Come and See

In the Gospel of St. Luke, we read the account of the angel’s announcement of the birth of Jesus Christ to the Shepherds. The angel of the Lord said: “For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord (Luke 2:11). After the angel left the shepherds said: “Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass” (Luke 2:15). The scriptures then said the they “came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger” (Luke 2:16).

The shepherds not only came with haste to see the Christ child, but afterwards they then told everyone they met about it and then returned to the flocks “glorifying God for all the things that they had seen and heard” (Luke 2:20).

Later during Christ’s ministry, two disciples asked the Lord where he dwelt. His response was “come and see” (John 1:39).

During this Christmas season, in the midst of all the shopping, the parties, and the decorations are we following the example of the shepherds and going with haste to find Jesus Christ? The reason we celebrate Christmas is because of the baby that was born in Bethlehem long ago. Not only is this the most wonderful time of the year, but it is one of the busiest times and we can get caught up buying gifts and baking goodies that we forget what we are celebrating.

I would like us all to take a break from the hustle and bustle and pause next Sunday and go to church to celebrate Christmas. Show your gratitude for your Savior Jesus Christ by taking the time to worship with your neighbors and friends. I would particularly invite you to come and worship with us; The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. We will be having a special “Christmas” service with music and testimonies focusing on Jesus Christ. 

Like the disciples that were curious about Christ and his ministry, if you have ever wondered what our services are like; I invite you to come and see. Click on the link below for a personal invitation to come worship with us and find the nearest Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints service.

Light the World – One by One

One of the best things about a missionary here in Indiana during the Christmas season is that we can testify of Jesus Christ and invite others to join us in our celebration of the birth, the life, and the resurrection of Jesus Christ. I know that we do this every day, but during Christmas people are more willing to listen to our message. Most days I walk the 2 ½ miles home from the mission office to our apartment. Along the way I meet a lot of people that normally I would just smile, say hi and then go on. But now I stop and ask them I can give them a card (like this). I then tell them about the video “The Christ Child” and ask if they would watch it? On the back of the card is the address to view the video, I also have my contact information and the address and time of our church. I then invite them to come and worship with us during our Christmas Service on December 22^nd. Not one person has turned me down. They have all taken the card and then thanked me.

When I am in a store, I take the opportunity to hand out the cards to as many people as I can. Again, everyone takes the card and tell they will watch the video. One of the things about the people of Indiana is their love for Jesus Christ. They are believing people and love the Lord.

I would like to invite you, wherever you are to join us this Christmas season to “Light the World” one by one. You can go to www.lighttheworld.org and sign up for a daily suggestion on how you can participate.

I testify that the little baby whose birth we celebrate during Christmas is real. He was born as the scriptures say, his life and ministry was an example of how we should live and treat others. He was scourged and crucified so that we can be freed from the results of our sins. On the third day he broke the bands of death and was resurrected. Because of his resurrection, we will all be resurrected after we die. Because of His Atonement, we can be cleansed from our sins and return once again to dwell with our Heavenly Father as eternal families.

As a representative of Jesus Christ, I testify that He lives, that His Church, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, is once again on the earth. I invite you to find one of our churches and come worship with us to celebrate Christmas on December 22^nd.

Here is a link to one of my favorite Christmas Carols, “Mary Did You Know” by Pentatonix. I hope you enjoy it. Merry Christmas