FEATURE — For the “From Figures of Faith” series, St. George News reached out to the Interfaith Council of St. George and asked if they had a message about the holiday season they would like to share with our readers.
The following was submitted by Michelle King of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
As members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, we rejoice with the Christian world at this time of year when we pause to commemorate the birth of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. We wish all a very merry Christmas. And if you are not of our faith, we wish you the best for this holiday season and year’s end.
We all agree that the current world is in turmoil. So, as our First Presidency has recommended, “…we invite you to find quiet moments to reflect on our Savior’s birth, life, and atoning sacrifice. Come unto Him. Learn of Him. Look to Him for lasting peace and divine rest. In a world that often feels overwhelming and contentious, He offers peace that “passeth all understanding” (Philippians 4:7 KJV).
Somewhat unique to our faith is an understanding of God the Father; Jesus Christ, his only begotten son; and the role the Holy Spirit or Holy Ghost plays in our view of the Godhead.
The First Presidency of the Church quoted Jesus Christ, “Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; … and ye shall find rest unto your souls” (Matthew 11:28-29 KJV.)
Rest and true peace come through our faith and reliance on the Savior. His life neither began in Bethlehem nor concluded on Calvary. He was the firstborn of the Father, the only begotten son in the flesh, and the redeemer of the world.
“He was the Great Jehovah of the Old Testament, the Messiah of the New. Under the direction of His Father, He was the creator of the earth. All things that were made by Him; and with Him was not anything made that was made” (John 1:3 KJV).
Continuing: “He lived a sinless life but was baptized unto repentance by John to fulfill all righteousness. He “went about doing good” (Acts 10:38 KJV) yet was despised for it. His message was a message of peace and goodwill. He entreated us all to follow His example. He walked the roads of Palestine healing the sick, causing the blind to see, and raising the dead.” (The Living Christ—The Testimony of the Apostles, January 1, 2000.)
He taught the truths of eternity, the reality of our premortal existence, the purpose of our life on earth, and revealed to us our potential as sons and daughters of God so that we can qualify to return to the Father through the grace of his son, Jesus Christ.
Jesus also taught us his doctrine including exercising our faith in him, repenting of those things that take us away from his teachings, being baptized as he was in the river Jordan by John who held the proper priesthood authority, receiving the Holy Ghost and listening to those promptings to help us on life’s path, and then enduring to the end in full faith and fellowship.
When we accept his invitation to become as he is, we represent him by lifting the hands of our fellowmen that hang down. We emulate him by serving others as he did. We help #LighttheWorld through our daily actions at this time of year and always. We live with his name upon us acting as true Christians.
During this holiday season, we hope all will rejoice in knowing he is the Son of God who set a perfect example for us. He invites us all to follow him. When we do as he would do relying on him for his grace and mercy, we find our lives less burdened, less tumultuous, and less contentious. In fact, we find peace, joy, and love through our faith in him.
May we each strive to follow the Savior, even Jesus Christ, this Christmas Season, trying each day to be more like him. As members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, we wish you all a very merry Christmas!
St. George News will continue to add new messages to the “From Figures of Faith” series over the weekend leading up to Christmas Day. For all faith messages, click here.
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