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Talk November 10, 2025

Christmas Christ

I gave this talk on December 15th, 2024 in the Snowflake 6th Ward Sacrament Meeting at the historic Main Street Chapel in Snowflake, Arizona, per an assignment from President Todd Burk.

Isaiah

In foretelling the birth of Christ more than 700 years before it occurred, the prophet Isaiah used titles expressing great admiration: “Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father” (Isa. 9:6). Isaiah also used the titles Savior and Redeemer, expressing great faith in Christ and His mission (see Isa. 45:15; Isa. 47:4; Isa. 49:26; Isa. 60:16; Isa. 63:16). 

One of these titles that is of particular interest in our present world is “Prince of Peace” (Isa. 9:6). “Of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no end,” Isaiah declared (Isa. 9:7). 

Samuel the Prophet

The Lamanite prophet Samuel foretold the birth of the Savior five years before it happened. The people would not let Samuel into Zarahemla to preach, so he stood on a city wall and proclaimed: Five years before the Savior's birth, the Lamanite prophet Samuel prophesied about it. Samuel was prevented from preaching in Zarahemla, so he proclaimed his message from atop the city wall.

“Behold, I give unto you a sign; for five years more cometh, and behold, then cometh the Son of God to redeem all those who shall believe on his name.

“And behold, this will I give unto you for a sign at the time of his coming; for behold, there shall be great lights in heaven, insomuch that in the night before he cometh there shall be no darkness, insomuch that it shall appear unto man as if it was day. …

“And behold, there shall a new star arise, such an one as ye never have beheld; and this also shall be a sign unto you” (Hel. 14:2–3, 5).

Luke recorded the fulfillment of this prophecy:

“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 Judaea, 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” (Luke 2:1–14).

In the words of Cecil Frances Alexander:

He came down to earth from heaven,

Who is God and Lord of all,

And his shelter was a stable

And his cradle was a stall.

What gifts can we bring the Savior? 

Sometime after the Savior’s birth, wise men came from afar to visit the Savior. Each of them brought gifts, spurring the Christmas tradition we have today. 

As we consider the many gifts we will give this year, may we each consider what gift we will give the Savior this Christmas. 

I am the Christmas spirit!

I enter the home of poverty, causing pale-faced children to open their eyes wide, in pleased wonder.

I cause the miser’s clutched hand to relax, and thus paint a bright spot on his soul.

I cause the aged to renew their youth and to laugh in the old, glad way.

I keep romance alive in the heart of childhood, and brighten sleep with dreams woven of magic.

I cause eager feet to climb dark stairways with filled baskets, leaving behind hearts amazed at the goodness of the world.

I cause the prodigal to pause a moment on his wild, wasteful way, and send to anxious love some little token that releases glad tears—tears which wash away the hard lines of sorrow.

I enter dark prison cells, reminding scarred manhood of what might have been, and pointing forward to good days yet to be.

I come softly into the still, white home of pain, and lips that are too weak to speak just tremble in silent, eloquent gratitude.

In a thousand ways I cause the weary world to look up into the face of God, and for a little moment forget the things that are small and wretched.

I am the Christmas spirit!

[E. C. Baird, “The Christmas Spirit,”

It’s amazing to me that the more we give the Savior - the more we turn our lives over to him and follow his example - the more we find happiness and joy. As the angels declared to the shephards, “Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.” 

I bear my testimony of the joy the Savior has brought in my life and can bring in yours. I do this in the name of our great redeemer, even Jesus Christ, amen.