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Show ; j Great Shall Be Our Joy j Christmas time brings many and varied sights and ; ; symbols to remind us of the season of he Savior's birth. Most of these have been added over the years as other ! traditions and holidays have been blended into the j Christmas season. Some pervert the true meaning and spirit of Christmas. Oftimes we get so caught up in the 1 j wordly things of Christmas that we lose sight of the true j j blessings Christ came to bring. J I Over two thousand years ago, the birth of Christ was announced with these words: '"Fear not for I bring you j j good tidings of great joy' .and suddenly there was with : .the angel a multitude of heavenly hosts, saying 'Glory to j God in the highest and on earth peace, good will toward men.'" This angelic message can apply equally to each of us today as it did to those shepherds centuries ago if ' we like they will seek and find Christ. As we celebrate His birth, let us each strive to have a I rebirth of Christ in our hearts. Each time we view the lights, let us remember that they represent Christ, the light of the world, our exemplar He Who all to "Come follow Me." Let us pattern our life after His life. Let us be more kind, more gentle and understanding. Let us be more caring, more forgiving, more loving, more serving. As we live more like Christ, the uncertainties of the world will lose their fear. Good will toward men will abound. If we live as Christ lived, it matters not what the turmoil or calamities of the world may bring; we can still have : peace on earth for it will exist in our heart. As we live as He lived, great shall be our joy, for we shall become like Him and worthy to receive God's greatest gift, eternal life. Bishop Leland Riggs Hatch LDSWard |