I went to the temple yesterday morning. It's weird when you go by yourself, you notice things. Yesterday I noticed that even though you may go there with or for someone, the ordinances are performed one by one for individual people. This made me think of Christ's life. He was constantly surrounded by people, but probably felt very alone most of the time in his efforts and understanding. It just makes the Atonement that much more of a miracle when you stop to think about the fact that he did it for all of us, but individually it means something specific for each one of us as well. At this time of year we celebrate the gift of The Son, but he is the one who is still giving to us all- every day, sometimes every moment. He really does save us all!
I appreciated Jens comments. On more thing. There is a quick one page article in this months ensign by Dallin H. Oaks about this scripture. I just found it yesterday. Take a minute to read it if you get a chance. Merry Christmas all!
It is so easy to get involved in the many things we have to do at Christmas time that we forget why we are celebrating. It is really all about the Savior. I have not done a lot of shopping this year with my leg. I have however spent a lot of time thinking about him and his mission. I know that we wouldn't be celebrating Christmas if there had not been a garden of Gethsemane , or a Crucifixion on a cross. Jesus birth is not the real thing we celebrate it is that he was born as a humble baby, and grew from boy to man, and ministered unto the world for 3 years, then gave his life so that we might live again. In the Ensign it told a story about the priests getting ready to bless the sacrament and there was not any bread. The Bishop stood up and ask what if Christ had not been born or given his life for us. Where would we be? We would be hopeless and life would have not meaning. Because of Christ we have meaning in our life. We know where we came from. We know why we are here. We know where we are going. We know we can be together forever with our families. Because Christ lived and died for us we have hope as he carries our burdens, and lifts our spirits, and forms us into better people. Because he lived and died I do not fear life or death. I try everyday to make the Savior a part of my life and try to do thing things that would make him know that I am his disciple.
Lissa suggested I focus on "you." That "you" is me! Christ was born for me. I'm sure he was born for each our you as well, but the real significance is that he was born for me. His gift is to all the world, but it is his gift to me that is the real meaning of Christmas. I can't do anything about the gift he gave to you. Sure I can try to influence your life in such a way that you find that gift, but it is up to you to find it; unwrap it; enjoy it; and share it. Christ's gift to me is infinite and eternal. It never gets old. I don't donate it to Good Will and hope to receive another one. It just keeps getting better the more I use it and share it.
Thanks Melissa for reminding me that Christ was born for ME. DAD
As I have thought about this scripture and the "you" as directed, a thought struck me. What struck me was that weather I lived today or 1000 years in the future or the past, the atonement would still be there for me. The Book of Mormon teaches us this very point (see 2 Nephi 2:23-27). The atonement is the culmination of Christ's mortal life. To me the ponderize scripture tells me it's not about when you live but how. If you follow His commandments, Christ's birth (life/mission) is a reason to celebrate and remember. If not it's just another birth or another holiday. It's not about the day but how we chose to live each day of ours.
Sorry this is so late but I hope that you had a great Christmas and I love this scripture it reminds that our savior was born as a little child and we all need to apply his love in our life's and I hope that we can emulate the Savior Jesus Christ in our life's all year long . Love Mariah
As I pondered this scripture I kept getting flashbacks of all the nativities done over the years. It amazes me how such a simple little nativity scene can once again bring us to fall on our knees again as we are reminded what was done for me and you.
I went to the temple yesterday morning. It's weird when you go by yourself, you notice things. Yesterday I noticed that even though you may go there with or for someone, the ordinances are performed one by one for individual people. This made me think of Christ's life. He was constantly surrounded by people, but probably felt very alone most of the time in his efforts and understanding. It just makes the Atonement that much more of a miracle when you stop to think about the fact that he did it for all of us, but individually it means something specific for each one of us as well. At this time of year we celebrate the gift of The Son, but he is the one who is still giving to us all- every day, sometimes every moment. He really does save us all!
ReplyDeleteI appreciated Jens comments. On more thing. There is a quick one page article in this months ensign by Dallin H. Oaks about this scripture. I just found it yesterday. Take a minute to read it if you get a chance. Merry Christmas all!
ReplyDeleteIt is so easy to get involved in the many things we have to do at Christmas time that we forget why we are celebrating. It is really all about the Savior. I have not done a lot of shopping this year with my leg. I have however spent a lot of time thinking about him and his mission. I know that we wouldn't be celebrating Christmas if there had not been a garden of Gethsemane , or a Crucifixion on a cross. Jesus birth is not the real thing we celebrate it is that he was born as a humble baby, and grew from boy to man, and ministered unto the world for 3 years, then gave his life so that we might live again. In the Ensign it told a story about the priests getting ready to bless the sacrament and there was not any bread. The Bishop stood up and ask what if Christ had not been born or given his life for us. Where would we be? We would be hopeless and life would have not meaning. Because of Christ we have meaning in our life. We know where we came from. We know why we are here. We know where we are going. We know we can be together forever with our families. Because Christ lived and died for us we have hope as he carries our burdens, and lifts our spirits, and forms us into better people. Because he lived and died I do not fear life or death. I try everyday to make the Savior a part of my life and try to do thing things that would make him know that I am his disciple.
ReplyDeleteLissa suggested I focus on "you." That "you" is me! Christ was born for me. I'm sure he was born for each our you as well, but the real significance is that he was born for me. His gift is to all the world, but it is his gift to me that is the real meaning of Christmas. I can't do anything about the gift he gave to you. Sure I can try to influence your life in such a way that you find that gift, but it is up to you to find it; unwrap it; enjoy it; and share it. Christ's gift to me is infinite and eternal. It never gets old. I don't donate it to Good Will and hope to receive another one. It just keeps getting better the more I use it and share it.
ReplyDeleteThanks Melissa for reminding me that Christ was born for ME. DAD
As I have thought about this scripture and the "you" as directed, a thought struck me. What struck me was that weather I lived today or 1000 years in the future or the past, the atonement would still be there for me. The Book of Mormon teaches us this very point (see 2 Nephi 2:23-27). The atonement is the culmination of Christ's mortal life. To me the ponderize scripture tells me it's not about when you live but how. If you follow His commandments, Christ's birth (life/mission) is a reason to celebrate and remember. If not it's just another birth or another holiday. It's not about the day but how we chose to live each day of ours.
ReplyDeleteSorry this is so late but I hope that you had a great Christmas and I love this scripture it reminds that our savior was born as a little child and we all need to apply his love in our life's and I hope that we can emulate the Savior Jesus Christ in our life's all year long .
ReplyDeleteLove Mariah
As I pondered this scripture I kept getting flashbacks of all the nativities done over the years. It amazes me how such a simple little nativity scene can once again bring us to fall on our knees again as we are reminded what was done for me and you.
ReplyDelete