President Gordon B. Hinckley on enhancing the Christmas season

President Gordon B. Hinckley (1910-2008) was called to the Quorum of Twelve in 1961. He served as a counselor in the First Presidency from 1981-1995, then as Church President until his death in 2008.

"He whose birth we commemorate this season is more than the symbol of a holiday. He is the Son of God, the Creator of the earth, the Jehovah of the Old Testament, the fulfillment of the Law of Moses, the Redeemer of mankind, the King of Kings, the Prince of Peace.

"I thank our Eternal Father that mankind in these latter-days has been so blessed to know of Christ with added certainty and added knowledge. I rejoice with thanksgiving that he has reaffirmed his matchless gospel truths in their fulness, and that he has restored his priesthood power and church to prepare a people and make ready for his eventual coming in great glory and power in the opening of the Millennial era.

"I rejoice at Christmas time that as a people, we Latter-day Saints know of his existence and reality, and receive certain direction from him....

"This is our testimony to all mankind. It is our gift and blessing to the world. He is our joy and our salvation, and we will find Christmas of greater meaning in our own lives as we share these truths with others.

"What shall we do with Jesus who is called Christ? Learn of him. Search the scriptures for they are they which testify of him. Ponder the miracle of his life and mission. Try a little more diligently to follow his example and observe his teachings. Bring the Christ back into Christmas."

- Gordon B. Hinckley, "What Shall I Do Then with Jesus Which Is Called Christ?," Ensign, Dec. 1983, 5
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President Hinckley introduces the holiday season for us by reminding us that Christmas is not just a typical commemoration; it's the special opportunity to remember the Son of God and all He represents in our lives. And the restored knowledge of the latter days enhances our ability to understand and to worship, if we allow it to; our understanding of the Savior is deepened by the insights of modern revelation.

This is a wonderful summary of our quest to know, to love, and to follow the Savior, at this season and always. As we learn more of Him and strive more diligently to follow His teachings, we will be blessed. And as President Hinckley notes, "we will find Christmas of greater meaning in our own lives as we share these truths with others."

(Compilation and commentary by David Kenison, Orem, Utah, 2017)