Pastors Corner

Ritzville Branch Christmas is my favorite time of year! It is the time we celebrate Jesus Christ’s birth! His birth is important to me today and always will be. It is a glorious time of celebration!

Now, Is His birth important to you?

I love to read the story of the Savior’s birth from the scriptures. I rejoice that the King of kings came to earth, was born in a manger under the most humbling circumstances, and lived a perfect life! When Jesus was born, the joy in heaven was so great that along with the angel, a multitude of the heavenly host were praising God! In the Holy Bible it reads in Luke 2:8-14:

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

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

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

11 For unto you is aborn this day in the city of David a bSaviour, which is Christ the cLord.

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

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

14 aGlory to God in the highest, and on earth bpeace, good will toward men.

His influence in our lives today and especially at this Christmas season is a time to remember Christ, renew our determination to take upon His name, reassess our lives and examine our thoughts, our feelings, and our actions. Because we take upon His name, our hearts should be full of gratitude, and forgiveness. His Atonement will take on a whole new light and meaning to us personally. Let Christmas be a time of renewed commitment to live by the word of God and to obey His commandments. When we do this, we honor Jesus Christ far more than we ever could with fancy lights, and expensive gifts.

When we look back and celebrate His birth this time of year, it should also be a time of looking forward to the future. We should be looking forward to that glorious day when He will come again!

During this season, will we(?)see the importance of the Savior’s birth and feel sincere gratitude for His life, His teachings, and His saving sacrifice for us? Let us be determined to follow Him and have gratitude renewed in our hearts towards our Heavenly Father, our God for His Only Begotten Son! By doing this, we will find ourselves more committed to our families, our church, and our community. And may we look steadfastly forward to that blessed day when the resurrected Christ will walk the earth again as our Lord, our King, and our blessed Savior! May I wish all of you a Merry Christmas and may the New Year bring you and your family much happiness is my sincere prayer!