Advent 25 - Merry Christmas!

Jesus was born in the meridian of time, thus giving an ideal vantage point from which to look both backward and forward. For the last 24 days you have stood, as it were, in Bethlehem, gazing in both directions. You have heard the Master’s voice in premortal councils. You have seen him suffer die, and rise again. You have watched him return triumphant in the clouds of heaven. Now you are ready to focus with greater joy on that moment when heaven came down to earth.

Artwork by Greg Olsen

“And it came to pass that I saw the heavens open; and an angel came down and stood before me; and he said unto me: Nephi, what beholdest thou?

“And I said unto him: A virgin, most beautiful and fair above all other virgins. . .

“And he said unto me, Behold, the virgin whom thou seest is the mother of the Son of God, after the manner of the flesh.

“And it came to pass that I beheld that she was carried away, in the Spirit; and after she had been carried away in the Spirit for the space of a time the angel spake unto me, saying: Look!

“And I looked and beheld the virgin again, bearing a child in her arms.

“And the angel said unto me: Behold, the Lamb of God, yea, even the Son of the Eternal Father!” (1 Nephi11:14-15, 18-21)

“And the angel said unto her, Fear not, Mary: for thou hast found favor with God.

“And, behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shall call his name JESUS.

“He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest. . .

“Then said Mary unto the angel, How shall this be, seeing I know not a man?

“And the angel answered and said unto her, The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee: therefore also that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God. . .

“And Mary said, Behold the handmaid of the Lord, be it unto me according to thy work.” (Luke 1:30-32, 34-35, 38)

“And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus, that all the world should be taxed . . .

“And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city . . .

“And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the hour and lineage of David;)

“To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child.

“And so it was, that while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered.

“And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.

“And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.

“And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.

“And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for behold, 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.

“And this shall be a sign unto you, Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.

“And 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.

“And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made know unto us.

“And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger.” (Luke 2:1, 3-16)

Consider what gift you could give the Savior and determine to give it all year long.

“Joy to the World”