Christmas! A Continuing Story by Grandpa Doty

Christmas is about Jesus Christ, He who was first known as Jehovah and assisted with the creation with His father, Elohim. And, after they had created the earth they created Adam and Eve the first human beings. And they taught men the Gospel, the same gospel we know today; with one exception. Christ was yet to come into the world. Adam and Eve taught this truth to their children and through them the message was passed down through thousands of years.

As years went by many began to doubt. Others refused to believe. Even though Prophets kept telling the story that Jesus would come. They called him Jehovah, the Messiah, the ever lasting Father and the Prince of Peace. Other names were Wonderful, Counselor, Redeemer and Savior. Perhaps that confused people but wise men understood and watched and waited for Him.

And then, in the fulfilling of all the teaching and prophecies He Came!

He came! But not as the people thought He would. He came just like you and I and every other person in this world; He came as a baby. And the whole universe celebrated. The angels and the shepherds sang; The heavens were graced with new stars and other glorious signs; wise men came to see him; and it was a magnificent event. This is the reason for our Christmas Celebration.

This Baby grew to manhood and indeed became all that was expected of the Son of God. He taught the fullness of the Gospel, explaining what we needed to do to receive of His grace and redemption. He led the was with his baptism and his was of life, giving, loving, helping and showing how to do this. He established his Church, raised up twelve apostles, endowed then with His priesthood power and authority. Then He was slain. Placed on a cross, the most cruel and painful way to die, and in so doing took upon him all the sins of the world including yours and mine.

He was laid in a tomb and on the third day he arose from the dead! and thus he indeed became our savior and our redeemer; our Messiah and our God; and the Prince of Peace! He ascended unto heaven and promised to return again to the earth to rule and reign over the whole world.

That was two thousand years ago. And many have refused to believe or understand. Just as they did before he came they mixed up the story and misunderstood his message. Nd the world was again in spiritual darkness.

But He did not leave us entirely alone. Through Joseph Smith the Lord raised up a new prophet and established modern apostles and prophets whom we know today.

Their message is that He will come again and that we should prepare for His coming. So I add my testimony to theirs. I know that He lives and the He will come again! I pray that all of us will be ready for this glorious event.