Detail from Nativity in Copper and Umber, by J. Kirk Richards

December 22–28: The Matchless Gift of God’s Divine Son

Christmas

The Prophet Joseph Smith declared, “The fundamental principles of our religion are the testimony of the Apostles and Prophets, concerning Jesus Christ, that He died, was buried, and rose again the third day, and ascended into heaven; and all other things which pertain to our religion are only appendages to it” (Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Joseph Smith [2011], 49). Over 160 years later, this statement inspired the First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve Apostles to publish “The Living Christ: The Testimony of the Apostles” in honor of the 2,000th anniversary of the Savior’s birth (see Russell M. Nelson, “Drawing the Power of Jesus Christ into Our Lives,” Ensign or Liahona, May 2017, 40).

As Latter-day Saints, we rejoice in the blessing of continuing revelation through modern prophets and apostles. We are thankful for their inspired words of counsel, warning, and encouragement. But most of all, we are blessed by their powerful testimonies of Jesus Christ—at Christmastime and throughout the year. These are more than just stirring words of skilled writers or public speakers or insights from scriptural experts. They are the words of God’s chosen, called, and authorized “special witnesses of the name of Christ in all the world” (Doctrine and Covenants 107:23).

Ideas for Learning at Home and at Church

“None other has had so profound an influence.”

What would you say in support of the statement that “none other has had so profound an influence [as Jesus Christ] upon all who have lived and will yet live upon the earth”? Look for passages in “The Living Christ” that testify of the Savior’s profound influence. How has He influenced you?

Suppose someone who is unfamiliar with Christianity asked you why you celebrate Christmas. How would you respond? Review “The Living Christ” with this question in mind, and consider writing down any thoughts or impressions that come to you.

See also “Why We Need a Savior” (video), Gospel Library.

Why We Need a Savior

“He rose from the grave.”

In “The Living Christ,” the Apostles testify of the Resurrection of the Savior, mentioning three appearances of the risen Lord (see paragraph 5). Consider reading some accounts of these visits in John 20; 3 Nephi 11; and Joseph Smith—History 1:14–20. What do you learn about the Savior from His words and actions during these appearances?

Focus on the Savior. “Prayerfully reading ‘The Living Christ’ is like reading the testimonies of Matthew, Mark, Luke, John, and the prophets of the Book of Mormon. It will increase your faith in the Savior and help you stay focused on Him” (M. Russell Ballard, “Return and Receive,” Ensign or Liahona, May 2017, 65).

“His priesthood and His Church have been restored.”

During your study of the Doctrine and Covenants this year, you have had the opportunity to learn more about how the Savior’s “priesthood and His Church have been restored.” Which restored truths or principles have been especially meaningful to you? Consider reviewing some of the following scriptures that teach about the Restoration: Doctrine and Covenants 1:17–23; 13; 20:1–12; 65; 110; 112:30–32; 124:39–42; 128:19–21. Ponder how the truths of the restored gospel help you know and love Jesus Christ.

“He will someday return to earth.”

Christmas is a time to look back on the day Jesus Christ was born and to look forward to the day He will come again. What do you learn about His return from the second-to-last paragraph of “The Living Christ”? You might also consider reading, singing, or listening to Christmas hymns that teach about the Second Coming, such as “Joy to the World” or “It Came upon the Midnight Clear” (Hymns, nos. 201, 207).

“He is the light, the life, and the hope of the world.”

In the final paragraph of “The Living Christ,” note the attributes and titles given for the Savior. Consider spending time learning about some of them. For example:

Light: How is Jesus Christ like a light to you? You might consider drawing a picture or taking a photo that, to you, represents the light He gives you. What do you feel inspired to do to share His light? (See also John 8:12; 3 Nephi 18:24; Doctrine and Covenants 50:24.)

Life: Why do you think life is a good word to describe Jesus Christ? In what sense does He give you life? How would your life be different without Him and His gospel? (See also John 10:10; 1 Corinthians 15:19–23; Doctrine and Covenants 66:2.)

Hope: What do you hope for because of Jesus Christ and His gospel? Do you know someone who feels hopeless about the future? Ponder how you might share with that person the hope you feel in Jesus Christ. (See also Romans 8:24–25; Ether 12:4; Moroni 7:41.)

See also Topics and Questions, “Jesus Christ,” Gospel Library.

“God be thanked for [His] matchless gift.”

In “The Living Christ,” the Apostles refer to the Savior as a “gift” from our Heavenly Father. Based on what you find in “The Living Christ,” how would you complete this sentence: “Through Jesus Christ, God gives me the gifts of …” Ponder what you can do to receive these gifts more fully.

How has studying “The Living Christ” affected your faith in and love for the Savior?

See also Russell M. Nelson, “Four Gifts That Jesus Christ Offers to You” (First Presidency Christmas devotional, Dec. 2, 2018), Gospel Library; “Excerpts from ‘The Living Christ: The Testimony of the Apostles’” (video), ChurchofJesusChrist.org.

Excerpts from "The Living Christ: The Testimony of the Apostles"

For more ideas, see this month’s issues of the Liahona and For the Strength of Youth magazines.

Ideas for Teaching Children

I can “offer [my] testimony” to celebrate Jesus’s birth.

• Consider how you might introduce your children to “The Living Christ.” Maybe you could help them point to the name Christ in the title and the signatures of the First Presidency and Twelve. You might explain that this is their testimony of Jesus Christ that they wanted to share with the world.

• You could give each child a phrase from “The Living Christ” and ask them to find or draw a picture of that phrase. Then you could help them find the phrase in “The Living Christ.” You might even compile those pictures and phrases into a book.

• Share with one another how you gained your testimony of Jesus Christ. Maybe you could pass around a picture of the Savior and take turns sharing something you know about Him (including truths taught in “The Living Christ”).

“He went about doing good.”

• As you and your children read the second paragraph of “The Living Christ,” talk with them about some of the things Jesus did. You could also look at pictures from His life (see this week’s activity page and the Gospel Art Book). Invite your children to talk about what the Savior is doing in the pictures. How can we serve others as He did? The “Light the World” videos in the Gospel Library could give you ideas.

“He is the light, the life, and the hope of the world.”

• Help your children find Christmas hymns that tell of the light, life, and hope that the Savior’s birth brought to the world, such as “O Little Town of Bethlehem” (Hymns, no. 208). Sing the hymns together, and let your children share how Jesus has brought light, life, and hope into their lives.

“God be thanked for the matchless gift of His divine Son.”

• What gifts have we received because of Jesus Christ? Perhaps you and your children could look for these gifts in “The Living Christ” or in a song like “He Sent His Son” (Children’s Songbook, 34–35). Then they could gift-wrap something to represent those gifts. You could suggest that your children open the gifts on Christmas Day to help them remember the Savior and His gifts to us.

For more ideas, see this month’s issue of the Friend magazine.