Bits of my Thoughts and Testimony of the true meaning of Christmas. It helped me understand what Christmas is truly about :) Enjoy!
Day 1/25 of CHRISTmas:
Happy December, everyone! We've got a full 25 days to think of things the Savior has given to us, and what we can personally give back to the Savior :) Happy pondering!http://www.mormonchannel.org/video/mormon-messages?v=2874125972001&cid=HPWE120413186
Day 2/25 of CHRISTmas: "There isno better time than now, this very Christmas season, for all of us torededicate ourselves to the principles taught by Jesus Christ.
Because He came to earth, we have aperfect example to follow. As we strive to become more like Him, we will havejoy and happiness in our lives and peace each day of the year. It is Hisexample which, if followed, stirs within us more kindness and love, morerespect and concern for others." -Pres. ThomasS Monson
Day 3/25 of CHRISTmas: I am grateful for the gifts Heavenly Father and His Son, Jesus Christ gave and continue togive to each of us:
"The lesson is not that we can have such marvelous experiences whenever we wish for them—nor that they will come even when we feel great need for them. The lesson is that God knows our every need, that He loves us, and that He watches over us.
He gave us the gift of a Savior, His perfect Son, the Lamb without blemish. By personal appearance of the Father Himself and of the Son, and through angels, He has restored the Church of Jesus Christ in the latter days. He has called prophets and apostles to guide us to safety in this life and eternal life in the world to come. Jesus Christ was crucified and resurrected that we may live again, that we may be purified and cleansed from sin, prepared for the glory of eternal life.
Those are gifts to us that we can offer to others for Him. We do that by remembering Him and trying with all our hearts to do what He would do and love as He loves." --President Henry BEyring
Day 4/25 of CHRISTmas: GIFTS!
Among many, Christ gave us the GIFT ofimmortality, forgiveness, eternal life, comfort, and the enabling power tochange. We can share the GIFT of our unique, God-given talents and abilities touplift, inspire, bless, and invite others to grow closer to Christ.
"We cannot offer Him the gift ofperfection in all things because this is a gift beyond our capacity to give—atleast for now. The Lord does not expect that we commit to move mountains. ButHe does require that we bring as gifts our best efforts to move ourselves, onefoot in front of the other, walking in the ways He has prepared andtaught." --Pres. Dieter F Uchtdorf
"God knows our gifts. Mychallenge to you and to me is to pray to know the gifts we have been given, toknow how to develop them, and to recognize the opportunities to serve othersthat God provides us. But most of all, I pray that you will be inspired to helpothers discover their special gifts from God to serve." -- Pres. Henry BEyring
Day 5/25 of CHRISTmas: God's Plan forus.
Knowing we lived with God before thislife gives a sense of divine worth and destiny. Knowing we are here on earth tolearn and become like God gives direction and purpose. Knowing there is lifeafter death gives comfort, peace and hope. Knowing the Savior and his Sacrificeare essential for this Plan gives a great sense of gratitude.
Day 6/25 of CHRISTmas: ChristmasLIGHTS
“And whatsoever thing persuadeth mento do good is of me; for good cometh of none save it be of me. … I am theLIGHT, and the life, and the truth of the world” (Ether 4:11–12)
"And so we see that Jesus Christis the LIGHT of the world because he is the source of the LIGHT that quickensour understanding, because his teachings and his example illuminate our path,and because his power persuades us to do good." -Elder Dallin HOaks
Day 7/25 of CHRISTmas: MUSIC
I love MUSIC for its beauty and theSpirit that good music invites. The Lord accepts our songs of testimony aspraise. "The song of the righteous is a prayer unto me" Doctrine andCovenants 25:12
Listen to the lyrics of Christmashymns; they all point to the Savior.
Day 8/25 of CHRISTmas: Living PROPHETS
PROPHETS of old all testified ofChrist and recorded these prophesies in the scriptures. Because God is an unchangingGod, He has again given us a living PROPHET, Thomas S Monson, to lead, guide,comfort, and counsel us from revelation. "We thank Thee O God for aProphet" - LDS Hymns #19
Watch the Prophet and His Counselorsshare their thoughts on Christmas tonight at 6pm MST, and be uplifted.
Day 9/25 of CHRISTmas: PEACE
Christ brings lasting inner PEACE,PEACE through trials, PEACE of forgiving our sins, PEACE of mind.
“Peace I leave with you, my peace Igive unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart betroubled, neither let it be afraid.” (John 14:27)
“These things I have spoken unto you,that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but beof good cheer; I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33.)
Day 10/25 of CHRISTmas: LOVE of self,family, and all others.
"My brothers and sisters, trueLOVE is a reflection of the Savior’s LOVE. In December of each year we call itthe Christmas spirit. You can hear it. You can see it. You can feel it."-President ThomasS Monson
“True happiness comes only by makingothers happy. … The [spirit of] Christmas … makes our hearts glow in brotherlyLOVE and friendship and prompts us to kind deeds of service. It is the spiritof the gospel of Jesus Christ.” - President David O. McKay
Day 11/25 of CHRISTmas: SERVICE
Christ dedicated His life to SERVEothers: Healing the sick, causing the blind to see, the lame to walk, bringingmiracles, performing the Atonement for us. How can we dedicate our lives toSERVICE as the Savior did? SERVICE may be saying "Hi" to the peoplewe pass by, or it may include being involved with the community or helpingaround the house. Even praying for others is a SERVICE.
LDS Hymn #225 Have I done any good inthe world today?
Day 12/25 of CHRISTmas: A time forFAMILIES
“It is time to remember His greatestof all gifts—the gift of life eternal where father and mother and children canbe united together for all eternity. As the world moves away from the doctrineof the sanctity of the FAMILY unit, FAMILIES must join in living and teachingthe eternal truth that marriage is ordained of God" -Elder L Tom Perry
Day 13/25 of CHRISTmas: A time ofREFLECTION
"It is a time of REFLECTION as westop for a moment, from the hustle and bustle of life, to consider the deepermeaning of sacred events that have transpired and continue even today to changelives. When Jesus was born, our Heavenly Father’s love was showered upon thepeople of the earth."
"He sent His greatest of allgifts, His Only Begotten and Beloved Son, so that we may someday return to ourheavenly home. Reflecting upon these words, we have the opportunity to mirrorthat same love in our hearts as we reach out, have the desire to be a betterperson, and to serve others as He would were He living among us."
- ELDER F. MICHAEL WATSON
Here's another great talk onReflection:
http://www.lds.org/ldsorg/v/index.jsp?locale=0&nav=160&sourceId=81e3f5036e881210VgnVCM100000176f620a____&vgnextoid=43d031572e14e110VgnVCM1000003a94610aRCRD
Day 14/25 of CHRISTmas: LOOKINGFORWARD to Christ's Second Coming
We all ANTICIPATE Christmas morning,when we can see smiles of children, open gifts and reunite with family. We musthave this same anticipation for the Second Coming of our Savior. "No manknoweth" exactly when He will come again, but "if ye are prepared, yeshall not fear." How will you continue to prepare to welcome Christ whenHe comes again?
"Those awaiting the Savior’scoming will “look for [Him].” And He has promised, “I will come”! The righteouswill see Him “in the clouds of heaven [with all the holy angels], clothed withpower and great glory.” “An angel shall sound his trump, and the saints … fromthe four quarters of the earth” will “be caught up to meet him.” Doctrine andCovenants 45, Elder NeilL Andersen
Day 15/25 of CHRISTmas: *SundaySpecial!* the NATIVITY
This may not be as cute as yourtraditional family NATIVITY Play, but it's a pretty well-done video :)
Day 16/25 of CHRISTmas: Savior of theWHOLE WORLD
Every culture, religion, and familycelebrates Christmas a little bit differently, but power and unity comes fromknowing we all celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ. We are all children of ourHeavenly Father. Christ is the Savior of us all.
Here are some of they ways peoplecelebrate in different parts of the world:
Day 17/25 of CHRISTmas: LIFE AFTER DEATH and the RESURRECTION
It is so comforting to know there is LIFE AFTER DEATH. “Concerning the state of the soul between death and the resurrection—Behold, it has been made known unto me … that the spirits of all men, as soon as they are departed from this mortal body, … are taken home to that God who gave them life…
“The spirits of those who are righteous are received into a state of happiness, which is called paradise, a state of rest, a state of peace.” (Alma 40:11–12.)
Christ conquered death and allowed all of us to be RESURRECTED, which is the gift to be restored to a perfect, gloried body, like God's. "The grave hath no victory, and the sting of death is swallowed up in Christ" (Mosiah 16:8).
"The Lord who created us in the first place surely has power to do it again. The same necessary elements now in our bodies will still be available—at His command. The same unique genetic code now embedded in each of our living cells will still be available to format new ones then. The miracle of the resurrection, wondrous as it will be, is marvelously matched by the miracle of our creation in the first place." Elder Russell M Nelson.
https://www.lds.org/general-conference/1992/04/doors-of-death?lang=eng
It is so comforting to know there is LIFE AFTER DEATH. “Concerning the state of the soul between death and the resurrection—Behold, it has been made known unto me … that the spirits of all men, as soon as they are departed from this mortal body, … are taken home to that God who gave them life…
“The spirits of those who are righteous are received into a state of happiness, which is called paradise, a state of rest, a state of peace.” (Alma 40:11–12.)
Christ conquered death and allowed all of us to be RESURRECTED, which is the gift to be restored to a perfect, gloried body, like God's. "The grave hath no victory, and the sting of death is swallowed up in Christ" (Mosiah 16:8).
"The Lord who created us in the first place surely has power to do it again. The same necessary elements now in our bodies will still be available—at His command. The same unique genetic code now embedded in each of our living cells will still be available to format new ones then. The miracle of the resurrection, wondrous as it will be, is marvelously matched by the miracle of our creation in the first place." Elder Russell M Nelson.
https://www.lds.org/general-conference/1992/04/doors-of-death?lang=eng
Day 18/25 of CHRISTmas: JOY to the world and each individual
“One of the greatest of all God’s revelations is Father Lehi’s teaching that “men are, that they might have JOY.” (2 Nephi 2:25) Joy is more than happiness. JOY is the ultimate sensation of well-being. It comes from being complete and in harmony with our Creator and his eternal laws.” –ElderDallin H Oaks
D&C 11:12- And now, verily, verily, I say unto thee, put your trust in that Spirit which leadeth to do good—yea, to do justly, to walk humbly, to judge righteously; and this is my Spirit.
13 Verily, verily, I say unto you, I will impart unto you of my Spirit, which shall enlighten your mind, which shall fill your soul with JOY;
“One of the greatest of all God’s revelations is Father Lehi’s teaching that “men are, that they might have JOY.” (2 Nephi 2:25) Joy is more than happiness. JOY is the ultimate sensation of well-being. It comes from being complete and in harmony with our Creator and his eternal laws.” –ElderDallin H Oaks
D&C 11:12- And now, verily, verily, I say unto thee, put your trust in that Spirit which leadeth to do good—yea, to do justly, to walk humbly, to judge righteously; and this is my Spirit.
13 Verily, verily, I say unto you, I will impart unto you of my Spirit, which shall enlighten your mind, which shall fill your soul with JOY;
Day 19/25 of CHRISTmas: BELLS
I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day, verse 4:
"Then pealed the bells more loud and deep:
“God is not dead, nor doth he sleep;
The wrong shall fail, the right prevail,
With peace on earth, good will to men.”
If this is too long, watch from 5:15 on! Such a great message
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sXfzp296zhA
I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day, verse 4:
"Then pealed the bells more loud and deep:
“God is not dead, nor doth he sleep;
The wrong shall fail, the right prevail,
With peace on earth, good will to men.”
If this is too long, watch from 5:15 on! Such a great message
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sXfzp296zhA
Day 20/25 of CHRISTmas: FOOD and SUSTENANCE!
Our souls innately yearn for both physical and spiritual SUSTENANCE. Christ is the Bread of Life.
"Jesus is teaching us, His disciples, that we should look to God each day for the bread—the help and SUSTENANCE—we require in that particular day… As we seek and receive divine bread daily [through prayer], our faith and trust in God and His Son grow."
http://www.lds.org/pages/mormon-messages?lang=eng#daily-bread-experience
Our souls innately yearn for both physical and spiritual SUSTENANCE. Christ is the Bread of Life.
"Jesus is teaching us, His disciples, that we should look to God each day for the bread—the help and SUSTENANCE—we require in that particular day… As we seek and receive divine bread daily [through prayer], our faith and trust in God and His Son grow."
http://www.lds.org/pages/mormon-messages?lang=eng#daily-bread-experience
Day 21/25 of CHRISTmas: SCRIPTURES = Ancient Records
The SCRIPTURES contain the writing of Ancient Prophets. Today, we can be strengthened by their testimonies of the Savior and learn from their experiences. Our own personal journals are invaluable, for ourselves to notice God in our lives and for our posterity to enjoy.
"Those who keep a book of remembrance are more likely to keep the Lord in remembrance in their daily lives. Journals are a way of counting our blessings and of leaving an inventory of these blessings for our posterity.” -Spencer W. Kimball
"Also, by writing personal and family histories, we are helped immeasurably in gaining a true, eternal perspective of life. Writing our histories with the proper blend of fact and feeling (and so often, feelings in spiritual things are the real facts) gives us a deep spiritual insight into the meaning and purpose of our lives. ... Writing our histories will certainly help us keep our eyes on the most important of all goals — even the goal of eternal life. ... There is something eternal in the very nature of writing, as is so graphically illustrated by the scriptures themselves. In a very real sense, our properly written histories are a very important part of our family scripture and become a great source of spiritual strength to us and to our posterity. ... I have a strong feeling that when this life is over, our personal and family histories and the influence they wield will be of much greater importance than we now think." John H. Groberg
The SCRIPTURES contain the writing of Ancient Prophets. Today, we can be strengthened by their testimonies of the Savior and learn from their experiences. Our own personal journals are invaluable, for ourselves to notice God in our lives and for our posterity to enjoy.
"Those who keep a book of remembrance are more likely to keep the Lord in remembrance in their daily lives. Journals are a way of counting our blessings and of leaving an inventory of these blessings for our posterity.” -Spencer W. Kimball
"Also, by writing personal and family histories, we are helped immeasurably in gaining a true, eternal perspective of life. Writing our histories with the proper blend of fact and feeling (and so often, feelings in spiritual things are the real facts) gives us a deep spiritual insight into the meaning and purpose of our lives. ... Writing our histories will certainly help us keep our eyes on the most important of all goals — even the goal of eternal life. ... There is something eternal in the very nature of writing, as is so graphically illustrated by the scriptures themselves. In a very real sense, our properly written histories are a very important part of our family scripture and become a great source of spiritual strength to us and to our posterity. ... I have a strong feeling that when this life is over, our personal and family histories and the influence they wield will be of much greater importance than we now think." John H. Groberg
Day 22/25 of CHRISTmas: SHARING
Memories, food, talents, presents, time, stories, scripture, quotes, knowledge, and advice are all things that are SHARED during the Holidays. We SHARE things because we value what we SHARE and we value the people we share it with.
The Lord wants us to SHARE our knowledge and testimony of the Savior with everyone. Sharing truly is Caring, and everyone deserves to know they have a Savior who Cares for them.
"The word sharing affirms that we have something extraordinarily valuable and desire to give it to others for their benefit and blessing…
If we are to become more effective instruments in the hands of the Lord in sharing His gospel, we must sincerely desire to do so.
First, we must have a firm testimony of the truth and importance of the restored gospel of Jesus Christ.
Second, we must have a love for God and for all of His children. "
- Elder Dallin H Oaks
Memories, food, talents, presents, time, stories, scripture, quotes, knowledge, and advice are all things that are SHARED during the Holidays. We SHARE things because we value what we SHARE and we value the people we share it with.
The Lord wants us to SHARE our knowledge and testimony of the Savior with everyone. Sharing truly is Caring, and everyone deserves to know they have a Savior who Cares for them.
"The word sharing affirms that we have something extraordinarily valuable and desire to give it to others for their benefit and blessing…
If we are to become more effective instruments in the hands of the Lord in sharing His gospel, we must sincerely desire to do so.
First, we must have a firm testimony of the truth and importance of the restored gospel of Jesus Christ.
Second, we must have a love for God and for all of His children. "
- Elder Dallin H Oaks
Day 23/25 of CHRISTmas: Wise men SEEKing
As you watch this video, reflect upon your own journey of finding, believing, and continuing to SEEK Jesus in your personal study.
Sometimes, the journey seems long and difficult, but with perseverance and faith, we will always know the direction in which to travel, and will ultimately find Him.
http://www.lds.org/bible-videos/videos/the-wise-men-seek-jesus?lang=eng
As you watch this video, reflect upon your own journey of finding, believing, and continuing to SEEK Jesus in your personal study.
Sometimes, the journey seems long and difficult, but with perseverance and faith, we will always know the direction in which to travel, and will ultimately find Him.
http://www.lds.org/bible-videos/videos/the-wise-men-seek-jesus?lang=eng
Merry Christmas Eve!
Day 24/25 of CHRISTmas: TEACHING and LEARNING
During Christ's Ministry, He TAUGHT His Gospel and invited us to act upon His TEACHings.
What can we LEARN from His Teachings? What can we LEARN by taking time to listen to other people? What can we LEARN from our past experiences or from our ancestors? What has the Spirit TAUGHT you? How have you acted upon those teachings?
"The overarching purpose of Heavenly Father’s great plan of happiness is to provide His spirit children with opportunities to learn. The Atonement of Jesus Christ and the agency afforded to all of the Father’s children through the Redeemer’s infinite and eternal sacrifice are divinely designed to facilitate our learning. The Savior said, “Learn of me, and listen to my words; walk in the meekness of my Spirit, and you shall have peace in me” (D&C 19:23).
- Elder David A Bednar
Day 24/25 of CHRISTmas: TEACHING and LEARNING
During Christ's Ministry, He TAUGHT His Gospel and invited us to act upon His TEACHings.
What can we LEARN from His Teachings? What can we LEARN by taking time to listen to other people? What can we LEARN from our past experiences or from our ancestors? What has the Spirit TAUGHT you? How have you acted upon those teachings?
"The overarching purpose of Heavenly Father’s great plan of happiness is to provide His spirit children with opportunities to learn. The Atonement of Jesus Christ and the agency afforded to all of the Father’s children through the Redeemer’s infinite and eternal sacrifice are divinely designed to facilitate our learning. The Savior said, “Learn of me, and listen to my words; walk in the meekness of my Spirit, and you shall have peace in me” (D&C 19:23).
- Elder David A Bednar
MERRY CHRISTMAS to everyone! 圣诞节快乐！
Day 25/25 of CHRISTmas: REMEMBER
I hope this Christmas Season has found you reflecting on how blessed your life is, knowing you have a Savior. Let us remember the blessings He has given us this day and throughout the whole year!
Helaman 5:12 "And now, my sons, remember, remember that it is upon the rock of our Redeemer, who is Christ, the Son of God, that ye must build your foundation."
"It is the Holy Ghost who testifies that Jesus Christ is the Beloved Son of a Heavenly Father who loves us and wants us to have eternal life with Him in families. With even the beginning of that testimony, we feel a desire to serve Him and to keep His commandments. When we persist in doing that, we receive the gifts of the Holy Ghost to give us power in our service. We come to see the hand of God more clearly, so clearly that in time we not only remember Him, but we come to love Him and, through the power of the Atonement, become more like Him." - President Henry B Eyring
Day 25/25 of CHRISTmas: REMEMBER
I hope this Christmas Season has found you reflecting on how blessed your life is, knowing you have a Savior. Let us remember the blessings He has given us this day and throughout the whole year!
Helaman 5:12 "And now, my sons, remember, remember that it is upon the rock of our Redeemer, who is Christ, the Son of God, that ye must build your foundation."
"It is the Holy Ghost who testifies that Jesus Christ is the Beloved Son of a Heavenly Father who loves us and wants us to have eternal life with Him in families. With even the beginning of that testimony, we feel a desire to serve Him and to keep His commandments. When we persist in doing that, we receive the gifts of the Holy Ghost to give us power in our service. We come to see the hand of God more clearly, so clearly that in time we not only remember Him, but we come to love Him and, through the power of the Atonement, become more like Him." - President Henry B Eyring
