Author: gh12thward

When I was growing up, my family never did much for any holidays. Even the big holidays, like Christmas, were mellow. There were two things, however, that I remember my parents doing each year at Christmas. They would always sign up for some sort of Giving Tree or Secret Santa and my dad would always read Luke 2 to the whole family. As a kid and teenager, reading Luke 2 was not exactly high on my list of things to do on Christmas. I also have older half-siblings that have left the church and are married to people that come from non-Christian religious backgrounds, so I thought it was awkward and uncomfortable to read the story of Christ’s birth to all of them. I often thought, “why is my dad doing this?” or “why would my siblings care to hear about the birth of Christ?”

As I’ve gotten older and have matured in my testimony of the Savior, I now know why my dad used to read the story of Christ’s birth to all of us. Christ’s birth is, in my opinion, the second most important event to happen on this earth, with the most important being Christ’s atonement. Christ has been the single most influential leader, teacher, healer, and caregiver this world has ever seen and that doesn’t even take into account his atoning sacrifice for each of us. I now understand that my dad was trying to get us all to be more connected to Christ and to realize his importance in our lives. Christ was born and died for all of us whether we’re actively living His gospel, have left the church, or come from different religious beliefs. He is the greatest gift any of us could have received. No matter how unexcited or uncomfortable I was to read Luke 2 each year, I am grateful that my dad understood that and took the time to read the story of Christ’s birth to us.

During this Christmas season, I hope we can take the time to connect with our Savior and remember His birth, His life, and His atoning sacrifice. This world needs more of Christ’s teachings, His spirit, and His light and it starts with us and starts in our homes. I know that He lives and has made it possible for us to have eternal life. I know that He loves each of us and continues to watch over us and care for us each day. I pray that we can use this Christmas season to remember Him and make Him a bigger part of our lives.

With love and wishing you a Merry Christmas,

Brother Jason Jackson

Know ye that the Lord he is God: it is he that hath made us, and not we ourselves; we are his people,
and the sheep of his pasture.
Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless
his name.
For the Lord is good; his mercy is everlasting; and his truth endureth to all generations.:”

• Psalm 100:3-5

Thanksgiving is my very favorite holiday. It’s a day that allows me to celebrate and pass the time with 3
of my very favorite things: family, friends, and food (and to be completely honest, there is a fourth item
on this shortlist – Football, which not coincidentally is always best when watched with family, friends,
and food. Seriously… it’s the perfect holiday. Anyway, I digress). In addition to all that, the main reason
that I love the Thanksgiving season so much is because it is a holiday that pushes us to reflect on all that
we’ve been blessed with, and on He who provides the blessings. The act of reflecting on the many ways
that my Heavenly Father has been, and continues to be, an active participant in my life is always
uplifting, humbling, and testimony affirming. It brings me joy and peace. And it opens my heart to feel
the Holy Ghost testify of the pivotal truth, that Heavenly Father and my Savior Jesus Christ love us SO
VERY much.

This month, I Invite all of us to take on the challenge laid out by the Psalmist, and ponder on the truth
that “the Lord he is God: it is he that hath made us” and then let us “be thankful unto Him, and bless His
name.” As we do so, I know that we will recognize His hand in our lives, and feel of the everlasting love
that He has for us.

With love and gratitude for each of you this Thanksgiving season,
Brother Todd Herlin