Nativity in Copper and Umber, by J. Kirk Richards

December 20–26

Christmas

The Matchless Gift of God’s Divine Son

One way to focus your thoughts on the Savior this Christmas is to study “The Living Christ: The Testimony of the Apostles.” This outline suggests ways you can make this prophetic testimony part of your personal and family gospel study.

Record Your Impressions

In 1838, 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, 49). Years later, President Russell M. Nelson noted that “it was this very statement of the Prophet that provided the incentive for 15 prophets, seers, and revelators to issue and sign their testimony to commemorate the 2,000th anniversary of the Lord’s birth. That historic testimony is titled ‘The Living Christ.’ Many members have memorized its truths. Others barely know of its existence. As you seek to learn more about Jesus Christ, I urge you to study ‘The Living Christ’” (“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 Personal Scripture Study

“None other has had so profound an influence.”

What thoughts come to you as you read Luke 2:10–11 along with the first paragraph of “The Living Christ”? What would you say in support of the statement that “no other has had so profound an influence [as Jesus Christ] upon all who have lived and will yet live upon the earth”? Look for truths in “The Living Christ” that describe the Savior’s profound influence. How has He influenced you and brought you “great joy”? (Luke 2:10).

“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 five). Consider reading about these visits in John 20–21; 3 Nephi 11–26; and Joseph Smith—History 1:14–20. What do you learn about the Savior from His words and actions during these appearances?

“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 worship Jesus Christ (see Doctrine and Covenants 93:19).

“He will someday return to earth.”

Christmas is a time both 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”? It might also be interesting to read, sing, or listen 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. The following scriptures can help you ponder how Jesus Christ is “the light, the life, and the hope of the world”: Luke 2:25–32; 1 Corinthians 15:19–23; Moroni 7:41; Doctrine and Covenants 50:24; 84:44–46; 93:7–10. How is He your light, life, and hope? What other attributes or titles of the Savior mean the most to you?

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

Light of the World, by Howard Lyon

Ideas for Family Scripture Study and Home Evening

“The Living Christ.”To help your family understand the truths taught about the Savior in “The Living Christ,” you could select some key phrases and work together to find or draw pictures that illustrate those phrases. You could then compile those pictures and phrases into a book.

“We offer our testimony.”What do we learn from “The Living Christ” about what it means to bear testimony? You may want to record your testimonies of Christ to commemorate the Savior’s birth.

“He went about doing good.”How might your family follow the Savior’s example of service this Christmas? How will you spread “peace and goodwill” in your family and community? How can you help bring “healing [to] the sick”? You may find ideas in some of the Christmas videos on the Gospel Media app or Gospel Media library (medialibrary.ChurchofJesusChrist.org). (For ideas, see Christmas.ComeuntoChrist.org.)

“God be thanked for the matchless gift of His divine Son.”What gifts have we received because of Jesus Christ? Perhaps family members could find answers in “The Living Christ” and then gift wrap items that represent those gifts from the Savior. Your family could open the presents on Christmas day or throughout the week and read scriptures related to each one. Here are some possible scriptures, though your family may find many others: Luke 2:10–14; 1 Peter 2:21; Mosiah 3:8; Alma 11:42–43; Doctrine and Covenants 18:10–12. You could also sing a song about the Savior, such as “He Sent His Son” (Children’s Songbook, 34–35), to find other gifts that come from Him.

For more ideas for teaching children, see this week’s outline in Come, Follow Me—For Primary.

Suggested song: “Hark! The Herald Angels Sing,” Hymns, no. 209.

Improving Personal Study

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).