Here it is, "This the Season" and still so much for each of us to do, before that magical day arrives. I believe that it is probably most everyone's favorite time of the year. The family traditions, Christmas cookies, lights, decorations, Christmas Parties, music, the tree and Christmas cards, not to mention "Black Friday" and "Cyber Monday".
So if it is everyone's favorite time of the year, why is it the most stressful and depressing? I think the answer might be surprising to each of us. We really miss the whole meaning of this special season. I know that we sing , listen to the Christmas choir and read the Christmas story in Luke and somehow can tell everyone what the real meaning of this season is all about, but is it really in our hearts. Do we really know the Christ Child or do we just know about Him. I worry that another season will come and go without each of us finding ourselves taking the time to personally go to "Bethlehem" and worship the Christ Child with the reverence and love that he deserves. He is the Lord of Lords, and King of kings, Wonderful, Counsellor, The Mighty God, The Everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.(Isaiah 9:6). He is the light of the world and he that followeth Him shall not walk in darkness, but shall have everlasting life. (John 8:12). He is the Bread of Life and he that cometh to him shall never hunger and he that believeth on Him shall never thirst. (John 6:35). He is a God of Miracles and the great Lawgiver in whom there is all mercy. His ways are perfect and He alone is Mighty to Save. (Alma 34:18). He is the Master Healer and the one to whom all things must someday give an answer. It is only in Him and through Him that we each can find that Peace that surpasses all understanding.
It would be, my most sincere desire, that in all the hustle and bustle of this Christmas Season we would stop and take time to really worship the Christ Child and let Him into our hearts, so that He might stay with us through the entire year. If we will really strive to "Come to know Him", then the peace, joy and happiness that He promises each of us, will become ours. The only way He can really come into our hearts is if we will turn our lives over to Him and trust in Him. And to do that, we must be involved in sincere prayers, daily scripture study, regular Temple Worship, and small acts of Christian service. As we do these things, we will notice that we are beginning to take upon us His countenance and attributes. We will become more forgiving, more patient, more understanding, more kind, more tolerant of others, more reverent, more pure and holy, and more Savior like Thee. (Hymn # 131)
Please take time this Christmas Season to Come unto Him who's Season this really is, even Christ the Lord. In Matthew 11:28-30, we have this promise from the Savior Himself, "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; for I am meek and lowly in heart; and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden light."
I testify that He lives and that He, not only can, but will make our burdens lite. He will expand our opportunities, bless our minds, increase our joy, lift our spirits and heal our wounds; if we will only come and worship Him with all of our hearts, might, and minds. May this be the best Christmas Season of all as you take the time to truly come to know Him and commit to always walk in His Light.
With Love,
President Norman E. Hansen
