I hope you have an amazing Christmas today! Being a missionary on Christmas is definitely different than past Christmases, but I've kind of loved it. We don't have any of the normal Christmas things like trees or family or stockings, so our entire focus is on Christ and His birth and why He came to earth. This season we've taught so many lessons about Christ and Christmas, and everytime we share the Book of Mormon Christmas Story in 3 Nephi chapter 1. It takes place five years after Samuel the Lamanite prophesied of the sign of Christ's birth. All of the unbelievers have made plans to kill the believers unless the sign of Christ's birth comes. So it's the day before all of the believers would be put to death and they are starting to get a little panicked, "but behold, they did watch steadfastly for that day and that night and that day which should be as one day as if there were no night." (v. 8). Nephi, the prophet at the time, who is probably so stressed because all of his people are going to be killed, "cries mightily" to the Lord in hopes of some comfort and deliverance.
Now think of the night before you leave on vacation. Normally, it's a little chaotic trying to get everything ready. Now imagine what it would have been like in heaven the night before Christ came to earth. Sister Snowder always says, "I imagine it was a little chaotic, if it's possible for there to be chaos in heaven."
Now as Nephi is crying unto the Lord "the voice of the Lord came unto him, saying: Lift up your head and be of good cheer; for behold, the time is at hand, and on this night shall the sign be given, and on the morrow come I into the world." Christ, the night before He comes to earth, takes time out of His preparations to come and visit Nephi and comfort him in his time of distress.
This story teaches of Christ's character. In a devotional given by David A. Bednar he describes the character of Christ. He says, the character of Christ is to look outward when the natural, mortal instinct is to turn inward. In times of preparation, trial, or distress we as mortals tend to turn inward and focus on our personal needs, but Christ's instinct is to look outward and focus on the needs of others.
I know that Christ is always concerned with us and our needs. He is always reaching out to each of us and His arms never get tired waiting for us to reach back. He will always come to our aid, just as He did that night in a manger so many years ago. I promise that He knows you each so personally and individually and He knows perfectly how to help you in your times of need. I know that as soon as you reach out to Christ that He will run to your aid and give you the comfort and help you need. He loves you more than you can imagine! I invite each of you this Christmas to take a look at 3 Nephi chapter 1 and to think of Christ and all He's done for you and to say a prayer of gratitude for Christ and His hand in your life.
Love you all! Have the Merriest Christmas! 🎄
Sister Carlson
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