PASTORAL MESSAGE: The Gift that makes all the difference

By JARED HOLLINGHEAD
President, Mesquite West Stake
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

The Christmas Season is a special time of year. Christmas is not only a time for happy gatherings with family, neighbors and friends but also the perfect time to reflect on the central figure of the Christmas Story, even Jesus Christ.

Christmas exists because of the birth, life, ministry and resurrection of Jesus Christ as the Savior and Redeemer of mankind. We commemorate his birth with a deep sense of gratitude and reverence for all that he has done for us. We never tire of telling the story of the humble nativity scene. We gather together to sing and speak of his birth because of the life He lived. A life that changed the world. All this wonder leaves us to ponder the meaning of his coming.

In the movie It’s a Wonderful Life, George Bailey is given a gift. The gift he was given was to see what a difference his life had meant to so many of his family and friends and community. He realized all the good that he had done and that he truly did have a wonderful life. And to some George Bailey made all the difference in their life.

God our Heavenly Father has given us a gift. And that gift was his beloved son Jesus Christ who was born in a humble manger. Jesus Christ came and he changed the world for all of us. He makes all the difference in all our lives if we will but come unto him, believe him and follow him. Jesus Christ lives!

May we all go about doing good even as the Savior did this Christmas Season! Let us reach out in love to those in need. May we fill our Christmas season with acts of kindness. And may we have room for him in our personal “inns”. God be thanked for His matchless gift of His beloved Son. I hope you all have a wonderful Christmas season filled with the Love of the Savior Jesus Christ.