My Testimony of Christ

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.[8] Yea, so much that he has filled me with his love, even unto the consuming of my flesh.[9]

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]

 I have had no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth.[14]

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.

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[1] The Living Christ, 1^st 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