A God is Born - December 25, 2021

 

Each year there is a certain season which is epitomized by joy and peace.  No matter one's age or circumstance it is nearly impossible to not find something for which to be grateful.  Families are reunited, celebrations enjoyed, and kind words spoken.  Why is it that this particular season brings with it so much joy and happiness?  What is it about a beautifully decorated tree or festive music that inevitably brings contented smiles with them?

But of course, you and I both know at least part of the answer to this question.  At Christmas we do not celebrate the achievements of men.  Nor do we merely celebrate the power of peace and joy by themselves.  Rather, the reason for this wonderful time is the Prince of Peace.  At Christmas we honor and revere the Savior of the World.  As we consider that sacred night we envision a virtuous and holy mother shouldering the honor and burden of giving life to the Redeemer of the World.  At her side we see a faithful man, the Savior's adopted, mortal father, surely struggling to hold back tears of failure and inadequacy a he gathers the cleanest straw on which to welcome not only his son, the promised Messiah, but his personal Savior into the world. Little wonder that heavenly messengers seem to be so near to the earth when we celebrate the birth of their Master and King.  

At Christmas we celebrate the beginning of the most crucial life in all of time or eternity.  We celebrate the birth of a king, a Savior, a Redeemer.  It is impossible to truly celebrate Christmas without looking ahead to the events Easter.  It is because of those events which would transpire years ahead that the birth of this particular child was heralded by hosts of angels and caused kings and peasants alike to kneel in worship.  If it were not for the events of Easter this birth would lose much of what makes it so sacred.  Without Easter Christmas would represent the birth of an honorable exemplar in hopelessly impoverished circumstances who was destined to a cruel and tragic death.  Were it not for the events which would unfold in a sacred garden and a humiliating cross this night would mark the birth of a great teacher, but not a Savior.  If this child had not been destined to become "the first fruits of them that slept" then we may well view this night as a sorry tale of poverty at the onset of an influential life rather than a night of indescribable joy and victory over sin.

Why does the Christmas season bring more peace, more joy, and more happiness than any other?  The answer is that because of the events of that first Christmas we celebrate the most eternally important triumph this world will ever know.  We celebrate the birth of our Savior and Redeemer.  We celebrate the victory over spiritual and physical death made possible through Jesus Christ.  

At this season I testify in a special way of all this baby was, what he lovingly accomplished for you and me, and the supernal role he fills today.  I testify of Jesus Christ, the holy child who was slain from the foundation of the world.  I testify that he once again speaks to living prophets today and that his gospel has been restored through Joseph Smith.  I testify of the Christ child, whose mortal journey began in a manger and all he was destined to make possible.  On that night a Savior was born.  On that night hope was born.  On that night the Messiah was born.  On that night our advocate with the Father was born.  On that night my constant, Heavenly friend was born.  On that night, that sacred and holy night, a God was born. 

"Glory to God in the highest and on earth, peace, good will toward men." (Luke 2:14)

Merry Christmas!

In the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.

Elder Payne