Keepers and Doers - More Christ in Christmas

 My Christmas ABC's

O is for obedient - Jesus said, "Yea rather, blessed are they that hear the word of God and keep it." (Luke 11:28 KJV)  Paul said of Jesus, "Though he were a Son, yet learned he obedience by the things which he suffered." (Hebrews 5:8 KJV) And Jesus also said, "My doctrine is not mine, but his that sent me. If any man will do his will, he shall know of the doctrine, whether it be of God, or whether I speak of myself." (John 7:16-17 KJV)

It is not enough just to profess faith or belief in Jesus Christ, we must be obedient to His and His Father's commandments. No corner cutting, no little white lies, no compromises, no cheating. Just plain, old-fashioned obedience. And when we don't measure up, we repent and keep working on it. Whatever our own "it" is. Jesus is patient, kind, merciful and loving. His grace is sufficient for our weaknesses.

We all need a Savior! And aren't we grateful that God, Our Heavenly Father provided one for us.

 

Close By - More Christ in Christmas

My Christmas ABC's

N is for near - From the prophet Zechariah, "Therefore say thou unto them, Thus saith the Lord of hosts; Turn ye unto me, saith the Lord of host, and I will turn unto you, saith the Lord of hosts." (Zechariah 1:3 KJV)

From James in the New Testament, "Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you." (James 4:8 KJV)

From Jesus, "Draw near unto me and I will draw near unto you; seek me diligently and ye shall find me; ask, and ye shall receive; knock, and it shall be opened unto you." (Doctrine and Covenants 88:63)

Jesus is close by, steadfast and not moving. It is I who moves away. When I move towards Jesus He is closer and I can feel Him and His influence. Let's not get so caught up in the frenzy of the holidays that we move away from the reason for this season. Stay close to Jesus and He'll stay close to you.

Nativity on Temple Square, Salt Lake City, UT

Giving the Benefit of the Doubt - More Christ in Christmas

 My Christmas ABC's

M is for mercy - Jesus said, "Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy." (Matthew 5:7 KJV)

My husband is so good about giving people the benefit of the doubt, believing they had good intentions, seeing the best in them. Jesus also said, "Judge not, and ye shall not be judged: condemn not, and ye shall not be condemned: forgive, and ye shall be forgiven." (Luke 6:37 KJV)

Remember to treat others the way you want to be treated, mercifully.

Banishing the Darkness - More Christ in Christmas

My Christmas ABC's

L is for light. Jesus said, "I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life." (John 8:12 KJV)

Celebrating a birthday in the midst of winter means that lights are all the more important. Most everyone enjoys seeing the bright, colorful displays of lights that appear during this season. Here in Minnesota it gets dark by 4:30 and lights are especially welcome.

Jesus Christ is the bright light that guides us through life as the darkness of evil deepens. The Psalmist wrote, "Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path." (Psalm 119:105 KJV) 

Take time to read Jesus's words and appreciate His light as you enjoy the twinkly lights of Christmas.

If Ye Love Me - More Christ in Christmas

My Christmas ABC's

 

K is for keep - Jesus said, "If ye love me, keep my commandments." (John 14:15 KJV)

In explaining the Parable of the Sower, Jesus said, "But that on the good ground are they, which in an honest and good heart, having heard the word, keep it, and bring forth fruit with patience." (Luke 8:15 KJV)

Jesus doesn't ask us just to believe in Him; He asks us to follow His example of obedience, to treat others as He did, to serve others as He did, to do the Father's will as He did. And knowing we can't be perfect as He is perfect, He took upon Himself our sins and weaknesses, our pains and sorrows, and gave His life for us, then was resurrected so that we too can live again. He asks us to have faith in Him, repent of our sins as often as we need to (that's daily for me), and follow His example. 

His gifts to us are forgiveness, comfort in times of pain or sorrow, strength to endure trials,  encouragement in our efforts to keep the commandments, and hope to continue through all things. Sometimes it's good to remember all the good gifts He gives us!