Elder Alain L. Allard, North America Northeast Area Seventy of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, extends the following Christmas message on behalf of the Church in Canada:
At this special time of year, members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and other Christians celebrate the birth of our Savior Jesus Christ. I remember an experience I had when my local congregation organized a retelling of Christ’s birth. Church members joyfully participated in the event, making costumes, writing texts to read and organizing the care and maintenance of live animals. Our Church choir even provided hot chocolate and cookies and a few numbers of favourite Christmas hymns so people coming in from the cold could warm up.
As I served these guests, it was fun to greet them and listen to their comments about the presentation. To my surprise, a few of them mentioned they came to the performance to learn about the story of Jesus because they did not already know it. How grateful I was that they came to hear the story of His birth and His impact on all of our lives.
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When we speak of Jesus Christ and search His doctrine, we feel His Spirit and we receive hope for a meaningful life. When we apply what He has taught us, we see our purpose more clearly and our vision of a better life is enhanced.
The Book of Mormon prophet Nephi provides inspiring information on the doctrine of Christ — the principles and teachings of the gospel of Jesus Christ:
“And again, it showeth unto the children of men the straitness of the path, and the narrowness of the gate, by which they should enter, he having set the example before them” (2 Nephi 31:9; italics added).
This path includes gaining faith in Jesus Christ and His Atonement, applying repentance, accepting baptism, receiving the gift of the Holy Ghost, obeying His commandments, making and keeping covenants and enduring to the end.
Nephi continues:
“And now, behold, my beloved brethren, this is the way; and there is none other way nor name given under heaven whereby man can be saved in the kingdom of God. And now, behold, this is the doctrine of Christ, and the only and true doctrine of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost, which is one God, without end. Amen” (2 Nephi 31:21).
Because of what He did for us, we may choose for ourselves who we want to be and how we want to live. This freedom to choose is complete. We may choose to be indifferent to His doctrine, we may choose to ignore it or we may choose to follow the same path He showed us. Coming to Him is a significant joy for Him and our Father in Heaven. Because of Him, repentance provides a new life and constitutes an important gift from our hearts to Him.
The Church’s “Light the World” initiative offers wonderful ways to celebrate Christ’s birth as it invites us to help and care for others as He does, one by one. In this season of celebrating His birth, may we all feel His love and may we be blessed for applying His doctrine and gospel principles in our lives.