terms and conditions of the Father’s eternal plan of salvation became operative.

Through it are brought to pass the immortality and eternal life of man. Through it, all men are saved from death, hell, the devil, and endless torment.

And through it, all who believe and obey the glorious gospel of God, all who are true and faithful and overcome the world, all who suffer for Christ and his word, all who are chastened and scourged in the Cause of him whose we are—all shall become as their Maker and sit with him on his throne and reign with him forever in everlasting glory."(End quote)

Moments ago we partook of the Sacrament - renewing the covenant that we make in the waters of baptism. Taking upon us the name of Christ - promising to always remember him - keep his commandment - bare one another burdens that they may be light. Indeed we are promising to live the true principles of Christmas everyday of our lives. We all promised to accept his conditions to receive the promised blessing or reward.

It was the implementation of this plan that made the birth of the Savior such a wonderful event and why we still celebrate it today. Every prophet that ever lived had foretold of his birth and the signs that would accompany it. It was such a wondrous event that angels of God announced it to the shepherds watching their sheep - heavenly choirs sang his praises from the heavens above. A new star appeared in the heavens.

Perhaps Isaiah stated it best when penned the poetic verse.

6 "For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace." (Isaiah 9:6)

Amidst the turmoil of bondage and sin - a Eternal King and Savior came into the world, bringing with him the mission and capacity to free all mankind from eternal pain and damnation. Indeed he is the Prince of Peace - his gospel is the only way we can obtain true peace and happiness.  He answered the ends of the law - he paid the price, and as I read a moment ago he suffered incomprehensible pain that caused himself to bleed from every pore.

Isaiah stated it well:

4 ¶Surely he hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows: yet we did esteem him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted.

5 But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed.

6 All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the Lord hath laid on him the iniquity of us all.

Brothers and sisters it's a pleasure to be here today. My enthusiasm is accelerated by the fact that it is the Christmas season. I love Christmas - I love the songs that we sing in church every December - the spirit of giving and reaching out to express our love and appreciation for our family and friends whom we love. Those that have the Spirit of Christ or Christmas don't stop with just those with whom they love - but reach out to all those in need no matter their situation.

But as with everything that is wonderful and good, Satan tries to manipulate the events around Christmas and influence us to be selfish, greedy and forget the reason we should be celebrating in the first place. The majority of references of Christmas in the media and entertainment - are not Christ centered. Advertisements and many programs concentrate on the need for expensive trinkets and self-filling gratification. How he does this and his purposes aren't the topic of my remarks today - and are obvious to all of us.  Instead I would like to talk about the wondrous plan, life and sacrifice of our Savior and Redeemer - even Jesus the Christ.

In our heavenly home we rejoiced as our Father laid out His eternal plan of salvation. All of his children would have the opportunity to come to earth and receive a physical body and to prove themselves worthy to become as He is and receive Eternal Life and Exaltation. During this time we would be tried and tested - we would be free to choose what path we would follow. Each of us were given the light of Christ as our guide - and the promise of receiving additional light, knowledge and wisdom as we live righteously and seek the promptings of the Holy Ghost.

Many of us as members of the church mistakenly take this promise for granted. The Savior to the Prophet Joseph Smith stated: For there are many yet on the earth among all sects, parties, and denominations, who are blinded by the subtle craftiness of men, whereby they lie in wait to deceive, and who are only kept from the truth because they know not where to find it-- Others that may have found it, are like those in Lehi's dream, And after they had tasted of the fruit they were ashamed, because of those that were scoffing at them; and they fell away into forbidden paths and were lost. Still others are like the foolish virgins that know the bridegroom is coming, but through laziness or complacency just didn't take the time to fill their lamps with the needed oil or righteousness.

No matter which group we fall into - we need the knowledge and wisdom of God to forge our ways through difficulties, sorrow and pain to return back to our heavenly home. We were told that all of us would make mistakes and fall short on occasion. But there would be a way set up for us to get back on track and accomplish the task we were about to undertake. But because of the demands of justice - the price for our sins and mistakes needed to be paid. A Savior - redeemer - someone needed to pay the debt. Two of Gods spirits stepped forward -

One was willing to take that role, but only if he received the glory and honor - his plan would take away the agency of man and force us to remain faithful, but he assured us that no one would be lost in the process. He then would receive the honor and glory to himself, he thought to put himself before God.  But then our older brother - faithful and obedient, offered his life to fulfill the plan of our Eternal Heavenly Father. And one answered like unto the Son of Man said Here am I, send me.  (Abraham 3:27). He would pay the price - open the gate - make a way possible for our return. Fulfilling his fathers will - the only plan that would truly work.

16 For behold, I, God, have suffered these things for all, that they might not suffer if they would repent;

17 But if they would not repent they must suffer even as I;

18 Which suffering caused myself, even God, the greatest of all, to tremble because of pain, and to bleed at every pore, and to suffer both body and spirit--and would that I might not drink the bitter cup, and shrink--

19 Nevertheless, glory be to the Father, and I partook and finished my preparations unto the children of men.
(D&C 19:16-19)

Brothers and sisters - our responsibility is to live by his conditions - repent of our sins and accept His Atoning sacrifice that has been offered.

Elder Bruce R McConkie stated -

"His atonement is the most transcendent event that ever has or ever will occur from Creation’s dawn through all the ages of a never-ending eternity.

It is the supreme act of goodness and grace that only a god could perform. Through it, all of the terms and conditions of the Father’s eternal plan of salvation became operative.

Through it are brought to pass the immortality and eternal life of man. Through it, all men are saved from death, hell, the devil, and endless torment.

And through it, all who believe and obey the glorious gospel of God, all who are true and faithful and overcome the world, all who suffer for Christ and his word, all who are chastened and scourged in the Cause of him whose we are—all shall become as their Maker and sit with him on his throne and reign with him forever in everlasting glory."(End quote)

Moments ago we partook of the Sacrament - renewing the covenant that we make in the waters of baptism. Taking upon us the name of Christ - promising to always remember him - keep his commandment - bare one another burdens that they may be light. Indeed we are promising to live the true principles of Christmas everyday of our lives. We all promised to accept his conditions to receive the promised blessing or reward.

It was the implementation of this plan that made the birth of the Savior such a wonderful event and why we still celebrate it today. Every prophet that ever lived had foretold of his birth and the signs that would accompany it. It was such a wondrous event that angels of God announced it to the shepherds watching their sheep - heavenly choirs sang his praises from the heavens above. A new star appeared in the heavens.

Perhaps Isaiah stated it best when penned the poetic verse.

6 "For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace." (Isaiah 9:6)

Amidst the turmoil of bondage and sin - a Eternal King and Savior came into the world, bringing with him the mission and capacity to free all mankind from eternal pain and damnation. Indeed he is the Prince of Peace - his gospel is the only way we can obtain true peace and happiness.  He answered the ends of the law - he paid the price, and as I read a moment ago he suffered incomprehensible pain that caused himself to bleed from every pore.

Isaiah stated it well:

4 ¶Surely he hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows: yet we did esteem him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted.

5 But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed.

6 All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the Lord hath laid on him the iniquity of us all.

7 He was oppressed, and he was afflicted, yet he opened not his mouth: he is brought as a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is dumb, so he openeth not his mouth. (Isaiah 53:4-7)

How could such an event be physically possible - indeed he was a perfect being - a literal son of God in the flesh. We know that a angel from on high was sent to comfort and strengthen him. But it is still incomprehensible - another thing that helped him -  Isaiah mentioned a couple of verses later: "when thou shalt make his soul an offering for sin, he shall see his seed," (Isaiah 53:10)

During his great atoning sacrifice he was able to see all of those whom would accept this great gift. He saw your face and mine. As he suffered every pain, infirmity and sorrow known to man he saw his seed. How else would he understand what it is that we are going through - as we languish in sin, pain and difficulty. Isn't it great to know that there is someone that has gone through it before us and understands our pain. He knows the answer to what can be done to receive the peace and happiness we need.
He has already paid the price for the redemption and relief we so desperately seek.

No wonder the heavens sang for joy when the time had come for his mission to begin. His selfless love and obedience had always been evident from his defense of the plan in the first place. All of us were given the option to follow him at that time and we have renewed that covenant to do so again when the sacrament was pasted.

At Christmas we celebrate the birth of the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ - we give and receive gifts, just like the wiseman brought to the baby and his family. Over time true believers and the world has created symbols and traditions that most of us enjoy with our families and friends.  
But the greatest symbols of Christianity are in the lives of those that follow his teachings and know him personally as they have sought his spirit and redeeming love. Have thankfully made the atonement a part of their lives.

He has told us that if you love me keep my commandment - or if you have done it unto the least of these my brethren you have done it unto me.

On one occasion an inquiring lawyer came to the Savior and asked, “Master, which is the great commandment in the law?” The Savior responded, “Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself.”

How do we demonstrate to our Heavenly Father that we love Him? Many years ago there was a popular song that said: “It’s easy to say I love you, easy to say I’ll be true; easy to say these foolish things, but prove it by the things you do.” We have a responsibility to prove to our Heavenly Father, by the things we do, that we love Him.

In short, we need to extend ourselves in service to our Heavenly Father if we are to demonstrate our love for Him.

Brothers and sister, our Prophet has asked us to hasten the work of salvation. This includes a number of areas, many of which are difficult or scary for some of us.


Of all the blessings I have had in my life, one of the sweetest is that feeling the Lord provides when I know that He has answered the prayer of another person through me. As we love the Lord, as we love our neighbor, we discover that our Heavenly Father will answer the prayers of others through our ministry.7 He was oppressed, and he was afflicted, yet he opened not his mouth: he is brought as a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is dumb, so he openeth not his mouth. (Isaiah 53:4-7)

How could such an event be physically possible - indeed he was a perfect being - a literal son of God in the flesh. We know that a angel from on high was sent to comfort and strengthen him. But it is still incomprehensible - another thing that helped him -  Isaiah mentioned a couple of verses later: "when thou shalt make his soul an offering for sin, he shall see his seed," (Isaiah 53:10)

During his great atoning sacrifice he was able to see all of those whom would accept this great gift. He saw your face and mine. As he suffered every pain, infirmity and sorrow known to man he saw his seed. How else would he understand what it is that we are going through - as we languish in sin, pain and difficulty. Isn't it great to know that there is someone that has gone through it before us and understands our pain. He knows the answer to what can be done to receive the peace and happiness we need.
He has already paid the price for the redemption and relief we so desperately seek.

No wonder the heavens sang for joy when the time had come for his mission to begin. His selfless love and obedience had always been evident from his defense of the plan in the first place. All of us were given the option to follow him at that time and we have renewed that covenant to do so again when the sacrament was pasted.

At Christmas we celebrate the birth of the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ - we give and receive gifts, just like the wiseman brought to the baby and his family. Over time true believers and the world has created symbols and traditions that most of us enjoy with our families and friends.  
But the greatest symbols of Christianity are in the lives of those that follow his teachings and know him personally as they have sought his spirit and redeeming love. Have thankfully made the atonement a part of their lives.

He has told us that if you love me keep my commandment - or if you have done it unto the least of these my brethren you have done it unto me.

On one occasion an inquiring lawyer came to the Savior and asked, “Master, which is the great commandment in the law?” The Savior responded, “Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself.”

How do we demonstrate to our Heavenly Father that we love Him? Many years ago there was a popular song that said: “It’s easy to say I love you, easy to say I’ll be true; easy to say these foolish things, but prove it by the things you do.” We have a responsibility to prove to our Heavenly Father, by the things we do, that we love Him.

In short, we need to extend ourselves in service to our Heavenly Father if we are to demonstrate our love for Him.

Brothers and sister, our Prophet has asked us to hasten the work of salvation. This includes a number of areas, many of which are difficult or scary for some of us.


Of all the blessings I have had in my life, one of the sweetest is that feeling the Lord provides when I know that He has answered the prayer of another person through me. As we love the Lord, as we love our neighbor, we discover that our Heavenly Father will answer the prayers of others through our ministry.