Christmas thoughts...

We attended our ward Christmas program this past Sunday and a quote was shared that we keep pondering.

"I believe in Christianity as I believe that the sun has risen: not only because I see it, but because by it I see everything else." — C.S. Lewis

The speaker went on to talk about how Christmas should also be a reflection of more than just the story of baby Jesus in the manger. That was the glorious beginning, the birth of the literal son of God. We must remember that the little baby grew up. Luke tells us that "Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and man." He began his formal ministry at age thirty and his mortal life ended at thirty-three. In all his years he did nothing but what his Father would have him do. He spent all of his time helping and blessing those in need. He was the only sinless person to ever grace the earth and all of us are forever in his debt.

One of our favorite scriptures about the Savior and his mission is found in the Book of Mormon. It comes from the book of Alma, chapter 7. It reads:

11 And he shall go forth, suffering pains and ^aafflictions and ^btemptations of every kind; and this that the word might be fulfilled which saith he will ^ctake upon him the pains and the sicknesses of his people.

12 And he will take upon him ^adeath, that he may ^bloose the bands of death which bind his people; and he will take upon him their infirmities, that his bowels may be filled with mercy, according to the flesh, that he may know according to the flesh how to ^csuccor his people according to their infirmities.

Each of us at various points in our lives have been or will be affected by this precious gift of atonement from our Savior. Perhaps we were touched by him as a child or a youth. Maybe he touched us in our role as a husband or wife, a daughter or son. Perhaps he was with us when we suffered some injustice, some illness, or through our loneliest moments.

The truth is that if we have eyes to see and hearts to understand, we will comprehend that the Savior has touched our lives multiple times throughout our journey.

The older we grow, the more we come to understand this truth. We, like C.S. Lewis wish to see everything through the lens of Christianity. Truly Christ is the reason we are here.

May we all rejoice this Christmas season. May we never forget the true meaning of the season and may that spirit shine through us throughout all the year.