Christmas Advent Calendar - December 25th

Only Begotten

Jesus was born in the meridian of time, thus giving an ideal vantage point from which to look both backward and forward.

For the last 24 days you have stood, as it were, in Bethlehem, gazing in both directions.

You have heard the Master's voice in premortal councils. You have seen him suffer, die and rise again. You have watched him return triumphant in the clouds of heaven.

Now you are ready to focus with greater joy on that moment when heaven came down to earth.

"And it came to pass that I saw the heavens open; and an angel come down and stood before me; and he said unto me: Nephi, what beholdest thou? "And I said unto him: A virgin, most beautiful and fair above all other virgins... "And he said unto me: Behold, the virgin whom thou seest is the mother of the Son of God, after the manner of the flesh.

"And it came to pass that I beheld that she was carried away in the Spirit; and after she had been carried away in the Spirit for the space of a time the angel spake unto me, saying: Look!

And I looked and beheld the virgin again, bearing a child in her arms.

"And the angel said unto me: Behold the Lamb of God, yea, even the Son of the Eternal Father!" (1 Ne. 11:14-15, 18-21)

"And the angel said unto her, Fear not, Mary: for thou hast found favour with God.

"And, behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call his name JESUS.

"He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest:...

"Then said Mary unto the angel, How shall this be, seeing I know not a man?

"And the angel answered and said unto her, The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee; therefore also that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God. ...

"And Mary said, Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according to the work" (Luke 1:30-32. 34-35, 38).

"And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus, that all the world should be taxed. ...

"And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city.

"And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:)

"To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child.

"And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered.

"And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.

"And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.

"And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.

"And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for , behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.

"For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.

"And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.

"And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying,

"Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.

"And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hat made known unto us.

"And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger" (Luke 2:1, 3-16).

* Consider what gift you could give the Savior and determine to give it all year long.

* "Joy to the World," Hymns, no. 201.


The Light

We hope you've enjoyed this Christmas pilgrimage through the life of the Savior. If you have, there is still one last gift to open. Open your scriptures to the Topical Guide and look under "Jesus Christ" You will find 18 1/2 pages of references!

Christmas may be past, but you can go right on reading about the Savior's mission.

In fact, what you received here was only a small taste of the scriptural feast available.

The suggested activity for this day and the rest of your life is to read and enjoy the word of God as found in the holy scriptures. Give yourself a gift that fills every day of your life with the real spirit of Christmas.

Christmas Advent Calendar - December 24th

Jesus came to Bethlehem a humble babe, born in poverty. But he has promised to return to earth in majesty.

Then heaven and earth will be reconciled, and the King of Kings will reign.

"For as the lightning cometh our of the east, and shineth even unto the west; so shall also the coming of the Son of man be. ..."And then shall also the coming of the Son of man in heaven: and then shall all the tribes of the earth mourn, and they shall see the Son of man coming in the clouds of heaven with power and great glory. ..."But of that day and hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels of heaven, but my Father only. ..."Watch therefore: for ye know not what hour your Lord doth come" (Matt. 24:27, 29-30, 36, 42).

* Try to live this day as if it were the day of Christ's second coming.

* "When He Comes Again," Children's Songbook, p. 82.

Christmas Advent Calendar - December 23rd

Jesus is no mere figure from the past, captive in the pages of scripture. He lives today! He holds the universe to its course, and guides the work of his servants on the earth.

"And now. after the many testimonies which have been given of him, this is the testimony, last of all, which we give of him: That he lives! "For we saw him, even on the right hand of God; and we heard the voice bearing record that he is the Only Begotten of the Father - "That by him, and through him, and of him, the worlds are and were created, and the inhabitants thereof are begotten sons and daughters unto God" (D&C 76:19 - 20, 22 - 24).

* Go out with friends singing Christmas carols, but add some hymns about other aspects of Christ's ministry.

* "I Know That My Redeemer Lives," Hymns, no. 136.

Christmas Advent Calendar - December 22nd

As the holidays get busier and busier, we become involved in so may things - running errands, attending parties, buying presents, choosing wrapping paper and ribbons. It's easy to become focused on material things. Instead, let's remember where our lives ought to be centered.

"I am the bread of life: he that cometh to me shall never hunger: and he that believeth on me shall never thirst" (John 6:35). "I am the good shepherd, and know my sheep, and am known of mine" (John 10 - 14). I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, through he were dead, yet shall he live" (John 11:25). "I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness" (John 8:12).

* Go look at Christmas lights and think about where all light really comes from.

* "The Lord is My Shepherd," Hymns, no. 108

Christmas Advent Calendar - December 20th

Some things are almost too painful to think about. To see our Savior mocked and murdered is one such thing. And yet, throughout the scriptures, we should visit Calvary from time to time. We must never forget Jesus died so that we might live, and live more abundantly. "They stripped him, and put on him a scarlet robe. "And when they had platted a crown of thorns, they put it upon his head, and a reed in his right hand: and the bowed the knee before him, and mocked him, saying, Hail, King of the Jews!" And they spit upon him, and took the reed and smote him on the head" (Matt. 27:28-30).

"And when they were come to the place, which is called Calvary, there they crucified him. ..."Then said Jesus, Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do. And they parted his raiment and cast lots" (Luke 23:33-34) "And they that passed by railed on him, wagging their heads and saying, ah, thou that destroyest the temple, and buildest it in three days, "save thyself and come down from the cross. "Likewise also the chief priests mocking said among themselves with the scribes, He saved others; himself he can not save. "Let Christ the King of Israel descend now from the cross, that we may see and believe" (Mark 15:29-32).

* Read the accounts of the crucifixion in the four Gospels, and then write your feelings in your journal.

* "There is a Green Hill Far Away," Hymns, no. 194.

Christmas Advent Calendar - December 19

The greatest victory of all time was not won on a battlefield but in a quiet hillside garden.

We cannot fully understand the cost of that triumph, but as Christmas draws near we should at least try.

"O my Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me: nevertheless not as I will, but as thou wilt" (Matt. 26:39). "For behold, I, God, have suffered these things for all, that they might not suffer if they would repent, "But if they would not repent they must suffer even as I; "Which suffering caused myself, even God, the greatest of all, to tremble because of pain, and to bleed at every pore, and to suffer both body and spirit - and would that I might not drink the bitter cup, and shrink - "Nevertheless, glory be to the Father, and I partook and finished my preparations unto the children of men" (D & C 19: 16 - 19).

* Accept the gift of forgiveness. Pray to Heavenly Father about some weakness and ask for help in repenting of it.

* "How Great Thou Art," Hymns, no. 86

Christmas Advent Calendar - December 18th

We all have storms in our lives - storms of fear and anger and regret - storms at home, work and school. The Master's hand can calm all our tempests.

"And when he was entered into a ship, his disciples followed him, "And, behold, there arose a great tempest in the sea, insomuch that the ship was covered with the waves: but he was asleep. " And his disciples came to him, and awoke him, saying, Lord, save us: we perish. "And he saith unto them, Why are ye fearful, O ye of little faith? Then he arose, and rebuked the winds and the sea; and there was a great calm" (Matt. 8:23-26).

* Be a calming influence today. Try extra hard to control your temper.

* "Master, the Tempest Is Raging," Hymns, no. 105.

Christmas Advent Calendar - December 17th

Have you ever wished you could be baptized again and start over fresh? When we repent of our sins and partake of the sacrament worthily, we renew our covenants and are clean.

"Jesus commanded his disciples that they should bring forth some bread and wine,..."And ...he took of the bread and brake and blessed it..."And when the multitude had eaten and were filled, he said..."This shall ye do in remembrance of my body, which I have shown unto you. And it shall be a testimony unto the Father that ye do always remember me, And if ye do always remember me ye shall have my Spirit to be with you...(3 Ne. 18:1,3,5,7,9-11).

* As you partake of the sacrament, make a special effort to think about the Savior.

* "While of These Emblems We Partake," Hymns, no. 173.

Christmas Advent Calendar - December 16th

Jesus came to lift our burdens. One of the heaviest burdens we carry is that of hate. In teaching us to forgive, the Lord set us free.

"Then came Peter to him, and said, Lord, how oft shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? till seven times? "Jesus saith unto him, I say not unto thee, Until seven times: but, Until seventy times seven" (Matt. 18:21-22). "For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you: "But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses" (Matt. 6:14-15). "Behold I say unto you, love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them who dispitefully use you" (3 Ne. 12:44)

* Try to forgive someone who has wronged you. If appropriate, go to him today and be reconciled.

* "Did You Think to Pray?" Hymns, no.140

Christmas Advent Calendar - December 15th

Turmoil and strife, combat and competition - our world is full of the consequences of man dealing with man. But the Savior told us how to truly succeed, through peace on earth and good will toward men.

"If ye love me, keep my commandments" (John 14:15). "All things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them" (Matt. 7:12) "Whosoever will be great among you...shall be servant of all" (Mark 10:43-44). "A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another, as I have loved you, that ye also love one another. "By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another" (John 13:34-35).

* Today tell someone that you love them. Express love for the Lord in your prayers.

* Love One Another," Hymns, no. 308.

Christmas Advent Calendar - December 14th

Christmas would hardly be Christmas without children. They are so much of the magic in the season. The Savior also loved children. In both the New World and the old, he called the little ones to him.

"They brought their little children and set them down upon the ground round about him,..."...and he took their little children, one by one, and blessed them, and prayed unto the Father for them..."And...they saw the heavens open, and they saw angels descending out of heaven as it were in the midst of fire; and they came down and encircled those little ones about, ...and the angels did minister unto them (3 Ne. 17:12,21,24).

* Do Something fun with a little brother, sister, son, daughter or other child.

*"I Think When I Read That Sweet Story," Children's Songbook, p. 56.

Christmas Advent Calendar - December 13th

We don't like to think of illness or death at Christmastime, but these shadows can fall on any season. Jesus taught us an unforgettable lesson in empathy when he shared the grief of his friends aFter the death of Lazarus.

"Jesus wept. "Then said the Jews, Behold how he loved him!..."Then they took away the stone from the place where the dead was laid. And Jesus...cried with a loud voice, Lazarus, come forth. "And he that was dead came forth" (John 11:35,36,41,43,44)

* Do something to bring cheer to someone who has a reason to feel sad.

* "Abide with Me!" Hymns, no 166

Christmas Advent Calendar - December 12 (sorry it's late)

The Master taught that it isn't what you have that counts; it's what you give. Giving of yourself can fill your world with joy, not only at Christmas, but all year long.

"Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and thieves break through and steal; "But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal" (3 Ne, 13:19-20).

* You'll treasure the time you spend helping others. Do volunteer work for some worthy cause.

* "I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day", Hymns, no. 214.

Christmas Survey

I got tagged in the Christmas edition of getting to know your friends.

Okay, here's what you're supposed to do. Just copy and paste into a new e-mail that you can send. Change all the answers so that they apply to you. Then send this to a whole bunch of people you know, INCLUDING the person that sent it to you......Tis the Season to be jolly!

1. Wrapping paper or gift bags? Definitely wrapping paper and lots of ribbons and bows
2. Real tree or Artificial? Artificial. I put my tree up the day after Thanksgiving and a real tree doesn’t last that long.
3. When do you put up the tree? The day after Thanksgiving
4. When do you take the tree down? 1st day of the New Year
5. Do you like eggnog? YES! Absolutely!!
6. Favorite gift received as a child? Madame Alexander Bride doll
7. Hardest person to buy for? Scott, he buys what he wants all year so when Christmas gets here there is nothing left to get him.
8. Easiest person to buy for? Elliot and Evie, they like everything
9. Do you have a nativity scene? Yes – several of them
10. Mail or email Christmas cards? I totally prefer mail it is much more personal but I would take an email one, print it and put it on my door with the others.
11.Worst Christmas gift you ever received? I don’t think that is possible
12. Favorite Christmas Movie? Christmas Vacation, Elf and the Santa Clause Movies
13. When do you start shopping? The last minute
14. Have you ever recycled a Christmas present? Nope
15. Favorite thing to eat at Christmas? Do I have to answer this?
16. Lights on the tree? White and lots of them…the more the better.
17. Favorite Christmas song? The Messiah
18.Travel at Christmas or stay home? At home is the best with my own little family
19. Can you name all of Santa's reindeer's? Of course! Who can’t…is that possible?
20. Angel on the tree top or a star? Angel
21. Open the presents Christmas Eve or morning? We open new jammies on Christmas Eve and the rest in the morning.
22. Most annoying thing about this time of the year? It is too short!
23. Favorite ornament theme or color? My Christmas village, The North Pole from Department 56
24. Favorite for Christmas dinner? Ham from Honeybaked Hams
25. What do you want for Christmas this year? Food storage and 72 hour kits
26. What do you do for Christmas Eve? Open new jammies, load everyone up in the car with blankets and pillows and go look at Christmas light and sing Christmas carols. This year I am making prime rib for dinner.
27. Best Christmas tradition? Making hand dipped chocolates.

Christmas Advent Calendar - December 11th

We could labor every day of our lives and still not repay the kindness of our Lord. But he has shown us that there is a way to serve him.

"Then shall the righteous answer him, saying, Lord, when saw we thee an hungered, and fed thee? or thirsty, and gave thee drink? "When saw we thee a stranger, and took thee in? or naked, and clothed thee? "Or when saw we thee sick, or in prison, and came unto thee? "And the King shall answer... inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me" (Matt. 25:37-40).

* Visit someone who is sick or lonely.

* "A Poor Wayfaring Man of Grief," Hymns, no. 29.

Christmas Advent Calendar - December 10th

We take the agency of man for granted, but it was seriously challenged before our mortal lives even began. This Christmas let's give thanks for the one who defended our freedom.

"Satan... came before me saying - Behold, here am I, send me, I will be thy son, and I will redeem all mankind, that one soul shall not be lost, and surely I will do it; wherefore give me thine honor. "But, behold, my Beloved Son, which was my Beloved and Chosen from the beginning, said unto me - Father, thy will be done, and the glory be thine forever. "Wherefore, because that Satan rebelled against me, and sought to destroy the agency of man, which I, the Lord God, had given him...; by the power of mine Only Begotten, I caused that he should be cast down" (Moses 4:1-3)

* Use your agency to set some goals for yourself. Seal a copy in an envelope to be opened in a year.

* "How Great the Wisdom and the Love," Hymns, no. 195

Christmas Advent Calendar - December 9th

In a world divided by national, religious, political, and racial hatreds, it's time everyone reviewed Jesus' answer to the question, "Who is my neighbor?"

"A certain man went down form Jerusalem to Jericho, and fell amonng thieves, which stripped him of his raiment, and wounded him, and departed, leaving him half dead." And by chance there came down a certain priest that way and when he saw him, he passed by on the other side," And likewise a Levite, when he was at the place, came and looked on him, and passed by on the other side. "But a certain Samaritan, as he journeyed, came where he was: and when he saw him, he had compassion on him. "And went to him, and bound up his wounds, pouring in oil and wine, and set him on his own beast, and brought him to an inn, and took care of him..."Which now of these three, thinkest thou, was neighbour unto him that fell among thieves?" (Luke 10:30-34,36).

* Do a good deed anonymously.

* "Because I Have Been Given Much," Hymns, no. 219

Christmas Advent Calendar - December 8th

The greatest blessings aren't those of getting but those of becoming. Jesus taught:

"Blessed are the poor in spirit who come unto me, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven." And again, blessed are all they that mourn, for they shall be comforted. " And blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth. " And blessed are all they who do hunger and thirst after righteousness, for they shall be filled with the Holy Ghost." And blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy." And blessed are all the pure in heart, for they shall see God." And blessed are all the peacemakers, for they shall be called the children of god" (3 Ne. 12:3-9).

* Foster peace on earth by not quarreling with your brothers, sisters and other family members.

* "More Holiness Give Me," Hymns, no. 131

Christmas Advent Calendar - December 7th

The Savior knows the weight of our suffering and the depth of our pain. He has suffered for us, and he loves us without reservation. There is no problem so hard or despair so dark that he can't help us if we let him.

"He is despised and rejected of men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief: and we hid as it were our faces from him; he was despised, and we eseemed him not. "Surely he hath borne out griefs, and carried our sorrows; yet we did esteem him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted. "But he was wouneded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed" (Isa. 53:3-5). "Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest" (Matt. 11:28).

* Go out of your way to befriend someone who nees a friend. Follow through in the days and weeks to come.

* "Come unto Jusus," Hymns, no. 117.

Christmas Advent Calendar - December 6th

Jesus was a healer. He touched away blindness and filled withered limbs with new life. He restored the mind and soul. Surrounded by much hurt and sorrow we can, in our own way, be healers also. Sometimes a kind word and a helping hand are all that is needed.

"And...Jesus...cast his eyes...on the multitude, and beheld they were in tears, and did look steadfastly upon him as if they would ask him to tarry a little longer with them. "And he said until them: Behold, my bowels are filled with compassion towards you...."And ...all the multitude...did go forth with their sick and their afflicted, and their lame, and with their blind, and with their dumb, and with all them that were afflicted in any manner; and he did heal them every one "(3 Ne. 17:5, 6, 9).

* Try to be as kind as possible to others today.

* "I Need Thee Every Hour," Hymns, no. 98.