As we commemorate the birth of Jesus Christ over two millennia ago, I offer my
testimony of the reality of His matchless life and the infinite virtue of His
great atoning sacrifice. None other has had so profound an influence upon all
who have lived and will yet live upon the earth.[1]
Having been born of goodly parents, I, like Nephi, was taught somewhat in all the learning of my
father and have been highly favored of the Lord in all my days.[2]
My parents are just—for they have taught me through their example and in the nurture and
admonition of the Lord—and blessed be the name of my God for it—As a young child, the words which I had often heard my father speak
concerning his love for the Book of Mormon and for the Savior of the world, sank deep into my heart.[3]
I was raised in a family where we talked of Christ, we rejoiced in Christ, and
we knew to what source we might look for a remission of our sins.[4]
As I read The Lord’s
words on the pages of the Holy Scriptures, I knew that they were not of men nor
of man but of him. I have heard the
Savior’s voice speak these words unto my soul by his spirit. I have cried unto him by night that I might
know the truth of these things and he did speak peace to my mind. No greater witness can I have than from
God. I testify that I have heard his
voice and know his words.[5]
As a young missionary, I
was ordained of him and sent forth to preach his word by the spirit of truth. As I preached and others received the Lord’s
word, we understood one another and both of us were edified and we rejoiced
together.[6]
Verily was his promise fulfilled saying,
“and whoso receiveth you, there I will be also for I will go before your
face. I will be on your right hand and
on your left, and my spirit shall be in your hearts, and mine angels round
about you to bear you up.”[7]
Oh, how great has been my joy to have
brought souls unto him into the Kingdom
of our Father
It was his by his power that my wife and I
were sealed by the holy spirit of promise.[10] As we have trusted in him
and leaned not unto our own understanding, always acknowledging him, he has
directed our paths.[11] We
have walked and communed with him, and our hearts have burned within us.[12] I am striving to love my
wife, even as Christ also loved the church,
and gave himself for it.[13]
Karalee has testified of Christ, quoting, “Surely he hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows: yet we did esteem him
stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted.
But he was wounded for our transgressions; he was bruised
for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon
him; and with his stripes we
are healed.”[15]
Rachael was inspired by the Savior to prepare now to serve a
mission. Truly, “a marvelous work
is about to come forth among the children of men. Therefore, O ye that embark
in the service of God, see that ye serve him with all your heart, might, mind and
strength, that ye may stand blameless before
God at the last day. Therefore, if ye
have desires to serve God ye are called to the
work.”[16]
I witnessed the spirit of Christ inspire Devin,
as he rose at Stake Conference without having taken thought beforehand what he should say; but having treasured up in his mind continually the words
of life, and it was given him in
the very hour that portion that was meted unto him.[17]
I have felt Jesus’ presence in the midst of
Sterling and I, as the two of us have gathered together in his name to visit
those to whom we have been asked to home teach.[18] We have learned that in as
much as we have done it unto one of the least of these, we have done it unto
Him[19]; and that when we are in the service of our fellow beings, we are
only in the service of our God.[20]
I bear testimony, as a member of the Lord’s only true and
living church[21]—that
Jesus is the Living Christ, the immortal Son of God. He is the great King
Immanuel, who stands today on the right hand of His Father. He is the light,
the life, and the hope of the world. His way is the path that leads to
happiness in this life and eternal life in the world to come. God be thanked
for the matchless gift of His divine Son.[22]
In the blessed name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, Amen.
[1] The
Living Christ, 1st paragraph
[2] 1 Nephi
1:1
[3] Enos
1:1,3
[4] 2 Nephi
25:26
[5] Doctrine
& Covenants 18:34-36; 6:22-23
[6] Doctrine
& Covenants 50:17,21-22
[7] Doctrine
& Covenants 84:88
[8] Doctrine
& Covenants 18:16
[9] 2 Nephi
4:21
[10] Doctrine
& Covenants 132:7
[11]
Proverbs 3:5-6
[12] Luke
24:32
[13]
Ephesians 5:25
[14] 3 John
1:4
[15] Isaiah
53:4-5
[16]
Doctrine & Covenants 4:1-3
[17]
Doctrine & Covenants 84:85
[18]
Doctrine & Covenants 6:32
[19] Matthew
25:40
[20] Mosiah
2:17
[21]
Doctrine & Covenants 1:30
[22] Living
Christ, last paragraph
