Jesus Christ: The Savior Who Brings Hope, Joy and Peace

By Elder Fritzner A. Joseph

Area Seventy

As I reflect on Christmas as a boy, I remember we were poor, so I never received a gift for Christmas. However, Christmas was always my favorite season of the year. I have great memories of the warmth of our family gathering, the laughter of the kids playing, and the shared stories of the past. Additionally, the beauty of twinkling lights, the aroma of holiday meals, the tradition of baking cookies, making decorations, or singing carols. As a family, Christmas time is an uplifting moment for all of us because of the connections we build and the kindness we share. As President David O. McKay (1873–1970) said: “True happiness comes only by making others happy.”

The Promise of Salvation

With the Annunciation of the birth of Christ came our Heavenly Father’s promise of salvation for all mankind. “And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name Jesus: for he shall save his people from their sins.”

Another scripture states: “Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.”

The divine mission of Jesus Christ is to make it possible for all of us to experience joy in this world and eternal life in the world to come “and salvation cometh to none else.” We should have complete confidence in Him and His words, teachings, and promises. Through His Atonement, the Savior paid the price for our sins.

A Savior of Hope

Hope in Redemption: In the book of Ephesians, we read: “In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace.”
That means, through Jesus’ sacrifice, we can be redeemed and forgiven, bringing hope for a new beginning and a restored relationship with our Heavenly Father.
Hope in Times of Despair: “Cast thy burden upon the Lord, and he shall sustain thee: he shall never suffer the righteous to be moved.”
The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit. Jesus Christ offers hope and comfort to those who are suffering, promising to be with them in their pain and bring healing and restoration.
Hope for the Future: “And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away.”
This promise of a new heaven and earth, free from suffering and sorrow, is uplifting for all those who are obedient and faithful.

The True Spirit of Christmas

I’m grateful for the birth and the Atonement of Jesus Christ and for the profound impact of His life, death, and Resurrection on my own life. “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.”

Our gifts to Him during the Christmas season are to get closer to Him by looking for opportunities of service and for opportunities to testify of Him because our testimony can change the course of someone’s life. As true disciples, we need to take advantage of the spirit of Christmas to show love, compassion, and forgiveness.

The birth of Jesus Christ is more than a historical event; it is the fulfillment of our Heavenly Father’s promise of salvation and the embodiment of eternal hope for all His children. Jesus Christ is a symbol of light. In His presence, there is no place for darkness.

Maybe some of us are facing difficult situations. President Russell M. Nelson teaches “the joy we feel has little to do with the circumstances of our lives.”

As we celebrate Christmas, may we all rejoice in the reality that Jesus Christ was born to be our Savior, bringing to all of us hope that transcends earthly circumstances and points towards a future filled with hope, joy, and peace in the presence of our Heavenly Father.

His birth heralds a message of hope that shines brightly in a world often marred by darkness, offering the promise of redemption, reconciliation, and eternal life through faith in Christ.

I know He lives. He is my Savior, my Redeemer, my hope and my source of joy and peace.