By President Matt Messer
LDS Logandale, Nevada Stake
What a glorious season of the year. Hearts are softened. Voices sing praises. Mercy and kindness are brought to the forefront of our lives. We reach out more often to those in need. There is the spirit of Christ more prevalent in our homes. There is a measure of love that is more than any other time of the year.
I am humbled when I feel about the love our Heavenly Father has for us. So much love that he sent his only begotten Son to bring Hope, Kindness and Love to us all. Most of all, the Savior came to save us from our sins and guide us in our path back to live with our Heavenly Father. There has been no other perfect life. An example of perfection for each of us to look to.
As we reflect during the Christmas season, our thoughts go to those we love, and many who aren’t as fortunate. President Thomas S. Monson said, “And when we find him, will we be prepared, as were the wise men of old, to provide gifts from our many treasures? They gave him Gold, Frankincense, and Myrrh. These are not the gifts Jesus asks of us. From the treasure of our hearts, Jesus asks that we give of ourselves. ‘Behold, the Lord requireth the heart and a willing mind.’ (Doctrine and Covenants 64:34)
The search for the Savior is not new to us. It is the world that masks our pursuit to be like him. Personally we are invited to undertake a search for the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes and lying in a manger. Did the shepherds concern themselves with the security of their possessions? Did they procrastinate their search for Jesus? The record affirms that the shepherds said to one another, “Let us now go even unto Bethlehem. … And they came with haste.” (Luke 2:15-16)
At the time of his birth, even then, there were those who wouldn’t listen to his message. During this time of year, may we put a portion of the world behind us. May we look to bless the lives of others as he has done. May we look to be a bit more forgiving, look a little less to ourselves and be just a little bit better tomorrow than we were yesterday.
My prayer is that your lives are blessed by following His example.
