In Our Communities

During the Christmas holiday, there are a lot of people everywhere we go. There are long lines at the grocery stores, department stores, and just about any other store out there. Our community is buzzing with excitement and is getting busy – too often for the wrong reasons. We focus too much on fun parties, expensive gifts, and delicious food. But, Christmas has never been about those things. It is about commemorating the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ. Everything else is just extra. There’s no room for our Savior if we rush, hurry, and worry all the time. We need to focus less on material things and focus more on spiritual things during the Christmas season in our community. This way, we can free up a lot of space for Jesus.

In Our Families

Christmas holiday brings out opportunities for family members to spend more time together. Make the most out of your time by doing activities that will draw you closer to each other and to Jesus Christ. Teach your children about the importance of sharing blessings with others. Show greater love and appreciation for your spouse. Do something special for your parents and siblings. An ideal family Christmas is not about having matching sweaters, gifts under the Christmas tree, or a feast on the dining table. Rather, it is about having a Spirit of love in the home.

Don’t have a house full of loved ones? Don’t worry. Christmas is the perfect time for you to feel that you have a family with God. You are Heavenly Father’s child and Jesus Christ is your “Big Brother.” No one is ever alone with Them at your side. As you come to understand and apply the true essence of Christmas within your families, you will feel the magic – found in the Savior – which this season brings.

In Our Hearts

The Bible says “As a man thinketh in his heart, so is he (Proverbs 23:7).” It means that what is in your heart is a reflection of who you are. Think about your deepest yearnings and desires. Is Jesus a part of them? If not, it is time to make major changes in your life. Making room for Jesus starts within you. As you center your life on Him, it will have a domino effect on other aspects of your life, such as in your family and your community. You can start trying to keep Him in your thoughts and heart this Christmas and carry it throughout the year.

A Real Christmas

Let’s pattern our Christmas after that first Christmas in Bethlehem. It was simple yet heartwarming. It was a night to remember in the history of the world because it focused on the Savior. Have a real Christmas this year by making room for Jesus.

The post Make Room for Jesus This Christmas appeared first on morefaith.ph.

Let’s look at a few instances from before, during and after the Savior’s advent. From these events, we can just imagine how Mary handled every daunting situation that would have unnerved any ordinary woman.

The Announcement from the Angel Gabriel

Being engaged to marry Joseph, Mary could have been excited, even a bit jittery, that her wedding was drawing near. I can just imagine her being occupied with what to wear, what to prepare, the guest list, etc. All of these must have been overwhelming for a young woman about to be wed.

Then came the heavenly announcement.

“And the angel came in unto her, and said, Hail, thou that art highly favoured, the Lord is with thee: blessed art thou among women…

And, behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call his name JESUS.”

I imagine how this must have shattered all of her plans of what she thought her life would be like.

The scandal of conceiving a child before marriage!

Not just that! It was to be no ordinary offspring.

“He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest: and the Lord God shall give unto him the throne of his father David:

And he shall reign over the house of Jacob for ever; and of his kingdom there shall be no end.”

Any woman, would be surprised and even frightened at such a pronouncement, maybe even faint. But no, not Mary! Despite her apprehensions, she gracefully accepted.

“And Mary said, Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according to thy word.”

What great faith! Her trust in God made her will subject to the divine plan of Heavenly Father. At a young age, she already trusted in the grandeur of the Plan of Salvation. She knew what she had to do and faithfully obeyed her Father.

Travels During Her Pregnancy

I would like to think that Mary was like any other pregnant woman. I think she also experienced morning sickness and the whole nine yards. But when she traveled to see her cousin, Elizabeth, in her 1st trimester, she willingly traveled the 90-mile stretch of mountainous terrain.

“And Mary arose in those days, and went into the hill country with haste, into a city of Judah;

And entered into the house of Zacharias, and saluted Elisabeth…

And Mary abode with her about three months, and returned to her own house.”

This was not an easy feat! Although it is not written what Mary felt at the time, the rigors of the journey to and from the house of Zechariah had to have been demanding for a pregnant woman.

Then came the last trimester when she was about to deliver her baby.

“And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judæa, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem;

To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child.

And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered.”

Geographically speaking, Galilee to Bethlehem is 70 miles, more or less. But that distance is true if you pass through Samaria. Historically, this posed an impossibility since there was enmity between the Jews and the Samaritans. It is safe to assume then, that they took the long road to Judaea circumnavigating the whole area. See the picture?

Now insert Mary being heavy with child on a donkey. It makes the whole situation unbearable for a nesting mother. I have been through the 3rd trimester five times and, I think I have the authority to say this, it is not a stroll in the park. I know one pregnant woman differs from another, but still. Elephant feet, cramps, the constant peeing… and it does not end there. The baby’s kicks become painful, the back almost giving in to the extra weight, not to mention contractions and shortness of breath.

The physical demands of the journey could have worn down the spirit of the young mother, but she persisted. Her strength, based on the things she went through as she traveled during her pregnancy, was simply extraordinary.

The Night She Delivered Her Baby

“And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger;”

No nurses, no doctors. Just Joseph and some farm animals. When Mary delivered the baby Jesus, I am sure she also felt the pains of giving birth. I can only imagine how she could have borne the stress of the ordeal. She might have worried how she would be able to go through the whole process without proper care. I think she probably also wanted her mother to be with her, giving her tips on how to properly breathe when contractions occurred. But there was no one but her husband, novice to the whole birthing process, to help her. There would have been dirt, animals, bugs in the hay… overall not a sanitary environment and not nearly enough supplies for giving birth to a baby.

What was going through her mind when she held her baby for the first time? I can try to imagine… But I am pretty sure the little boy was worth all the pain. Mary was no ordinary woman. She is a paragon of strength and obedience – a blueprint for true motherhood. Her faith was stalwart and it saw her through the doubts and the difficulties that led to that first Christmas. In her mind, she understood the Plan. In her heart she knew that someday, this baby would deliver her in return. Being the Savior of the world, Jesus Christ delivers us all.

The post How Mary, the Mother of Jesus, Showed that She is One Tough Momma appeared first on morefaith.ph.

Christmas for Latter-day Saints is centered on the Savior’s birth, life, and Atonement. They commemorate the birth of the Son of the Living God as one of the most important events in the history of man. They remember the love that God the Father has for all mankind when He sent His Only Begotten Son to Earth.  They also remember Mary and Joseph’s obedience in becoming the earthly parents of the Savior.

The Christmas season is also a celebration of the life of Jesus. Latter-day Saints celebrate His life by embracing the spirit of giving and love. During Jesus’ mortal ministry, He gave much of His time caring for the sick, widows, fatherless, and all those who needed physical and spiritual healing. He gave His all, even His life, to save the world from sin. Latter-day Saints celebrate Christ’s life by following His perfect example of giving to those in need in their homes, neighborhoods, communities, and around the world. They give of their time, love, and resources to share the love and light of the Savior Jesus Christ.

Latter-day Saints also remember the Atonement of Jesus Christ and rejoice because of the gifts that were made possible because of His Atoning sacrifice. The gifts of repentance, forgiveness, and eternal life are just some of the gifts available only because of His Atonement. They remember His sufferings and death, and they rejoice that He is risen.

In one of his Christmas Devotional addresses, the late prophet, Thomas S. Monson, shared the most valuable gifts we have because Jesus came to Earth. He said, “Because He came to earth, we have a perfect example to follow…Because He came, there is meaning to our mortal existence. Because He came, we know how to reach out to those in trouble or distress, wherever they may be. Because He came, death has lost its sting, the grave its victory. We will live again because He came. Because He came and paid for our sins, we have the opportunity to gain eternal life.”

In past years, the efforts of Latter-day Saints during Christmas have revolved around the theme “Light the World”. Lighting the world means gladdening hearts, comforting those who are in need of comfort, giving selfless service, rescuing those who need spiritual healing, loving those who are oppressed, and inviting others to do the same. Lighting the world means sharing the Savior’s light with everyone they meet. And sharing the Savior’s light to help others come unto Him is what Christmas is for.

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Gift of Love

Christmas is a story of love. It is about the unconditional love of a Father for His children that “He sent his Beloved Son, Jesus Christ, to die for them (John 3:16).” You can share this love with your family and friends in a number of ways this Christmas. It can be as simple as a hug, a handwritten note, or freshly baked cookies. Whatever it may be, remember that it’s the thought – and the love – behind it that counts. As Mother Teresa once said, “It’s not [about] how much we give but how much love we put into giving.”

Gift of Service

Service is a selfless action done by one on behalf of another. Acts of service enrich both the giver and the receiver. You can serve in various ways, such as a simple smile or cleaning someone else’s yard. Set traditional gift giving aside, and choose to serve this Christmas season. Remember that material gifts will be broken but acts of service will never be forgotten. Be creative and sincere with your service.

Gift of Quality Time

The old adage, “Time is gold” still holds true until today. Time remains one of human’s precious, non-renewable resources. The time you spent is the time you can never get back. This is why time is one of the most valuable gifts you can ever give to someone.

Treat your time as precious as gold, and spend it with people who matter most in your life. Help your sibling answer his homework; cook a meal together with your spouse; or have a nice stroll with a friend in the park. Spending quality time doesn’t need to be grand or expensive. Just avoid distractions and make sure to focus all your attention to the people you’re with. Then you will realize that you made the most out of your time.

Gift of Happiness

Christmas is meant to be happy because we are celebrating the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ.  Through Him, we can find the happiness that will last forever. Even if there’s so much wrong in the world and in our lives, even if the problems never seem to run out, we can always find reasons to be happy. As Prophet Russell M. Nelson said, “The joy we feel has little to do with the circumstances of our lives and everything to do with the focus of our lives”² and the “eternal principles that govern happiness apply equally to all.”³ Find your reasons to be happy then share them. Happiness is contagious. Pass it on.

Gift of Gratitude

God is constantly showering blessings upon us. There are so many things we can be grateful for every day. If we are grateful, we attract positive vibes into our lives, resulting in many more blessings.

How we experience life is usually based on our perspective. Choose to see the glass half full, not half empty. Have an attitude of gratitude, and share it with others. Can’t think of things to be grateful for? Here are a few lines from a children’s song written by Shawna Edwards to help you:

“One, for each blessed day

Two, every breathe I take

Three, for my family

Four, all they mean to me

Five, just to be alive

Six, for the Earth and sky

And, Seven, for heaven…

Eight, for the chance to grow

Nine, heart and hands and soul

Ten, for the eyes to see

All that God has given me”

Gift of Kind Words

In the scriptures, Jesus Christ reminded us several times to use kind words with each other. He said, “Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers (Ephesians 4:29).”

Do you know why? Because Jesus Christ knows well that “Pleasant words are as an honeycomb, sweet to the soul, and health to the bones (Proverbs 16: 24)” in both literal and figurative senses.

When you say kind words, you don’t only make people feel loved, inspired, or encouraged, but you also enrich your life and strengthen your character. Build people up and not destroy them with your words. Be generous with your compliments; show appreciation; always say please and thank you. Kind words will go a long way.

Gift of Respect

We have learned that respect is earned and not given. In one sense, it is true. A person needs to be respectable, in words and deeds, to earn the respect of others. However, there is a definition of respect that needs no input from the receiver and only concerns the giver. It is respect in the sense of “acting in a way which shows that you are aware of (someone’s rights, wishes, etc.).” By this definition, we need to give respect to everyone. Respect comes in different forms, such respect for wisdom and experience, respect for hard work, or respect for trying. Respect is a gift that keeps on giving and one that comes back.

Gift of Forgiveness

Holding on to a grudge is like a holding on to a double-edged sword. It does not only hurt your “enemy” but it also hurt you. Even if it is hard, learn to let go of past offenses. You will find your load is lighter and your life is happier.

If you forgive someone, make sure that you also completely forget what he or she did. As Spencer W. Kimball said, “Forgiveness means forgetfulness.”⁸ It requires not only a visible reconciliation but also a purging of one’s mind and heart. As we forgive one another, the Lord promised us that He will also forgive our trespasses.⁹

Gift of Invitation

An invitation involves courage on your part and genuine concern and love for another person. As a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, you are encouraged to share the gospel with your family and friends and invite them to act based on the truths they have learned. Inviting someone in a nice and loving way to do volunteer activities together, to attend church, or to abandon a bad habit is one of the best gifts you can give this Christmas. Be bold but sensitive and loving with your invitations.

Gift of Faith

To complete this list of valuable Christmas gifts, let’s talk about the gift of faith. Faith is a firm belief in someone or something despite a lack of tangible evidence. A verse in the Book of Mormon explained faith this way,

“And now as I said concerning faith—faith is not to have a perfect knowledge of things; therefore if ye have faith ye hope for things which are not seen, which are true (Alma 32:21).”

Faith is the belief you have for Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ. Even though you have not seen Them, you know that They are true. In a world that practices the principle of “to see is to believe”, having the gift of faith is important. The gift of faith grows as you nourish it every day through simple acts of righteousness, such as praying and reading the scriptures. It also grows by sharing your testimony with others. Give someone the gift of faith this Christmas and help them nourish it.

As you share a gift or two or three from this list, may it help you and others remember the true meaning of Christmas – CHRIST.

What is your favorite free gift to give this Christmas?

The post 10 Free Gifts You Can Give This Christmas appeared first on morefaith.ph.

But who are we kidding? There is no Santa Claus… As much as I want my children not to read this article and get upset, I also want to address the “Santa Clauses” out there – the parents, aunts, uncles, grandparents, and friends – who will be busy with the Christmas rush. We can all learn a thing or two from Saint Nick.

Determine if They are Naughty or Nice

Like the Law of the Harvest, let us not forget that children need to learn that they will reap what they sow. Let us connect our gifts to how they have been throughout the year. Like Santa Claus, we must show that good things come to those who are good. If we must give them gifts even if they have been “naughty”, may we have the time to explain to them that they need to do better. Naughty or nice, we love them just the same. We just need to make sure that we love them enough to train them to be good people.

Make a List and Check Twice

I love how Santa is very organized. He makes lists! And not just that… He checks twice! This is a very good thing to emulate. Christmastime is the busiest season of the year with all the parties and activities. It is very easy to get caught up in the hustling of the holidays. Having a list of the things that we need to do and the people that we need to reach out to, can help a lot. Our children may have hinted at the things that they want. Writing them down and checking the list before we go out and buy gifts is a practical way to save time and money. This way our gifts are more meaningful because they will know that we have remembered to get them what they really wanted instead of getting them the generic things that were on sale.

Let Them Wait

I used to imagine Santa sneaking into the house on Christmas Eve to place presents under the tree for me to open on Christmas morning. But I must admit that once, I asked myself, “Why doesn’t he give gifts earlier, like on December 1st?” Patience is indeed a virtue! For when I waited for Christmas morning before opening my presents, the feeling was more gratifying. I think it’s the wait that adds value to the whole experience. Children need to learn delayed gratification so they will know how to “bridle all (their) passions”.

Tap the Power of the Elves

Let’s face it! Sometimes, we just can’t do it by ourselves. Some gifts are just expensive. Sometimes, they can be impossible considering the wild imagination of children. Or there are times, that we do not have enough time and we get frustrated that we did not get the gifts we wanted to give to the kids. While Santa has his little helpers, we too can ask for help from family (this includes our children) and friends. We need not do it all by ourselves. We can ask for ideas on how to get things or how to orchestrate scenes. Help is always available especially in this digital age when communication is much easier.

Don’t Forget to Relish the Milk and Cookies

When the work is done, don’t forget to savor the moment of being thanked and appreciated. Take time to live in the present (not the gift but the time) and just be there with your children. I know we have a lot of things to do afterwards, especially the electricity bill from all the Christmas lights that we put up. But that can wait. Everything else can wait. Spending time with our children on Christmas is something that they will look back to when they grow up. And take extra time to bask in their smiles and hugs and thank-yous and I-love-yous. For in this, the Christmas fuss is all worth it. While Santa enjoys his milk and cookies that kids leave for him on Christmas Eve, let us enjoy the sweet moments with our children on Christmas Day.

We may not give them gifts wrapped in fancy papers and bows but it is my prayer that we give our children memories and lessons that will add value to their mortal journey. Christmas is the best time to help them learn about patience, empathy, gratitude, goodness, love, joy and family. But then again, as the song says, the secret of Christmas is “not the things you do (or give), at Christmas time; but the Christmas things you do (or give) all year through.” May the Spirit of Christ be with us throughout the year and may we find joy in His undying love for all of us.

Merry Christmas everyone!

The post What I Learned from Santa Claus About Giving Gifts to Our Kids appeared first on morefaith.ph.

This scenario always brings me back to the time when I was a little child like them. We usually visited our “ninong” (godfather) and “ninang” (godmother) and sang them a Christmas carol in hopes of getting a small Christmas present. Those were the days when kids expected to receive money, a toy or a bundle of goodies. Back then, I thought Christmas meant receiving gifts from family or having new clothes, toys, and good food.

At some point in our lives, we all experience the excitement of “first times,” and we love to possess “the latest” during this Yuletide season. Perhaps to some, when they’re able to save enough money, they look forward to buying the latest gadget in the store or purchasing newly arrived, imported bags or a new pair of shoes.

But as I grew up, Christmas took on a new meaning for me. I learned that Christmas is not just about exchanged gifts and parties everywhere. It’s even more than that. The real meaning of Christmas is Jesus Christ, Himself.

As my understanding of the gospel has grown, I’ve learned to love the Savior more than those material possessions. The Christian world may be celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ every December; however, as a Latter-day Saint, I ought to remember Him each and every day of my life.

As I gain more knowledge about Him, little by little, I realize how important Christ’s Atonement is for us. I’ve come to know that He loves us so much. Because of His Atonement, I can be forgiven. Because of His infinite sacrifice, I can repent and be made clean again. With Him and through Him, I can be with my family in Heavenly Father’s presence someday.

I am so very blessed to have the knowledge and testimony of Christ’s Atonement. Now that I have my own family, I’m glad to be able to share these sacred truths with my children. What greater joy and blessing can we receive than to see our children grow in truth and righteousness! We can always live happily, when we obey God’s commandments.

As we celebrate Christmas this year, may we have joy in our hearts. May that love, peace and happiness we yearn for will be felt within our homes. May we never forget that Jesus Christ is the reason for the season.

(This, as told by Sister Aurora A. in sacrament meeting on December 4, 2016 – Fast and Testimony Sunday)

The post WHAT CHRISTMAS MEANS TO ME appeared first on morefaith.ph.

Ayon sa artikulong “Thoughtful Gifts”, masasabi mong the best ang regalo mo kung ito ay mayroong tatlong katangian:

1. Praktikal na kagamitan (practical utility)

Sa pagbibigay natin ng regalo sa iba, isipin natin kung magagamit ba nila ito o makakabuti ba ito sa kanila? May mga pagkakataon din na kailangan nating timbangin ang gusto nila sa kailangan nila. Bukod sa kasiyahang mararamdaman nila, paano ito makakatulong sa kanila?

Mga simpleng halimbawa: planner- para sa mga taong mahilig mag-organize; gamit sa kusina- para sa mahilig magluto o gustong matutong magluto; mask- para sa sakitin; office/school supplies para sa mga estudyante

2. Personal na halaga (personal value)

Mahalaga ba ang ibibigay ko sa kanya? Magugustuhan ba niya ito? Kagaya ng naunang katangian, ang best gift ay may personal na kahalagahan sa taong pagbibigyan mo. Hindi masasayang at makakatulong sa buhay nila. Tanungin natin ang ating sarili, binibili ko ba ito para sa kanya o para sa akin? Sa pagpili natin ng regalo, ang taong pagbibigyan ang i-pokus natin.

3. Makahulugan (symbolic meaning)

Naranasan mo na ba na may nakita kang bagay at may taong pumasok sa isipan mo? Sa katangiang ito ng pagreregalo, dito papasok ang creativity mo. Ano ang sinisimbulo ng iyong gift? Bakit iyan ang naisip mong ibigay sa kanya?

Ang mga katangiang nabanggit ay gabay lamang sa pagpili ng ireregalo ngayong pasko. Tandaan na ang best gift na pwede mong ibigay sa iba ay hindi nasusukat sa presyo kundi sa kung gaano ito nagmula sa iyong puso!

Merry Christmas!!!

Ano ang best gift na natanggap mo ngayong pasko? I-share ang favorite gift mo sa amin

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Christmas season starts on the 1st day of September

Filipinos call the season the ber months—which refers to the four months that ends with the syllable “ber”. The Philippines is known for having the longest Christmas season in the world. As early as September 1st, shopping malls and stores start selling Christmas items and advertising Christmas promotions. Filipinos begin to decorate their houses with Christmas trees, lanterns and lights. Christmas carols are played on FM radio stations and people start humming Christmas carols. Streets begin to light up with Christmas lights and people start counting down the days until Christmas.

Filipinos celebrate Halloween but it doesn’t overshadow the Christmas season at all. Don’t be surprised if you see a family watching a Halloween movie on a television beside the Christmas tree. Or when a 70-year old man asks the kids to sing Christmas carols instead of saying “trick or treat” before he hands out candies on Halloween.

And oh, Filipinos don’t celebrate a national thanksgiving day in November. Each town celebrates their own thanksgiving day at different times during the year. So there is no huge celebration that stands between September 1st and Christmas day.

Kids go from house to house singing Christmas carols

While Western kids go from house to house asking for treats during Halloween, Filipino kids do it during Christmas. They gather friends to go with them. Some bring aluminum plates and bang them with forks to create a drumming sound while they happily sing their Christmas carols. But not only are they asking for treats, but they also expect an aginaldo (Christmas money). Kids walk away happy even if they receive as little as 5 pesos. At the end of the night, they will gather around, count the money and treats, and divide everything among themselves. Don’t be surprised if you find them again at your doorstep the next night.

Christmas parol is a must-have in almost every home

A parol, Christmas lantern, is a five-pointed star made of bamboo strips and covered with cellophane or colored paper. It is the most popular Christmas decoration in the Philippines. Some people cannot afford a Christmas tree made of plastic so they make their own parols made of recycled materials such as used plastic straws and newspapers. A parol can be found hanging in mansions and humble homes.

Are there any other Filipino Christmas traditions that you know about? You are most welcome to share in the comment box below.

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They believe in Jesus Christ

Latter-day Saints, also commonly known as “Mormons” are Christians. They believe in Jesus Christ as the Savior of the world. They believe that He is the Only Begotten Son of God the Father, in the flesh. They believe the accounts written about Him in the Bible and the Book of Mormon. They worship Him, and He stands at the head of the Mormon Church.

They celebrate the birth of the Savior

Christmas is the time when Mormons join the world in commemorating the birth of the Savior Jesus Christ. His birth is one of the most significant events in the history of mankind. Mormons celebrate His birth, perfect life, miracles, and teachings, the example that He set for us, and the great love with which He willingly gave His life that all men may live.

They celebrate the saving grace available through His Atonement

The greatest gift that was made possible because of Jesus’ birth is the gift of the Atonement. Because of the Atonement, we will have the opportunity to reunite with our Heavenly Father, clothed in immortality and eternal life. Because He came, we can repent of our sins and be cleansed from our infirmities. Because He came, the grave will deliver its dead. Because He came, we will all live again.

Mormons celebrate Christmas because of Christ—the Holy One of Israel, the Great Emmanuel, the Savior of the world, and the King of all Kings.

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“O man, remember, and perish not.” Mosiah 4:30

Remembering is essential to our spiritual growth.There are so many precious moments in one’s life that should be remembered. And it’s not just for the sake of reminiscing. It plays an important role in keeping our relationships and faith stronger. It helps us appreciate the blessings we enjoy and it gets us through challenging times.

In the Book of Mormon, there are a lot of examples that show how remembering lead to one’s spiritual rescue. One example is Enos, who had his own spiritual battle and it was the memory of his father’s teachings that helped him turn to the Lord. In Enos 1:3 he said, “…the words which I had often heard my father speak concerning eternal life, and the joy of the saints, sunk deep into my heart.”

Another example is in Alma 36. When Alma was sharing his conversion story with his son Helaman, he stated how he remembered the teachings of his father during the time he was struck by the power of the Lord. In verse 17, “…I remembered also to have heard my father prophesy unto the people concerning the coming of one Jesus Christ, a Son of God, to atone for the sins of the world.”

There are many more examples in the scriptures that illustrates the power of remembering. Great spiritual strength is given to us when we keep the covenant we made to always remember the Savior. We do this by the small and simple things we do each day like scripture study and prayer.

As we celebrate this Christmas season, may we all take the time to remember the reason for this season and ponder in our hearts the blessings we have received through Him. And by doing so, may we find the courage to live better each day and be constantly reminded of to be more like Him.

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