I Believe in Christ

At the century mark of a new millennium, people are inclined to speak about momentous events that have shaped the world as we know it. Without a doubt, the singular worldly event that has influenced every aspect of our lives is the birth and ministry of our Savior Jesus Christ.

Two thousand years after His birth, billions now know His name. His influence stretches across continents and oceans to the far reaches of the earth. Yet, the importance of the Savior’s life and sacrifice becomes intensely personal. We honor Him as we make righteous choices. We are guided by His example. We find peace in His love.

As we struggle to find the words to testify of our Lord and Savior, we sometimes fall short. But in the attempt, we find our words not only strengthen ourselves but can strengthen others.

Who can deny the power and majesty of the Prophet Joseph Smith’s words as he bears testimony of Jesus Christ?

“And now, after the many testimonies which have been given of him, this is the testimony, last of all, which we give of him: That he lives!

“For we saw him, even on the right hand of God; and we heard the voice bearing record that he is the Only Begotten of the Father—

“That by him, and through him, and of him, the worlds are and were created, and the inhabitants thereof are begotten sons and daughters unto God” (D&C 76:22–24).

In honor of our Savior’s birth, we have gathered these testimonies of Christ from youth who, though they live in many different places, share a conviction that the Church is true and can lead them back to their Father in Heaven through the Atonement of Jesus Christ.

“I love Jesus Christ so much and am so grateful for the sacrifice He has made for all of us. Heavenly Father cannot dwell with any imperfect being, and sometimes this makes me sad because I am certainly not perfect. But then I remember that Jesus took all of our sins upon Himself and suffered so we can gain eternal life and return to live with our Heavenly Father. I know that Jesus is my Savior, and although I can never come close to repaying Him for what He has done for me, by sharing His gospel, I can hope to bring more people into the light of Christ.”

Leah Anderson, 15
Shell Beach, California

“For me, gaining and living up to my testimony has been an essential part of my life. I know this Church is true. I know that Jesus Christ was the Son of God, that Joseph Smith is a true prophet, and that our prophet today receives revelation from God Himself. I know this through personal revelation. No matter what happens in my life, I know that I have felt the Spirit and the Holy Ghost has witnessed to me the truthfulness of the gospel. This I cannot deny.”

Joseph Pulido, 17
Surrey, England

“I know Christ atoned for my sins. I’m so grateful that I was able to be baptized four years ago. I’m so grateful for the plan of salvation. I want to live a good life. I can’t wait to serve a mission. I hope someday to baptize my grandparents. That would be one of the happiest days of my life because then they will understand the excitement I have for the gospel.”

Joel Simmonds, 16
Calgary, Alberta, Canada

“I know that even though my life is full of tests and trials, if I let my Savior be my guiding light and follow in His footsteps I will be able to rejoice with Him and Heavenly Father and all my righteous brothers and sisters in the celestial kingdom and live up to all He wants me to be.”

Carrie Morris, 15
Tyngsboro, Massachusetts

“I can’t express to you in words how important it is to be close to your family. My father just passed away. I now have a new outlook on life. I loved my dad. He was my hero, teacher, and best friend. Through Jesus Christ, I know I will see my dad again, and when I do I will cry out for joy and tell him again that I love him.”

Rishawn Newman, 15
Las Vegas, Nevada

“My family loves to travel, so I have been to our church meetings in many different countries. Even though I don’t understand all they say, I can feel the Holy Ghost testifying to me that it is the Lord’s church. I am so thankful to Jesus. He is my Savior and Redeemer. I am thankful that the Lord restored the Church through Joseph Smith. I know this Church is true.”

Lauren Fredrickson, 14
Brussels, Belgium

“I believe that Jesus Christ did accomplish the miracles that the scriptures speak of. I believe that Jesus Christ died on the cross and was resurrected to break the bands of death. I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God, as we are also His children, and that He is our Savior.”

Nathan Jones, 14
New Orleans, Louisiana

“I have been truly blessed to have the gospel in my life and to have the knowledge I have about the Atonement. I know that Jesus Christ is the Son of God. I know that He came to this earth and He died for me. I am so grateful to know that because of Him I am able to return back to my Father in Heaven.”

Jenna Curgenven, 15
Winchester, England

“I know that Jesus Christ lives, and I am so very grateful to Him for what He did for us. I think it is so wonderful that we, as sinners, are able to repent and later be resurrected because of what Jesus did. I’m eternally indebted to Him.”

Angela Johnson, 16
Caracas, Venezuela

“I live where the Church is not very strong. It takes a lot to stand up for what is right where there are so few who support you. But Christ will always be there to love and support us. I love my Savior very much. He has shown the greatest love towards me. He gave the ultimate sacrifice for me. I will always love Him.”

Robbie Porter, 16
Slidell, Louisiana

“I know this Church is true, and I love it with all my heart. I love my Heavenly Father for giving me so many wonderful chances to come back to Him and also for loving me so much that He gave His only Begotten Son. I’m amazed that someone so perfect could ever love me enough to pay for my sins. Jesus Christ’s example helps me to live righteously and better.”

Mandy Wakamatsu, 15
Yang San, South Korea

“I love my Savior, Jesus Christ, and my Heavenly Father. Because I love Them so much, I will honor Them. I love Them so much my heart weeps with joy.”

Melissa Nichols, 16
Anchorage, Alaska

Painting In Remembrance of Me by Walter Rane

Painting He Is Risen by Del Parson