The Gift of a Savior

“He gave us the gift of a Savior, His perfect Son, the Lamb without blemish. By personal appearance of the Father Himself and of the Son, and through angels, He has restored the Church of Jesus Christ in the latter days. He has called prophets and apostles to guide us to safety in this life and eternal life in the world to come. Jesus Christ was crucified and resurrected that we may live again, that we may be purified and cleansed from sin, prepared for the glory of eternal life.

Those are gifts to us that we can offer to others for Him. We do that by remembering Him and trying with all our hearts to do what He would do and love as He loves.

There was a song in a film years ago with the line ‘Have yourself a merry little Christmas.’ Well, you can give a great and wonderful Christmas if you remember the gifts God has given you and, as best you can, offer them to others as He would. That is the spirit of Christmas and of true happiness every day. “

 
Henry B. Eyring, “The Gifts of Christmas,” First Presidency Christmas Devotional 2011 

The Spirit of Christmas

“The spirit of Christmas is something I hope all of us would have within our hearts and within our lives, not only at this particular season but also throughout the years.

 A wise Christian once urged, ‘Let us not spend Christmas … but let us keep Christmas in our hearts and in our lives.’

 This is my plea tonight, because when we keep the spirit of Christmas, we keep the Spirit of Christ, for the Christmas spirit is the Christ Spirit. It will block out all the distractions around us which can diminish Christmas and swallow up its true meaning.

There is no better time than now, this very Christmas season, for all of us to rededicate ourselves to the principles taught by Jesus Christ.

Because He came to earth, we have a perfect example to follow. As we strive to become more like Him, we will have joy and happiness in our lives and peace each day of the year. It is His example which, if followed, stirs within us more kindness and love, more respect and concern for others.”

Thomas S. Monson, “Because He Came,” First Presidency Christmas Devotional 2011

 

Sunday Lesson Schedule for December

Dec. 2nd: Presidency Message, taught by Sister Carroll

Dec. 9th: Teachings of George Albert Smith, Chapter 23: Of You it is Required to Forgive, taught by Donna Benjamin

Dec. 16th: Teachings of George Albert Smith, Chapter 24: Righteous Living in Perilous Times, taught by Sister Bingham

Dec. 23rd: November 2012 Ensign,  “An Unspeakable Gift From God,” by Elder Craig C. Christensen, taught by Sister Metheny

Dec. 30th: By Direction of the Bishop

Announcements & Upcoming Events for December

The First Presidency Christmas Devotional will be broadcast at 8 pm at the Stake Center Sunday, December 2^nd. You can also view this at home if you have BYUtv. 

Our Stake Temple Weekend is December 7th and 8th.

There is a Ward Christmas Party on Friday, December 14th at 6:30 pm at our ward building. Dinner will be provided and Santa will be there!

Saturday, December 15th there is a SA Activity from 6 pm to 10 pm at the Stake Center.

There is a SA Temple Trip Wednesday, December 19th (11:45 am session).