Family Home Evening, December 3, 2007

Happy Family Home Evening Family,

We're entering the "most wonderful time of the year." Below I share some words from Elder Robert Hales:

When the Savior was born, an angel of the Lord appeared to humble shepherds, announcing, "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." (Luke 2:10-11)

But there is more to the Christmas story than the transcendent miracles of a new star and the birth of the Christ child. These marvelous occurrences were the culmination of centuries of prophecy and testimony from prophets of God. Without these prophecies, many may feel justified in not believing these miraculous events. But we have been given many witnesses of the birth, life, and mission of the Savior from prophets in every dispensation. Sacred records give us the prophecies of thousands of years--not only of the first coming of our Savior, but also of the Second Coming--a glorious day that will certainly, most assuredly, come.

Believing in the Savior and His mission is so essential that the first principle of the gospel is faith in Jesus Christ. What is faith? The Apostle Paul taught that faith "is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen" (Hebrews 11:1). How do we gain evidence of our Savior, whom we have not seen? The scriptures teach us, "To some it is given by the Holy Ghost to know that Jesus Christ is the Son of God, and that he was crucified for the sins of the world, To others it is given to believe on their words, that they also might have eternal life if they continue faithful" (?D&C 46:13-14).

The Apostle Paul wrote, "Faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God" (Romans 10:17), It all starts with a desire to believe. When the challenges of mortality come, and they come for all of us, it may seem hard to keep believing. At these times, only faith in the Lord Jesus Christ and His Atonement can bring us peace, hope, and understanding.

When we gain this faith, we experience a mighty change of heart . . . and we become stronger and begin to feel a desire for the welfare of our brothers and sisters.

Jesus Christ did come. He did live. And He will come again. That is a wonderful truth to carry in our hearts at Christmas and all year long.

Have a great week,

Love, Mom and Dad xoxoxoxoxoxoxooxo