Two Principles from Christmas

 Here is an article about Christmas, that I wanted to save.

Two powerful principles we learn from the first Christmas 1–Gods timing is perfect. 2–God keeps his promises. 

Elder Bednar says, “Imagine being 10 years old, listening to Samuel the Prophet declare, “And behold, this will I give unto you for a sign at the time of his coming; for behold, there shall be great lights in heaven, insomuch that in the night before he cometh there shall be no darkness, insomuch that it shall appear unto man as if it was day. … And behold, there shall a new star arise … ; and this also shall be a sign unto you” (Hel 14:3, 5).

In the Book of Mormon account, five years have passed and you are now approximately 15 years old. It says, 

“But there were some who began to say that THE TIME WAS PAST for the words to be fulfilled, which were spoken by Samuel,… Now it came to pass that there was a day set apart by the unbelievers, that all those who believed in those traditions should be put to death except the sign should come to pass, which had been given by Samuel the prophet.”

Can we even begin to understand what it might have been like to await the sign of His coming and also face the dire deadline of death? Would you and I stand firm and steadfast in the faith, or would we waver and shrink?

As prophesied, the sign of Christ’s birth was given, a climate of religious persecution and at the tender age of approximately 15, you marveled one evening as the sun went down and there was no darkness. 

The day of Christ’s birth, was a day of deliverance for believers in the New World. Light as the sign of the Savior’s birth literally saved their lives.

The account of the first Christmas helps us to learn and more fully understand that Jesus Christ is the ‘light which shineth in darkness’ (D&C 10:58). 

In every season of our lives, in all of the circumstances we may encounter, and in each challenge we may face, Jesus Christ is the light that dispels fear, provides assurance and direction, and engenders enduring peace and joy” 

—Elder Bednar, Dec 2015

In our lives when it might seem that “THE TIME HAS PAST”, remember that Gods timing is perfect and he WILL KEEP EVERY PROMISE he has made to you. Turn to the light of the world, JESUS CHRIST when you are in darkness and hold fast to the promises you’ve been given!