Christmas: “Good Tidings of Great Joy” (December 18-24)

Detail from The Birth of Jesus by Carl Heinrich Bloch

Christmas brings us closer to God. The lights, the gifts, the family gatherings, and other traditions betoken the central focus of the holiday: the birth of the Only Begotten of the Father (John 1:14, 2 Nephi 25:12, Alma 5:48, Alma 9:26, Alma 13:9), who was Himself the Creator, the Father of heaven and earth (2 Nephi 25:12, Mosiah 3:8, Alma 11:39, Helaman 14:12). The irony of “God himself” coming to earth (Mosiah 13:34) and “[dwelling] in a tabernacle of clay” (Mosiah 3:5) fills us with gratitude and inspires us to turn our hearts outward, toward those whom we can uplift.

In the novel A Christmas Carol, Marley’s ghost asks an insightful question as he laments missed opportunities for service: “Why did I walk through crowds of fellow-beings with my eyes turned down, and never raise them to that blessed Star which led the Wise Men to a poor abode! Were there no poor homes to which its light would have conducted me!”

That question reminds us that Christmas symbols can have great power if we allow them to motivate Christlike actions. Here are some blog posts I’ve written over the past few years about Christmas symbols, coupled with thoughts about how we can convert each symbol into practice. I hope you find these ideas useful in your celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ this month.

• The Star – Just as a star guided the wise men to Bethlehem (Matthew 1:1-2), and just as a new star indicated to people on the American continent that the Savior had been born (3 Nephi 1:21), we can help light the world this Christmas season.
• The Tree - A tree covered with lights can remind us of the tree in Lehi’s dream (1 Nephi 8:10-12), which represents the love of God. (See 1 Nephi 11:21-22.)
• The Inn – As we reflect on the lodging place that had no room for Mary and Joseph (Luke 2:7), we can resolve to make all feel welcome, particularly those who might be marginalized or in need of additional support.
• Shepherds – The first visitors to the stable remind us that Jesus is the Good Shepherd (John 10:11, 14, Alma 5:37-41, 60) and that He has asked for our help in shepherding His flock.
• Wise Men – The Magi who arrived in Jerusalem seeking the King of the Jews were aware of the prophecies of His coming and had seen the sign. (See Matthew 2:1-2.) On the American continent, shortly before the birth of Jesus, “angels did appear unto men, wise men, and did declare unto them glad tidings of great joy” (Helaman 16:14). We can also be wise men and women by studying the words of prophets, being observant, and being receptive to guidance from God.
• Gifts – James taught, “Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights” (James 1:17). And Moroni wanted us to “remember that every good gift cometh of Christ” (Moroni 10:18). As we give and receive gifts this season, we can remember the supernal gifts God has given us, and we can open our hearts to receive them.

I hope these symbols of Christmas are meaningful to you as you celebrate the birth of the Savior.