Elder Ronald A. Rasband on the Savior's example of doing good

Elder Ronald A. Rasband (born February 6, 1951) served as a Seventy beginning in 2000.  He was the senior president of the Seventy when he was called to the Quorum of Twelve Apostles in October 2015.

"Religious freedom honors the first and second great commandments, placing God at the center of our lives. We read in Matthew:

"'Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind.'

"'And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.' (Matt 22:37, 39)

"Whether in a chapel, synagogue, mosque, or tin-roofed hut, Christ’s disciples and all like-minded believers can express devotion to God by worship of Him and willingness to serve His children.

"Jesus Christ is the perfect example of such love and service. During His ministry, He cared for the poor, healed the sick and the blind. He fed the hungry, opened His arms to little children, and forgave those who wronged Him, even crucified Him.

"The scriptures describe that Jesus 'went about doing good' (Acts 10:38). So must we."

- Ronald A. Rasband, "To Heal the World," General Conference April 2022, Sunday morning

Click here to read or listen to the full discourse

This excerpt from Elder Rasband's address on religious liberty focused on the blessing that comes as those who are free in a society are able to "go about doing good." When religious liberty prevails, the disciples of Christ (and "all other like-minded believers") devote their lives to service.

Certainly one of the reasons we strive to protect our religious liberty is so that we can continue to fully express our desire to "go about doing good" as the Savior did.

(Compilation and commentary by David Kenison, Orem, Utah, 2022)

President Russell M. Nelson on the sublime message of Easter

President Russell M. Nelson (born Sept 9, 1924) was an internationally-renowned heart surgeon when he was called to serve as a member of the Quorum of Twelve Apostles in 1984. He became president of that quorum on July 15, 2015. Following the death of President Monson, he was set apart as president of the Church on January 14, 2018.

"We are part of His divine purpose: 'My work and my glory,' He said, is 'to bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of man' (Moses 1:39).  In order to achieve those objectives, 'God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life' (John 3:16). That act was a supernal manifestation of God’s love. 'For [He] sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved' (John 3:17).

"Central to God’s eternal plan is the mission of His Son, Jesus Christ. He came to redeem God’s children. Because of the Lord’s Atonement, resurrection (or immortality) became a reality. Because of the Atonement, eternal life became a possibility for all who would qualify. Jesus so explained:

"'I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live:

"'And whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die.' (John 11:25–26.)

"For the Atonement of the Lord and His gift of resurrection—for this sublime message of Easter—thanks be to God! ...

"God is the same yesterday, today, and forever, but we are not. Each day, ours is the challenge to access the power of the Atonement so that we can truly change, become more Christlike, and qualify for the gift of exaltation and live eternally with God, Jesus Christ, and our families. For these powers, privileges, and gospel gifts, thanks be to God!"

- Russell M. Nelson, "Thanks Be to God," General Conference April 2012
Click here to read or listen to the full talk

I love President Nelson's spirit of joyful gratitude. In acknowledging the "sublime message of Easter" and the supreme gifts given to us through the Atonement of the Savior, he reminds us first of the "supernal manifestation of God's love" on our behalf as He gave His Son to offer salvation, and the dual gifts of immortality and eternal life.

But the ongoing challenge and opportunity for us is expressed in these powerful words:

As we "access the power of the Atonement" of Jesus Christ in our daily lives, we find the ability to change and grow, to "become more Christlike" and thus to receive the fullness of what He offers to us. As President Nelson says with rejoicing, "Thanks be to God" for these manifestations of His love for us, and for the joy and peace that comes to us as we fully accept His gifts!

(Compilation and commentary by David Kenison, Orem, Utah, 2022)
April 1, 2018

President Ezra Taft Benson on learning to follow Jesus Christ

President Ezra Taft Benson (1899-1994) was called to the Quorum of Twelve Apostles in 1943, and served as the 13th President of the Church from 1985 until his death in 1994 at age 94.

"I testify to you that there is no greater and no more thrilling challenge than to try to learn of Christ and walk in His steps. Our model, Jesus Christ, walked this earth as 'the Exemplar.' He is our Advocate with the Father. He worked out the great atoning sacrifice so we could have a fulness of joy and be exalted in accordance with His grace and our repentance and righteousness. He did all things perfectly and commands that we be perfect even as He and His Father are perfect. (See 3 Ne. 12:48.)

"'What would Jesus do?' or 'What would He have me do?' are paramount personal questions of this life. Walking in His way is the greatest achievement of life. That man or woman is most truly successful whose life most closely parallels that of the Master.

"I know the Lord lives. I know that He loves us. I know that apart from Him no one can succeed, but as a partner with Him, no one can fail.

"I know that God can make a lot more out of our lives than we can.

"That we may all have the moral courage from this moment forward to more fully strive each day to think on Christ, learn of Him, walk in His steps, and do what He would have us do is my prayer."

- Ezra Taft Benson, "Think on Christ," Ensign, March 1989, p. 2
Click here to read the full talk

Interesting challenge: "There is no greater and no more thrilling challenge than to try to learn of Christ and walk in His steps." It is both a great challenge, and a thrilling challenge, to learn of Him! President Benson shares some of what he has learned of Christ, His role in mortality, and the blessings He offers to all of us.

On other occasions, President Benson spoke in more detail of these preeminent questions; they will bless our lives as we learn to ask them more regularly and sincerely:

"What would Jesus do?"

"What would He have me do?"

President Benson's testimony of the benefits and blessings of these efforts is the real core of this message. I think he knew of these promises from his own experience; I am grateful to have seen many of them realized in mine.

(Compilation and commentary by David Kenison, Orem, Utah, 2022)
June 10, 2016

President Howard W. Hunter on following Christ in simplicity

President Howard W. Hunter (1907-1995) was called to the Quorum of Twelve in 1959.  He served as Church President for only nine months, from June 5, 1994 to his death on March 3, 1995.

"In this world of confusion and rushing, temporal progress, we need to return to the simplicity of Christ. We need to love, honor, and worship him. To acquire spirituality and have its influence in our lives, we cannot become confused and misdirected by the twisted teachings of the modernist. We need to study the simple fundamentals of the truths taught by the Master and eliminate the controversial. Our faith in God needs to be real and not speculative. The restored gospel of Jesus Christ can be a dynamic, moving influence, and true acceptance gives us a meaningful, religious experience. One of the great strengths of the Mormon religion is this translation of belief into daily thinking and conduct. This replaces turmoil and confusion with peace and tranquility."

- Howard W. Hunter, "Where, Then, is Hope?", Conference Report, October 1970, pp. 129-132; see also Improvement Era Dec. 1970, p. 117
Click here to read the full talk

Some of President Hunter's most moving and inspiring messages were simple reminders of the power and blessing of the Gospel of Jesus Christ and of discipleship in following Him. This is a wonderful example. While we sometimes are tempted to complicate our lives and our faith, President Hunter invites us "to return to the simplicity of Christ."

The message of the Gospel "can be a dynamic, moving influence"—can be, but only if we are committed in every way to allow it to be, as we fulfill the conditions to make it so. The great key to the process lies in the "translation of belief into daily thinking and conduct." The teachings of the Church are empty and meaningless if they do not result in changes in behavior. True disciples not only believe differently, they behave differently!

(Compilation and commentary by David Kenison, Orem, Utah, 2022)
March 6, 2016

Elder M. Russell Ballard on evaluating our commitment to the Savior

President M. Russell Ballard (born October 8, 1928) was called as a Seventy in 1976, and has served as a member of the Quorum of Twelve Apostles since 1985. He became acting president of the Twelve in January 2018.

"As I read and ponder the scriptures and carefully consider the Lord's counsel to His followers in every dispensation of time, it appears to me that the most important thing every one of us can do is to examine our own commitment and devotion to the Lord Jesus Christ. We must carefully guard against spiritual apathy and work to maintain the full measure of our loving loyalty to the Lord....

"Each one of us needs to follow Nephi's counsel to 'press forward with a steadfastness in Christ, having a perfect brightness of hope, and a love of God and of all men. [For] if ye shall press forward, feasting upon the word of Christ, and endure to the end, behold, thus saith the Father: Ye shall have eternal life' (2 Ne. 31:20). The power of the Holy Ghost will fill our hearts and minds as we look to the Savior for answers to the many challenges of life.

"Therefore, my brothers and sisters, it is important that we each know for ourselves that Jesus is the Christ and that He has restored to the earth through the Prophet Joseph Smith the fulness of His everlasting gospel. As we press forward in His service, spiritual experiences will increase our faith, and we will find great joy. Our understanding of the essential doctrines and eternal truths that have been restored will become a firm foundation of our faith."

- M. Russell Ballard, "How Is It With Us?", Ensign, May 2000, pp. 31-33
Click here to read the full talk

What is "the most important thing every one of us can do"? That question certainly could be answered a number of ways in different contexts. Elder Ballard pondered the scriptures and the Lord's counsel and concluded that the answer relates to our devotion to the Savior and His teachings, "our loving loyalty to the Lord," as described here:

Elder Ballard promises that when we face challenges in life, "as we look to the Savior for answers" then "the power of the Holy Ghost will fill our hearts and minds." That promise is very real, and that gift should be earnestly sought by all. We must seek diligently and "press forward" faithfully in spite of any difficulty or apparent obstacle. In the seeking for knowledge and understanding, we not only find "great joy" in this life, but we establish a foundation for faith on which we can build solidly.

(Compilation and commentary by David Kenison, Orem, Utah, 2022)
February 27, 2016

President Ezra Taft Benson on the eternal blessings of turning our lives over to God

President Ezra Taft Benson (1899-1994) was called to the Quorum of Twelve Apostles in 1943, and served as the 13th President of the Church from 1985 until his death in 1994 at age 94.

"Christ's great gift to us was his life and sacrifice—should that not then be our small gift to him—our lives and sacrifices, not only now, but in the future? ...

"Yes, men and women who turn their lives over to God will find out that he can make a lot more out of their lives than they can. He will deepen their joys, expand their vision, quicken their minds, strengthen their muscles, lift their spirits, multiply their blessings, increase their opportunities, comfort their souls, raise up friends, and pour out peace. Whoever will lose his life to God will find he has eternal life....

"God loves us, he's watching us, he wants us to succeed, and we'll know someday that he has not left one thing undone for the eternal welfare of each of us. If we only knew that there are heavenly hosts pulling for us—friends in heaven, whom we can't remember now, who yearn for our victory. This is our day to show what we can do—what life and sacrifice we can daily, hourly, instantly bring to God. If we give our all, we will get his all from the greatest of all."

- Ezra Taft Benson, "Jesus Christ—Gifts and Expectations," BYU devotional, 10 December 1974; see also Ensign, December 1988, pp. 2-6
Click here to read the full talk at the BYU siteClick here to read the full talk from the Ensign

I think this was one of President Benson's most remarkable and insightful addresses, given originally at a BYU devotional. As Christmas approached in 1974, he spoke tenderly of his love for the Savior and of the gifts He gave us (and continues to give us), as well as gifts we might give in return and the blessings that would follow. One of the most significant gifts we can give is to "turn [our] lives over to God," and then discover what He can give in return:

That's quite an impressive list of blessings and benefits to come to us!

I love the witness of this final testimony; we will some day realize "He has not left one thing undone for the eternal welfare of each of us." He truly will do everything He can to help us succeed eternally, if we will allow Him into our lives.

(Compilation and commentary by David Kenison, Orem, Utah, 2022)
July 9, 2016

President Spencer W. Kimball on the happy, abundant life

President Spencer W. Kimball (1895-1985) was ordained an apostle in 1943 and served as President of the Church from 1973 to 1985.

"The happy and abundant life begins from within and then moves outward to other individuals and to our communities. If there is richness and righteousness in us, then we can make a difference in the lives of others and in our towns, just as key individuals have influenced the lives of each of us for good and made us richer than we otherwise would have been.

"What is our greatest potential? Is it not to be Christlike ourselves? And what are the qualities we must develop to achieve such greatness? We might consider intelligence, light, knowledge, and leadership. But perhaps the most essential godlike quality is that of compassion and love—compassion shown forth in service to others, unselfishness, that ultimate expression of concern for others we call love. Wherever our Father's children magnify their opportunities for loving service, they are learning to become more like Him."

- Spencer W. Kimball, "President Kimball Speaks Out on Service to Others," New Era, March 1981, pp. 58-59
Click here to read the full talk here

"If there is richness and righteousness in us, then we can make a difference in the lives of others and in our towns." As we examine our lives, do we see ourselves finding ways to "make a difference"? We should, according to President Kimball. One of the greatest messages of the Gospel is that the source of happiness and abundance in our lives is in the giving to others.

There is always wisdom and insight as we examine the life of the Savior and try to pattern our own actions and deeds after Him.

(Compilation and commentary by David Kenison, Orem, Utah, 2022)
November 27, 2015

President Ezra Taft Benson on thinking Christlike thoughts

President Ezra Taft Benson (1899-1994) was called to the Quorum of Twelve Apostles in 1943, and served as the 13th President of the Church from 1985 until his death in 1994 at age 94.

"If our thoughts make us what we are, and we are to be like Christ, then we must think Christlike thoughts.

"Paul, en route to Damascus to persecute the Saints, saw a light from heaven and heard the voice of the Lord. Then Paul asked a simple question—and the persistent asking of the same question changed his life. 'Lord, what wilt thou have me to do?' (Acts 9:6.) The persistent asking of that same question can also change your life. There is no greater question that you can ask in this world. 'Lord, what wilt thou have me to do?' I challenge you to make that the uppermost question of your life.

"We are accountable for our thoughts and what we think about. Our thoughts should be on the Lord. We should think on Christ."

- Ezra Taft Benson, "Think on Christ," Ensign, March 1989, p. 2
Click here to read the full talk

This is a simple axiom: "If our thoughts make us what we are, and we are to be like Christ, then we must think Christlike thoughts." We might effectively reverse the conditional and say, "If we think Christlike thoughts, we will become like Christ because our thoughts make us what we are."

That is certainly the beginning of the process. The next insight comes as we ponder Paul's profound and faith-filled question as experienced his soul-changing conversion: "Lord, what wilt thou have me to do?"

President Benson challenges us to make Paul's question "the uppermost question of [our] life." We should, in a spirit of constant humility and discipleship, be asking Him what He would have us do in life. The results of that kind of life will be astonishing. That certainly accelerates the process, helping us think most Christlike thoughts, and therefore progress much more rapidly on the path towards becoming Christlike ourselves.

(Compilation and commentary by David Kenison, Orem, Utah, 2022)
March 13, 2016

President Henry B. Eyring on God's sure promises

President Henry B. Eyring (born May 31, 1933) served in the Presiding Bishopric from 1985-1992, as a Seventy from 1992-1995, then was called to the Quorum of Twelve Apostles. He has served in the First Presidency since 2007.

"Now for the sure promises. First, if you will let your heart be drawn to the Savior and always remember Him, and if you will draw near to our Heavenly Father in prayer, you will have put on spiritual armor. You will be protected against pride because you will know that any success comes not from your human powers. And you will be protected against the thoughts which come rushing in upon us that we are too weak, too inexperienced, too unworthy to do what we are called of God to do to serve and help save His children. We can have come into our hearts the reassurance recorded in Moroni: 'And Christ truly said unto our fathers: If ye have faith ye can do all things which are expedient unto me' (Moro. 10:23).

"There is another sure promise. It is this: Whether or not you choose to keep your covenant to always remember Him, He always remembers you. I testify that Jesus Christ, born in Bethlehem, was and is the Only Begotten of the Father, the Lamb of God. He chose from before the foundations of the earth to be your Savior, my Savior, and the Savior of all we will ever know or meet. I testify that He was resurrected and that because of His Atonement we may be washed clean through our faith to obey the laws and accept the ordinances of the gospel."

- Henry B. Eyring, "Always," Church Educational System fireside at BYU on 3 January 1999; see Ensign, Oct. 1999, p. 12
Click here to read the full talk

When we think of "sure promises" in this kind of context, we often think of the covenant kinds of arrangements: if we do certain things, then God will do certain things. That is how President Eyring introduces the discussion of promises:

IF WE:
- Let our hearts be drawn to the Savior
- Always remember Him
- Draw near to God in prayer
THEN WE:
- Have spiritual armor
- Have protection against pride
- Have protection against feelings of inadequacy
- Have spiritual reassurance of the good to come

But in the second paragraph, President Eyring changes the tone.

EVEN IF WE DON'T do our part to always remember Him, we have the assurance that He will always remember us. What a remarkable, comforting, strength-infusing promise!

(Compilation and commentary by David Kenison, Orem, Utah, 2022)
July 15, 2016

Elder Dallin H. Oaks on always remembering the Savior

President Dallin H. Oaks (born August 12, 1932) served as president of BYU from 1971-1980.  He was then appointed as a justice of the Utah Supreme Court, and resigned when he was called to the Quorum of Twelve Apostles in 1984. He became President of the Quorum of Twelve Apostles and also 1st Counselor in the First Presidency in January 2018.

"When we partake of the sacrament, we witness unto God the Eternal Father that we 'do always remember' his Son (see D&C 20:77, 79; 3 Ne. 18:7, 11). Each Sabbath day millions of Latter-day Saints make this promise. What does it mean to 'always remember' our Savior?

"To remember means to keep in memory. In the scriptures, it often means to keep a person in memory, together with associated emotions like love, loyalty, or gratitude. The stronger the emotion, the more vivid and influential the memory....

"He whom we should always remember is He who gave us mortal life, He who showed us the way to a happy life, and He who redeems us so we can have immortality and eternal life.

"If we keep our covenant that we will always remember him, we can always have his Spirit to be with us (see D&C 20:77, 79). That Spirit will testify of him, and it will guide us into truth.

"His teachings and his example will guide and strengthen us in the way we should live. The effect was described in the words of the once popular song, 'Try to remember, and if you remember, then follow' ('Try to Remember,' words by Tom Jones)."

- Dallin H. Oaks, "Always Remember Him," General Conference April 1988
Click here to read the full talk

The power and importance of remembering is that it influences our decisions and actions. When we remember someone or something that is very important to us, we make future choices in that context; we evaluate the options and consequences of new situations based on what we recall and know about the important previous person or principle.

It is a sacred privilege to recommit each week in our sacramental covenants to "always remember Him." As Elder Oaks teaches, our memories of the Savior are associated with emotions including love, loyalty, and gratitude. When those emotions are strong, then remembering Him becomes "vivid and influential" in our lives. As we learn about the Savior and understand both his Gospel message and his mission on our behalf, we are constantly influenced in all other events during the encounters and circumstances of our lives.

And always, the promised blessings of "always remember" are there.

(Compilation and commentary by David Kenison, Orem, Utah, 2022)
June 28, 2015

Elder Robert D. Hales on Christmas and the Covenants of the Sacrament

Elder Robert D. Hales (August 24, 1932-October 1, 2017) served as a Seventy from 1976 to 1985, when he was called as a member of the Quorum of Twelve Apostles. He served for 32 years before passing away in 2017.

"Each week as we participate in the ordinance of the sacrament, we renew the promise of the Savior's birth in our own lives. We take His name upon us, and we renew our covenant of obedience and our promise that we will always remember Him.

"The gospel, as recorded in the Doctrine and Covenants, is this:

"'That he came into the world, even Jesus, to be crucified for the world, and to bear the sins of the world, and to sanctify the world, and to cleanse it from all unrighteousness;

"'That through him all might be saved' (D&C 76:41-42).

"May we take time this Christmas season to renew our covenants to follow the Savior and to do His will, just as He did the will of our Heavenly Father. As we do so, the words of King Benjamin's people, recorded 125 years before the Savior's birth, will be fulfilled for us today: 'O have mercy, and apply the atoning blood of Christ that we may receive forgiveness of our sins, and our hearts may be purified; for we believe in Jesus Christ, the Son of God, who created heaven and earth, and all things; who shall come down among the children of men' (Mosiah 4:2)."

- Robert D. Hales, "The Promise of Christmas," Ensign, Dec 2013, pp. 16-19
Click here to read the full article

I've never thought of the weekly partaking of the sacrament as a renewal of "the promise of the Savior's birth" in my life; that's an interesting perspective. It certainly helps make the holiday symbolism real and full of power in ongoing challenges and opportunities.

Elder Hales suggests that we find a time during the Christmas season to "renew our covenants to follow the Savior and to do His will." What more valid and meaningful gift could we give to Him, than to repent and recommit to be more faithful disciples? Perhaps now, the day after Christmas, most of the commotion and busy-ness of the holiday is relaxed, and we can turn our thoughts to this sacred purpose.

(Compilation and commentary by David Kenison, Orem, Utah, 2021)
December 20, 2015

President Thomas S. Monson on rededication during the Christmas season

President Thomas S. Monson (1927–2018) was sustained to the Quorum of Twelve Apostles in 1963. He served as a counselor in the First Presidency with Presidents Benson, Hunter, and Hinckley and then became Church president in 2008. He led the Church for almost a decade until his passing in January 2018.

"There is no better time than now, this very Christmas season, for all of us to rededicate ourselves to the principles taught by Jesus the Christ. It is the time to love the Lord, our God, with all our heart—and our neighbors as ourselves. It is well to remember that he who gives money gives much; he who gives time gives more; but he who gives of himself gives all.

"Let us make Christmas real. It isn't just tinsel and ribbon, unless we have made it so in our lives. Christmas is the spirit of giving without a thought of getting. It is happiness because we see joy in people. It is forgetting self and finding time for others. It is discarding the meaningless and stressing the true values. It is peace because we have found peace in the Savior's teachings. It is the time we realize most deeply that the more love is expended, the more there is of it for others....

"As the Christmas season envelops us with all its glory, may we, as did the Wise Men, seek a bright, particular star to guide us to our Christmas opportunity in service to our fellowman. May we all make the journey to Bethlehem in spirit, taking with us a tender, caring heart as our gift to the Savior. And may one and all have a joy-filled Christmas."

- Thomas S. Monson, "Christmas is Love," First Presidency Christmas Devotional, December 2012
Click here to read the full article

Among the many wonderful reminders of the Christmas season is this invitation to "rededicate ourselves to the principles taught by Jesus the Christ." What better activity could we engage in on this special day, than to solemnly consider where we might do better as disciples of Jesus Christ, and then commit to do it?

President Monson believes this would "make Christmas real" — much more so than the outward decorations or celebrations. It happens when we forget ourselves, when we discard the things that are "meanlingless" and replace them with "true values." So this is the grand invitation:

(Compilation and commentary by David Kenison, Orem, Utah, 2021)
December 25, 2015

President Ezra Taft Benson on the blessings of the Christmas season

President Ezra Taft Benson (1899-1994) was called to the Quorum of Twelve Apostles in 1943, and served as the 13th President of the Church from 1985 until his death in 1994 at age 94.

"Perhaps one of the greatest things about this wonderful Christmas season we celebrate is that it increases our sensitivity to things spiritual, to things of God. It causes us to contemplate our relationship with our Father and the degree of devotion we have for God.

"It prompts us to be more tolerant and giving, more conscious of others, more generous and genuine, more filled with hope and charity and love—all Christlike attributes. No wonder the spirit of Christmas is such that it touches the hearts of people the world over. Because for at least a time, increased attention and devotion is turned toward our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

"This Christmas, as we reflect upon the wonderful memories of the past, let us commit to give a most meaningful gift to the Lord. Let us give Him our lives, our sacrifices. Those who do so will discover that He can make a lot more out of their lives than they can. Whoever will lose his life in the service of God will find eternal life.

"Without Christ there would be no Christmas, and without Christ there can be no fulness of joy. It is my testimony that the Babe of Bethlehem, Jesus the Christ, is the one perfect guide, the one perfect example. Only by emulating Him and adhering to His eternal truth can we realize peace on earth and good will toward all. There is no other way. He is the Way, the Truth, and the Light."

- Ezra Taft Benson, Ezra Taft Benson Remembers the Joy of Christmas [Deseret 2009], pp. 1-13
Click here to read the full article

The Christmas season lasts more than a day; the spirit of Christmas should linger for a long time after the holiday is passed. If we've been watching this season, we've felt how the spirit "increases our sensitivity to things spiritual" and are better individuals than we were. The very act of having "increased attention and devotion... turned toward our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ" truly does make a difference.  Therefore, what should we do as Christmas moves into the past?

I truly believe, as President Benson testifies, that "without Christ there can be no fulness of joy." May we seek to include him more in our lives as we "give him our lives" and as we strive to emulate Him and adhere to his Gospel truths.

(Compilation and commentary by David Kenison, Orem, Utah, 2021)
December 26, 2015

Elder D. Todd Christofferson on the Christmas spirit of sacrifice and service

Elder D. Todd Christofferson (b. January 24, 1945) was called to the Seventy in 1993, and as a member of the Quorum of Twelve Apostles in 2008.

"At Christmas when we ponder the birth of Jesus and His example of near-constant service, we are prone to draw from our own resources that which would bless and liberate others. The stories of people helping and blessing one another at Christmastime are legion. And that is certainly one of the main reasons we rejoice so much in this holiday....

"And so at Christmas, the stories of sacrifice and ministering multiply across the world. Our gifts and service gladden hearts; the kindness of others pours healing balm into our own wounds. It is living the Savior's way of life. And since, as He, we came down from heaven to do the will of the Father, it must not be only an annual event, but rather the pattern of our lives. In all that serves to deepen our empathy, broaden our understanding, and purify our souls, His declaration reassures us: 'In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world' (John 16:33)."

- D. Todd Christofferson, "The Condescension of God and of Man," First Presidency Christmas Devotional, December 2014
Click here to read or watch the full talk

"The spirit of Christmas" does open to us a desire to give and to serve. We want to share gifts with those near to us; be become more sensitive to others who may have needs or challenges in their lives. But this spirit is really the spirit of the Savior, who spent His life in service and sacrifice on behalf of others. It's that "example of near-constant service" that inspires us, more than any time of year.

I love the thought that as we partake of this spirit of giving and service, and as we receive the same from others, we feel "healing balm" poured into our own wounds and are blessed and inspired as we partake of "the Savior's way of life."

(Compilation and commentary by David Kenison, Orem, Utah, 2021)
December 16, 2016

President Russell M. Nelson on Christmas meaning - past, present, and future

President Russell M. Nelson (born Sept 9, 1924) was an internationally-renowned heart surgeon when he was called to serve as a member of the Quorum of Twelve Apostles in 1984. He became president of that quorum on July 15, 2015. Following the death of President Monson, he was set apart as president of the Church on January 14, 2018.

"Through all of our various Christmas traditions, I hope that we are focused first upon the Lord Jesus Christ. Wise men still adore Him....

"I plead with you to rise above the tasks of the day and the hurdles ahead. You can do more than the deeds scheduled in your daily planners. You can take the name of the Lord upon you and become more like Him. You can rise to your great potential. You can prepare for the future with greater spiritual capacity.

"Remember that the fulness of Christ's ministry lies in the future. The prophecies of His Second Coming have yet to be fulfilled. At Christmas, of course, we focus upon His birth. But, He will come again. At His First Coming Jesus came almost in secret. Only a few mortals knew of His birth. At His Second Coming the whole of humankind will know of His return. Then He will come, not as 'a man traveling on the earth' (D&C 49:22), but His glory 'shall be revealed, and all flesh shall see it together' (Isaiah 40:5; see also D&C 101:23).

"As a special witness of His holy name, I testify that Jesus is the divine Son of the living God. He will love you, lift you, and manifest Himself unto you if you will love Him and keep His commandments. (See John 14:21.)"

- Russell M. Nelson, "Christ the Savior is Born," BYU Devotional, 10 December 2002
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President Nelson reminds us how easy it is to get caught up in the rush of Christmas traditions, and encourages us to "rise above" the busy-ness and the required activities in order to focus on reaching our greater potential.

Christmas, and the almost secret and solitary first coming of the Savior, should also remind us of the future "second coming" when "the whole of humankind will know of His return." We should be motivated in this season to prepare; to feel His love, and allow that love to move and motivate our souls and our lives to greater service and faithfulness.

(Compilation and commentary by David Kenison, Orem, Utah, 2021)
December 19, 2015

Elder David A. Bednar on the light of Christmas

Elder David A. Bednar (b. 1952) was sustained as a member of the Quorum of Twelve Apostles in 2004.

"The account of the first Christmas in the Book of Mormon helps us to learn and more fully understand that Jesus Christ is the 'light which shineth in darkness' (see D&C 10:57–61). In every season of our lives, in all of the circumstances we may encounter, and in each challenge we may face, Jesus Christ is the light that dispels fear, provides assurance and direction, and engenders enduring peace and joy.

"Many of our memorable and enduring Christmas traditions include different kinds of lights—lights on trees, lights in and on our homes, candles on our tables. May the beautiful lights of every holiday season remind us of Him who is the source of all light.

      "Yet in thy dark streets shineth
      The everlasting Light.
      The hopes and fears of all the years
      Are met in thee tonight.
      ('O Little Town of Bethlehem,' Hymns, no. 208).

"I witness that Jesus was born in Bethlehem, triumphantly fulfilled His mortal mission and ministry, and as our resurrected Lord, He lives today."

- David A. Bednar, "The Light and the Life of the World," First Presidency Christmas Devotional, December 6, 2015
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In the Christmas Devotional a few years ago, Elder Bednar spoke about the symbolism of light and how it was accentuated during the Christmas season. It's always important to remember what the symbol stands for, so that we can be blessed by remembrance each time we experience the symbol! Seeing Christmas lights should inspire us with remembrance of Him.

The lights of Christmas should "remind us of Him who is the source of all light." That "light which shineth in darkness" is the last and only hope we have for true peace and security. Those "hopes and fears of all the years" are not only "met," but vanquished, in Him.

(Compilation and commentary by David Kenison, Orem, Utah, 2021)
December 22, 2015