Christmas Message-Cuesta Park Ward-Christmas Day 2022
One of my earliest memories as little boy is of a Christmas morning in central Utah. That Christmas morning I decided to walk the quarter mile down the highway to my cousin's house to see what they got for Christmas. The snow was uncommonly deep, and I can still hear the crunch of the boot high snow underfoot. My mind then goes to a memory of his childhood that my dad shared from the 1920's when about my same age. A trip he would have made down the same road in a sleigh on what was then a wagon path in the dirt, a few miles further to my great grandfather Joseph Falcouner Parker's home to celebrate Christmas Eve. There the large extended family gathered around the piano, the only one in town I think he said, to sing carols and share a pioneer meal. At the end of the night, bricks were put in the fireplace and then placed in the bottom of the sleigh. When covered with a blanket these made for a warm ride home for the children through the cold winter night.
That's where the personal trail of memories end, but if we rewind another 2000 years or so we land on that most hopeful of Christmas Eve's, the night of the Savior's birth. Recall the angel Gabriel had visited the young Mary to share the news that she would be Mother of the only Begotten of the Father, the promised Messiah. According to Luke's account "And, behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call his name JESUS...and (he) shall be called the son of the Highest: and the Lord God shall give unto him the throne of his father David: And he shall reign over the house of Jacob for ever; and of his kingdom there shall be no end". (Luke 1:31-33).
Mary and Joseph were two of the finest and most faithful spirits who ever lived. Not only did they bear up under the social stigma of their situation, but they were an active part of the Savior's mission ensuring he would be born in Bethlehem to fulfill Micah's prophecy. In Hebrew, Bethlehem means "House of Bread" which resonates perfectly with the Savior's declaration that he is the bread of life. Later Joseph and Mary moved the family to Nazareth to ensure that the Savior would be a Nazarene as prophesied (Matt 2:23).
At the time of the Savior's birth, consistent with the law of witnesses, heavenly messengers were dispatched to testify to those who could witness to the powerful and to others who could witness to the humble and to the faithful. To the powerful came the Magi who had the standing and audacity to walk into the court of the reigning King Herod and demand, "where is he that is born King of the Jews". To those who could witness to the humble, angels came to shepherds saying, "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 Savior, which is Christ the Lord". (Luke 2:10-12). Likewise, Simeon and Anna witnessed to faithful Jews serving in the Temple. Simeon had been promised to see the Messiah before he died and as he lifted the holy child he said, "Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace, according to thy word. For mine eyes have seen thy salvation, which thou hast prepared before the face of all people; A light to lighten the Gentiles and the glory of thy people Israel (Luke 2:29-32).
Given the many Old Testament prophecies that the coming Messiah would take the boot of their political oppressors off their necks and gather Israel back to the promised land it's no surprise that Jesus many followers believed he was just this Messiah. This was made clear during his triumphal entry into Jerusalem. Matthew records, "a very great multitude spread their garments in the way; others cut down branches from the trees, and strawed them in the way" (Matt 21:8). It turned out they were waiting for the right thing, but at the wrong time. First things first. What the Savior won during his earthly ministry was not Israel's battle against their political oppressors, that must wait till the end of time. Rather, in his mortal ministry he came to overcome the even bigger enemies of death and sin enabling us to repent and providing a path to eternal life.
As we study the New Testament this year, we will be reminded that its primary goal is to provide a catalogue of witnesses to his working out of the atonement and his subsequent death and resurrection, the most important moments in this world's history. Without these, there is no meaning to our lives or in anything else for that matter. Perhaps this is why a heavenly choir erupted as if out of nowhere as angels announced the Savior's birth to the shepherds. Luke records "suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men". (Luke 2:13-14). I like to think that Luke included this sudden eruption of divine song at the angel's thought of the greatness of God's plan and the Savior's love and sacrifice. They sang of the peace, joy and good will that comes with living the Gospel.
President Nelson translates the meaning of Christmas much better than I and I encourage you to all give it a listen on lds.org. I close with a few of his words:
As we follow Jesus Christ, we can make this a better world. So, this Christmas season, will you let your light shine? Amid all the hustle and bustle of gifts and gatherings, will you let your life reflect the light and love of Jesus Christ? With the dawning of each day, could you identify someone who needs your light? Reach out to that person by phone, video chat, or send a text or a note. Perform a quiet act of service to help someone nearby. Bring a new friend into your circle. Help someone turn to the Savior and find enduring peace and divine rest.
There is no better way to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ than by lifting, loving and serving others. The world needs the light of Jesus Christ. And the world needs your light. God be thanked for loving us enough to send His only begotten son. Jesus Christ changed the world for each of us with His atoning sacrifice. He is the light of the world. He is the light we need to hold up. He is the light that fills us with good will toward all people.
I love the Lord Jesus Christ and testify that He lives. As we celebrate His birth in Bethlehem, let us emulate His life of loving kindness. May you and your loved ones be filled with His light and joy, now and always. I express my gratitude for you and offer my best wishes for you to have a very merry Christmas.
Nice talk yesterday
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