Truth of Christmas

I love this special time of year. I love this season because I am able to walk around munchin' on candy canes and NOT look like a weirdo, hot chocolate is in high demand, Christmas tunes are being sung, Christmas lights are up, good times are being had! But there is something much more. The Grinch went through a big change when he saw that Christmas came even after he tried to steal it. He said, "It came without ribbons! It came without tags! It came without packages, boxes, or bags! Maybe Christmas doesn't come from a store. Maybe Christmas...means a little bit more". Wise words Mr. Grinch!

The Grinch!

BUT what is it that makes this season so special? People tend to get caught up in the commercialism and hype of the season and they soon lose sight of the "reason for the season". Sure, we give and receive gifts around Christmastime. We also listen to inspiring music, watch good family-oriented movies, and have good food! But the special spirit that is felt is not a product of these things! The Grinch is right when he said that it must mean a little bit more.

It is the Spirit of Christ. Jesus Christ was born into the world so that He could live perfectly while setting up His Church, suffer our individual pains, sins, and infirmities to save us from spiritual death, and then die and be resurrected to save us from physical death. This is called the Atonement and it is the ultimate sign of His love.

At Christmastime we recognize His birth to commemorate all that He did for us. Without the Atonement His birth would have been just another baby coming into the world. But he fulfilled prophecies in the way that He lived and He made it possible for us to return to Him. This year, let us celebrate the birth and life of our only true King, Jesus Christ.

Birth of Christ by Carl Heinrich Bloch

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, the church that I represent as a full-time missionary, has produced and released Bible Videos that depict scenes directly from the bible. These videos are simply beautiful and they are completely true to the truth of the bible. Below I have posted a few of these videos because they teach about the birth of Christ in a way that that has touched me. As a full-time missionary I am away from my family and am unable to participate in some of the traditions that I would normally take part in if I was at home (like watching The Grinch!). At times, it is hard to even realize that it's almost Christmas. I am so grateful for these videos because they have helped me to recognize and capture the true spirit of Christmas. I know that they will do the same for you.

 

Don't you feel the Spirit of Christmas? These videos bring the scriptures to life. Let us let them live in us. Share the Spirit of Christmas with your friends, neighbors, families, and strangers. You will be happier and you will be helping someone else too. That is the spirit of Christmas. I know that my Savior lives and I know that He loves you and me. Merry Christmas!

Christmas in July

Painting of Christ's birth by Carl Heinrich Bloch

Hold up. Why am I posting something about Christmas in the middle of Summer? Because Christmas is one of the most important times of year and we need a reminder of its greatness! It is the time of year that we celebrate and recognize the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ. We always need to remember our big brother Jesus Christ and all that He has done for us. His miraculous birth was only the beginning of His miraculous life. The following video from http://www.lds.org/ is amazing. It helps me to remember the incredible Christmas story.

Christ's perfect life is what makes everything come together. The suffering He endured on our behalf in Gethsemane, the shedding of His blood on the cross, and His glorious resurrection comprises the Atonement. This is the reason that we are able to repent, have Forgiveness, and live again. It is through Him that we are able to move on from past mistakes and have burdens lifted. It is through Him that we can have peace in the present. It is through Him that we can have hope for a brighter future. Isaiah, an Old Testament prophet, said this, "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). Jesus Christ has a divine calling and He fulfilled it so that we may have everlasting joy. What a glorious thing to celebrate!

It is easy to get caught up in the gifts and the chaos that often comes with Christmas. But all of that hoopla  is not what Christmas is all about! I am reminded of my favorite Christmas movies. How the Grinch Stole Christmas by Ron Howard. I love this movie. It simply makes me happy! With it being a full-feature film (an adaptation of the original cartoon) a lot of things are added to the movie to fill some space. I love it all! But the moral principles of the original are conveyed just the same - making the movie both funny and touching. Jim Carrey plays the role of the Grinch and he does a great job. The Grinch hates Christmas. He finds that a good portion of the whole town of Whoville is stuck in the "gifts rut". The Grinch finally "succeeds" in stealing Christmas. He takes all of the presents of all of the Whos in Whoville. However, when the town begins singing in spite of their lack of gifts (and through the help of young Cindy Lou Who). It is all about love! It's all about heart! BUT when he climbs to the top of Mt. Crumpit he finds that Christmas "came just the same" and he realizes something very important. Here's a scene from the Ron Howard classic:

The Grinch was able to see that Christmas is all about love. When he did that his heart grew three sizes! When we take it a step further than the Grinch and realize that the true meaning of Christmas is the love of Christ and the miracle of His Atonement...our hearts will grow infinitely. We will have the capacity to endure all trials, conquer all fears, and dismiss all darkness. When we allow Christ into our hearts and partake of that "living water" we will have an unending supply of love. "But whosoever drinketh of this water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life" (John 4:14).

Christ is the ultimate supply of love, compassion, and mercy. Let us celebrate Him not only once a year...but every minute of every day! So please...let us have Christmas in July!