Give Thanks for the Birth of God's Son

Even before any of us were born, Jesus Christ showed his love for us as he stepped forward and offered to accept the role of Savior as part of our Heavenly Father’s plan.  We were all present when the Father explained his plan in which we, as spirit children, would have the chance to come to earth to gain mortal bodies, and to be tested to see if we would keep God’s commandments. 

Heavenly Father explained that His plan would require a Redeemer.  So, God asked, “Whom shall I send?” and Jesus stepped forward and said, “Here am I.  Send me.”

Jesus Christ offered himself as our Savior because of his great love for us.  During our time here are on earth, we are constantly learning.  There are times when we are tried and tested.  We experience emotional highs and lows.  Sometimes our hearts are broken.  Other times they are overflowing with love and gratitude. 

No matter what difficulties we face, our faith in Jesus Christ can provide strength and comfort.  In a modern revelation given to a group of struggling Mormon pioneers, the Savior offered these words of comfort that apply just as much today as they did then:
“Therefore, let your hearts be comforted … ; for all flesh is in mine hands; be still and know that I am God.”

Throughout the scriptures we learn of Christ’s ultimate manifestation of love for God’s children. In the Garden of Gethsemane he prayed, “Saying, Father, if thou be willing, remove this cup from me.  Nevertheless not my will, but thine be done.  And being in agony he prayed more earnestly and his sweat was as it were great drops of blood falling down to the ground.”

In his great atoning sacrifice, the Savior took upon himself the sins of the world, then suffered and died on the cross.  Three days later He was resurrected, successfully unlocking the gates of both spiritual death and physical death on our behalf.  He made it possible for us to return and live with him in the presence of the Father once more.

During this season of Thanksgiving and Christmas, I extend to you my best wishes for a happy holiday season.  How appropriate it seems that the two holidays come so close together.  After all, is there anything we should be more thankful for than the birth of the baby Jesus?  And for his life, his example, his teachings and his atonement? 

As the angels said unto the shepherds on that night of all nights:
“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 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.”