Merry Christmas!

What does the birth of Christ mean to me?

In our relief society lesson sister Eddy and I were asked to participate in our "Christmas in Zarahemla" program. After reading a section of scripture from the Book of Mormon regarding the time of Christ's birth we were to respond to the question, "what does the birth of Christ mean to you?" 

What a question! There are so many ways you can answer that! Many different things came to mind but what my mind was always drawn back to was the word 'light'. 

Jesus Christ is the light of the world. He is the light that we are supposed to hold up. It is the light of Christ that all are given, that tells us what is good and right and true. When He came into the world light is what heralded him in. Light from a new star that led the wise men to him, light so bright that it was as if there was no night between two days on the American continent. Light around the Angels and the shepherds. Light in the hearts of the nephite believers who were about to be put to death because of their belief that the Messiah would come.  

Is it any wonder that we put lights up everywhere at this time of year? Lights on trees, on houses, in windows and, at my house, in milk jugs. These lights push back the dark and coldness of winter at least a little bit and remind us of Jesus Christ and the light and hope that he brings into our lives. 

I don't like physical darkness, I wish that the sun could stay up all day. I really don't like spiritual darkness. Darkness that comes from Sin and temptation, but I am so grateful for the light that casts out spiritual darkness that comes from Jesus Christ and repentance and partaking of the sacrament. The light that comes from Christ will always be available. We can always have access to it. It is the light that keeps me going even when things in my life seem dark. I know that I can come unto Christ and receive of his light and never be in darkness.

During this Christmas, I invite you to think about your own answer to the question, 'What does the birth of Christ mean to you?' And share it with someone else. I know that as you do, the spirit of Christmas will enter into your heart more abundantly.